Private Pilot Ground School covers the fundamentals of aerodynamics, weight and balance, aircraft systems, radio navigation, meteorology, federal regulations, aeronautical charts, flight planning and decision making. This course is designed for those who desire a better understanding of flying and aircraft, or as preparation to take the computerized Federal Aviation Administration FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test and flying lessons from a certificated flight instructor or accredited flying school.
Note: This course requires extensive outside reading and homework. Purchase of instructional materials is required. Flying lessons are not included as a part of ground school, but are available through other sources.
7603 E. Pawnee
Wichita, KS 67207
316.677.1550
1. What is Private Pilot Ground School and why do I need it?
2. How do I get started? What WATC course do I need to enroll in?
3. How difficult is this course?
4. What textbooks do I need from the bookstore?
5. Can I start taking flying lessons while I'm still in ground school?
6. What is the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test?
7. Who can I contact for more information?
1. What is Private Pilot Ground School and why do I need it?
Getting a Private Pilot License is like getting a driver's license — students must pass the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test before taking the oral exam and practical flying skills test. Before taking this computerized exam, students must demonstrate their knowledge in various aviation subjects and receive an endorsement from an authorized instructor. These knowledge areas are very important, but there is usually not enough time during flight training to cover them in the depth needed to pass the Airman Knowledge exam. Ground school provides students with the time and in-depth coverage required to successfully pass the exam.
2. How do I get started? What WATC course do I need to enroll in?
Enroll in WATC course AVI 100 (Private Pilot Ground School) to prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test. This is a 4 credit hour course.
3. How difficult is this course?
Private Pilot Ground School requires extensive reading and homework assignments. There are daily quizzes, a mid-term and a final exam. Students with a final exam score of 80 percent or better will receive the instructor's endorsement to take the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test.
4. What textbooks do I need from the bookstore?
Textbooks used for the class are the Private Pilot Part 61 Kit by Jeppesen (#JS302008) and the Dallas Sectional Aeronautical Chart by the National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) of the Federal Aviation Administration. Visit the Southside Education Center Bookstore to purchase the kit. The aeronautical chart is available at most local airports and is not required until later in the course. It must be purchased separately.
5. Can I start taking flying lessons while I'm still in ground school?Yes, but some flight instructors recommend that students finish ground school before starting flying lessons. Ground school requires a tremendous amount of reading and homework exercises. If you decide to start flying lessons while you are enrolled in ground school, wait until you have completed the sessions on aircraft systems and aerodynamics. This will make your first flight lessons more relevant and easier to understand.
6. What is the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test?A very extensive, 60 question, multiple choice, computerized exam, covering various aviation subjects. The minimum passing score is 70 percent. Private Pilot License applicants must provide the flight examiner with evidence of passing this written exam before being allowed to continue with the practical exam.
7. Who can I contact for more information?
- For enrollment, tuition costs, and textbooks for Private Pilot Ground School (Course AVI 100):
- Wichita Area Technical College – Aviation Tech Center
7603 E. Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67207
(316) 677-1550
- Ask about our other courses:
Introduction to Flying (AVI 010) – For beginners or those not sure about learning to fly.
Instrument Pilot Ground School (Course AVI 105) – For Private Pilots only
- For information about course content:
WATC does not offer flight training; however, here is a link to information about getting your Private Pilot License:
1. What is the FAA?
2. What are the requirements to become a private pilot?
3. How do I get a third class medical certificate?
4. Where can I obtain pilot training?
5. How is a syllabus used in pilot training?
6. When can I start taking lessons?
7. How much does pilot training cost?
8. How long does it take to become a private pilot?
9. What are flying lessons like?
10. What is the training course sequence?
11. What are my privileges as a private pilot?
12. What kind of aircraft can I fly?
13. Does my private pilot certificate expire?
14. Who can I contact for more information?
1. What is the FAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration is the agency that governs general aviation and commercial aviation.
2. What are the requirements to become a private pilot?
To solo the aircraft, you must be at least 16-years-old, be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language and hold at least a third-class medical certificate. To receive a private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17-years-old, complete specific training and flight time requirements described in the Federal Aviation Regulations, pass the computerized knowledge test and successfully complete a practical test consisting of oral quizzes, performing pilot operations and executing maneuvers in the airplane.
3. How do I get a third class medical certificate?
You must pass a physical exam administered by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner (AME). At the time of your examination, you can request a combination medical certificate and student pilot certificate. For a listing of AMEs near you, contact any FAA facility or Flight Standards District Office. Your flight instructor or fixed base operator should be able to recommend one.
4. Where can I obtain pilot training?
Visit your local airport or contact any certificated flight instructor for pilot training information. Most flight instructors and flight schools operate at airport facilities called fixed base operators. Some aviation companies have flying clubs that offer flight training to their members.
5. How is a syllabus used in pilot training?
A syllabus provides structure to pilot training by organizing flight and ground lessons. It ensures that no procedures are overlooked and allows you to view your progress. Most instructors teach from some form of syllabus.
6. When can I start taking lessons? Individuals can begin pilot training at anytime. However, you must hold a student pilot certificate and a third-class medical certificate before you can fly alone in the aircraft.
7. How much does pilot training cost?
Each flight lesson consists of an aircraft rental fee and a fee for your instructor's time. Some flights will be solo flights. Based on 55 hours of flying time (40 hours is the minimum) and other expenses including charts, medical exam fee, ground school, exam preparation and examiner fees, pilot training can range from $4,200 to $5,200. Like everything else, fuel costs, insurance rates, and inflation may affect aircraft rental and instructor fees. See your fixed base operator, flight instructor or flying club for any additional information.
8. How long does it take to become a private pilot?
It takes four to six months to become a private pilot, depending on weather conditions, scheduling of the aircraft and your flight instructor's time. Plan to fly at least twice a week to make the best use of your training.
9. What are flying lessons like?
Most flying lessons last two hours (excluding cross-country flights). An hour to an hour and a half is spent in the aircraft. The other half-hour is spent in pre- and postflight discussion with your instructor. The lesson format usually consists of a weather check, a preflight discussion of maneuvers to be performed, a visual check of the aircraft, engine runup and takeoff, review of previously learned maneuvers, introduction and practice of new maneuvers, debrief and postflight discussion, logbook endorsement and a study assignment for the next lesson.
10. What is the training course sequence?
The course sequence is presolo, first solo, cross-country, pass knowledge test, practical test preparation, and pass practical test.
11. What are my privileges as a private pilot?
As pilot in command of an aircraft, you are directly responsible for, and are the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft. You can fly virtually anywhere within the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. You can carry passengers, but you cannot charge them for the flight. You can share expenses like gas and oil. You cannot fly for hire or for compensation, but you can fly in connection with your business such as an aircraft salesperson.
12. What kind of aircraft can I fly?
Generally, you can fly simple single engine land aircraft in good visual weather conditions. You can fly more complex single engine aircraft later, if you receive additional training and an instructor's endorsement. You cannot fly helicopters or floatplanes, multi-engine airplanes or jets, because they require much more specialized training and an additional pilot certificate or rating.
13. Does my private pilot certificate expire?
No, your certificate does not expire. But to continue to exercise the privileges of that license, you must meet certain currency requirements. Your medical certificate must be current. You must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months. To carry passengers, you must perform at least three takeoffs and landings in an aircraft of the same category and class within the preceding 90 days.
14. Who can I contact for more information?
For flying lessons:
Flying lessons are available throughout the area from many fine Fixed Base Operators, Certificated Flight Instructors and flying clubs. For information on a typical flying club, you can contact the Boeing Employees’ Flying Club by visiting their Web site at www.befc-wichita.org.
