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 school is crucial for developing competent and safe pilots, offering structured instruction over 10-12 weeks that goes beyond simply preparing for the knowledge test.
Ground school courses typically involve fees for instruction and materials, utilizing either pre-packaged kits from providers like Jeppesen and ASA, or curricula developed from free FAA publications.
Effective ground school instruction requires engaging adult learners through visual aids, hands-on activities, practical application (e.g., manual navigation planning), and fostering discussion, rather than merely reading slides.
Instructors should prioritize teaching foundational "analog" skills, verify information with official sources, and guide learners to be discerning about online aviation content to ensure comprehensive understanding.

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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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