When it comes to ground school…

Let's be honest—ground school is rarely anyone's favorite part of learning to fly. But without that foundation of knowledge, everything else becomes more difficult. Flying an airplane safely isn't about memorizing answers for a test; it's about understanding why things happen.

I was fortunate to learn from instructors who didn't simply tell me to trust them or memorize facts. They taught me the why behind aviation. They challenged me to think critically, understand systems, and make sound decisions. That's the philosophy I bring to every student I teach.

One of the most common questions I hear from prospective students is:

"What should I do for ground school?"

The answer is the same as it is for many things in aviation:

It depends.

As a Part 61 flight school, we have the flexibility to tailor training to each student's learning style. Some students thrive in a classroom, others prefer online courses, and a few enjoy learning directly from textbooks. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.

Instructor-Led Ground School

This is the traditional approach—and my personal favorite.

I've taught both in-person and virtual ground schools and have continually refined the curriculum to better serve my students. One of the greatest advantages is that I can tailor lessons to the specific aircraft you'll actually be flying instead of teaching only general concepts.

Another major benefit is interaction. Students can ask questions the moment they have them, and if one explanation doesn't click, I can present the material in a different way until it does.

Class discussions also create learning opportunities that simply can't be replicated in a prerecorded video. Every student brings a unique background. In one class, I had an aviation mechanic who provided outstanding insight into aircraft systems and helped fellow students understand complex concepts from a maintenance perspective. Those real-world discussions are incredibly valuable.

I also try to keep class engaging through lectures, discussions, scenario-based learning, games, and trivia. Learning doesn't have to be boring.

The downside? Flexibility. Classes meet on scheduled days and times, so if you miss one you'll need to arrange a makeup session. Instructor-led courses also tend to cost more than online programs because you're paying for personalized instruction and interaction.

Online Video Courses

There are plenty of excellent online courses available today.

Some are modern, engaging, and professionally produced. Others...well...they could probably cure insomnia better than any over-the-counter sleep aid.

The biggest advantages are flexibility and cost. You can learn at your own pace, watch lessons whenever your schedule allows, and usually spend less than you would for an instructor-led course.

The tradeoff is personalization.

The instructors creating these courses don't know what aircraft you'll be flying, so they understandably teach broad concepts. That's perfectly appropriate—but eventually you'll still need to sit down with your instructor to learn the specific systems, procedures, and limitations of your aircraft.

When you factor in that additional instruction, the overall cost difference between online learning and an instructor-led course may not be as significant as it first appears.

Self-Study

The FAA publishes outstanding resources, including the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Airplane Flying Handbook. Everything you need to pass the knowledge test is available for free.

I've heard of students reading the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge cover to cover, taking the FAA knowledge exam, and passing with flying colors. For highly motivated self-learners, that approach can absolutely work.

However, textbooks can't answer your questions, explain concepts from a different angle, or share real-world experiences that help turn information into practical knowledge.

You'll also need your instructor to endorse you for the FAA knowledge test, which means demonstrating that you've developed a solid understanding of the material—not just memorized it.

So...Which One Should You Choose?

The truth is, most successful students use a combination of all three.

An instructor-led class provides structure and mentorship. An online course allows you to review concepts whenever you need a refresher. FAA publications serve as excellent references throughout your training.

No matter which path you choose, don't treat the written knowledge test as something to simply "get out of the way." The knowledge you gain during ground school becomes the foundation for every flight you'll make. It will also come back during the oral portion of your checkride, where the examiner will revisit the areas you missed on the written exam.

My goal has never been to help students memorize answers. My goal is to help them understand aviation well enough to make safe, confident decisions long after they've earned their certificate.

That's the kind of pilot I want to help create.