Free course · Private Pilot

Private Pilot Ground School

Everything you need to know for the private pilot certificate, taught in order from your very first day to the checkride. 59 lessons in 14 units, each with the FAA sources, a 3D lab where it helps, and a short check you pass to move on.

Start the course See all units

How to use this course. Go in order: each lesson builds on the last. Read it, try the 3D lab if there is one, then pass the lesson check to unlock the next lesson. Your progress saves in this browser. Pair it with your CFI's syllabus; this course is ground knowledge, not flight instruction.

Unit 01

Getting Started

How the private pilot certificate works, what it takes, and how to train smart.

0/5

How you become a private pilot8 min · 5-question check Student pilot certificate and medical8 min · 5-question check Part 61 vs Part 141, and choosing your instructor7 min · 5-question check The flight time you need (14 CFR 61.109)9 min · 5-question check How flight lessons work (and how to study)6 min · 5-question check

Unit 02

The Airplane

The parts of a training airplane, how the controls work, and how to inspect it before flight.

0/4

Parts of the airplane6 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Flight controls and the three axes8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Trim, flaps and secondary controls7 min · 5-question check The preflight inspection8 min · 5-question check

Unit 03

Aerodynamics

Why airplanes fly, what makes them stall, and how turns and load factor work.

0/7

The four forces7 min · 5-question check Lift and angle of attack9 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Drag and best glide7 min · 5-question check Stability and center of gravity8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Turns and load factor9 min · 5-question check Stalls and spins9 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Left-turning tendencies and ground effect8 min · 5-question check

Unit 04

Engine and Systems

How the engine, ignition, fuel, electrical and propeller systems work, and what to do when they don't.

0/4

How the engine works8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Ignition, fuel and carburetor ice10 min · 3D lab · 5-question check The electrical system6 min · 5-question check Propeller, oil and engine cooling7 min · 3D lab · 5-question check

Unit 05

Flight Instruments

The pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments, the magnetic compass, and how each one fails.

0/3

The pitot-static instruments10 min · 3D lab · 5-question check The gyroscopic instruments8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check The magnetic compass and its errors8 min · 5-question check

Unit 06

Regulations

What a private pilot can do, how to stay current, and the rules for documents, equipment and flight.

0/6

Private pilot privileges and limitations9 min · 5-question check Currency, flight reviews and night9 min · 5-question check Aircraft documents and inspections10 min · 5-question check Required equipment and inoperative instruments9 min · 5-question check Fuel, right-of-way and minimum altitudes9 min · 5-question check Alcohol, oxygen and accident reporting8 min · 5-question check

Unit 07

Airspace

Every class of airspace, what you need to enter it, and the VFR weather minimums for each.

0/4

How airspace is organized8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Class B, C and D: what you need to enter9 min · 3D lab · 5-question check VFR weather minimums10 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Special use airspace, TFRs and other areas8 min · 3D lab · 5-question check

Unit 08

Airports and Communication

Runway markings, signs and lights, the traffic pattern, the radio, and staying clear of wake turbulence.

0/4

Runways, markings, signs and lighting10 min · 5-question check The traffic pattern9 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Radio communication10 min · 3D lab · 5-question check Wake turbulence, collision avoidance and runway safety9 min · 5-question check

Unit 09

Weather Theory

How the atmosphere works and the weather hazards that matter most to small airplanes.

0/4

The atmosphere, pressure and wind9 min · 5-question check Moisture, stability and clouds9 min · 5-question check Air masses and fronts8 min · 5-question check Weather hazards: thunderstorms, icing, fog and wind shear11 min · 5-question check

Unit 10

Weather Reports and Briefings

Reading METARs, TAFs and winds aloft, the advisories that matter, and how to get a proper weather briefing.

0/4

Reading METARs9 min · 5-question check TAFs and winds aloft forecasts9 min · 5-question check AIRMETs, SIGMETs, PIREPs and weather charts9 min · 5-question check Getting a weather briefing and making the go/no-go call8 min · 5-question check

Unit 11

Performance and Weight & Balance

Density altitude, takeoff and landing performance, and computing weight and balance.

0/3

Density altitude9 min · 5-question check Takeoff and landing performance charts9 min · 5-question check Weight and balance11 min · 3D lab · 5-question check

Unit 12

Navigation and Cross-Country

Sectional charts, pilotage and dead reckoning, VOR and GPS, flight planning, and what to do if you get lost.

0/5

Reading sectional charts10 min · 5-question check Pilotage, dead reckoning and the wind triangle11 min · 5-question check VOR navigation10 min · 3D lab · 5-question check GPS and planning a cross-country10 min · 5-question check Diversions and lost procedures8 min · 5-question check

Unit 13

Human Factors and Decision-Making

How your body works at altitude and at night, and how good pilots make decisions.

0/3

Aeromedical factors10 min · 5-question check Aeronautical decision-making and risk management10 min · 5-question check Night flying and vision9 min · 5-question check

Unit 14

Emergencies and Test Prep

Handling emergencies, then getting ready for the knowledge test and the checkride.

0/3

Emergency procedures10 min · 5-question check Passing the knowledge test8 min · 5-question check The checkride: what to expect10 min · 5-question check

After Unit 14

Finish strong

Take full practice written tests, run the oral exam simulator, and get your course completion certificate.

Practice written test Completion certificate