How CFIs Can Prove Themselves as Ground Instructors

Ground school is about getting the information and the tools you need to be a competent and safe pilot.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Staying ahead of the airplane is key [Adobe Stock/Firefly]

Key Takeaways:

Face-to-face private pilot ground schools offer a comprehensive, in-depth education beyond merely passing the knowledge test, focusing on developing competent and safe pilots, and are preferred by some learners over online options.
These 10-12 week courses involve significant time and cost, utilizing either pre-packaged kits from providers like Jeppesen and ASA or curricula built from free FAA handbooks, always aligning with Airman Certification Standards.
Effective ground school instruction emphasizes engaging, conversational teaching methods, diverse visual aids (including hands-on items and field trips), and practical exercises like manual VFR flight planning.
Instructors are encouraged to foster deep understanding in adult learners, verify information with official sources, and guide students to critically evaluate aviation content from online sources.

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“I’ve been waiting for this,” the learner said as she stood in the lobby of the flight school. In her arms was a stack of books—the Jeppesen Private Pilot textbook, test guide, syllabus, book of pilot maneuvers, a FAR/AIM, a POH, a plotter, and a mechanical E6-B. The this the learner was waiting for was a private pilot ground school. She explained that she was taking the class that would terminate in the spring when there was more VFR weather, and she knew from experience that she learned better in a face-to-face class than online.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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