Private Pilot Ground School - Course Syllabus

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

Private Pilot Ground School syllabus outlines a 9-week, twice-per-week program designed to prepare student pilots for the FAA Private Pilot knowledge exam under 14 CFR 61.103. It lists required and suggested materials, explains course structure in three stages (with stage exams and a comprehensive final), and specifies required pre-class readings and assignments. Objectives include aviation introduction, supplemental training value, and achieving a minimum 70% passing score; logbook endorsement eligibility requires an 80% final exam and may require additional training.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Ground Lesson 1: Discovering Aviation

Ground Lesson 2: Airplane Systems (part 1)

Ground Lesson 3: Airplane Systems (part 2)

Ground Lesson 4: Aerodynamic Principles

Ground Lesson 5: Stage 1 Exam

Ground Lesson 6: The Flight Environment (part 1)

Ground Lesson 7: The Flight Environment (part 2)

Ground Lesson 8: Communication and Flight Information

Ground Lesson 9: Meteorology for Pilots

Ground Lesson 10: Interpreting Weather Data

Ground Lesson 11: Stage 2 Exam

Ground Lesson 12: Airplane Performance (part 1)

Ground Lesson 13: Airplane Performance (part 2)

Ground Lesson 14: Navigation (part 1)

Ground Lesson 15: Navigation (part 2)

Ground Lesson 16: Applying Human Factors Principles

Ground Lesson 17: Flying Cross-Country & Federal Aviation Regulations

Ground Lesson 18: Final Exam

Private Pilot Ground School Overview: Flying for fun or professionally is incredibly rewarding. It takes a lot of dedication, training, and integrity to maintain a safe environment for you and the people around you. This course is designed to help the student pilot prepare for the Private Pilot knowledge exam required by the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, the ground school course may serve as a source of supplemental training to those who have already completed a ground school course or may already possess a private pilot certificate. For those seeking a logbook endorsement, the ground school instructor will endorse the appropriate portion of your logbook upon successful completion of the course. Both the Private Pilot Knowledge test and Practical Test are required by 14 CFR 61.103 to satisfy the requirements set by the FAA to receive a private pilot certificate. Required Materials: ● Jeppesen Guided Discovery Private Pilot textbook ● Current Los Angeles Sectional and Terminal Area Chart ● Current Southwest Chart Supplement ● Mechanical E6-B Flight Computer ● Sectional Plotter ● Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide Suggested Materials: ● Current FAR/AIM combination ● Notebook/Electronic Device for taking notes ● Page Tabs ● Pens/Pencils/Highlighters/Eraser Format: The Private Pilot Ground School is a 9-week course that meets twice per week for two hours each session from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with breaks as needed. The ground school consists of three stages. Stage one covers chapters 1-3. Stage two covers chapters 4-7. Stage three covers chapters 8-11. At the end of stages one and two, an exam is given to cover the respective chapters. The stage three exam is a comprehensive final exam given on the last official day of class. The course totals 36 hours of training including presented material and three exams in preparation for the FAA knowledge test. There are required readings and assignments prior to each class to ensure familiarization of material and a building block style of learning. Orange County Flight Center Ground School ● Phone: (949) 756-1300 ● Email: [Info@OCFC.com](Info@OCFC.com) 1 Ground School Objectives: 1. Introduce students to aviation and present opportunities within the industry. 2. Serve as a source of supplemental training for those who have already completed a ground school course or may already possess a private pilot certificate 3. Prepare students to pass the Private Pilot Knowledge test with a minimum passing score of 70% as established by the FAA. Joining the Course Late A student may join the course at the beginning of any class session. However, the student will not be eligible to take any exam until that student has completed all the lessons applicable to those stages. Missed Classes In the event a student misses no more than three regularly scheduled ground lessons, that student may complete the missed ground lesson by directed self-study, which will be conducted under the supervision of your instructor. Course Completion Standard: Students will be required by written exam that the knowledge required for the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam as prescribed in 14 CFR Part 61/141 has been met. The minimum passing grade is 70% for the FAA knowledge test. To be considered eligible for a logbook endorsement, Orange County Flight Center requires a minimum grade of 80% on the final exam. Disclaimer The instructor reserves the right to require additional training prior to endorsing a student for the knowledge test. Orange County Flight Center Ground School ● Phone: (949) 756-1300 ● Email: [Info@OCFC.com](Info@OCFC.com) 2 Table of Contents Ground Lesson 1: Discovering Aviation .................................................................................. 4 Ground Lesson 2: Airplane Systems (part 1) ........................................................................... 5 Ground Lesson 3: Airplane Systems (part 2) .............

FAQs

How is the 9-week Private Pilot Ground School scheduled and organized?

The course runs 9 weeks, meeting twice per week for two hours each session (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM). It is divided into three stages: chapters 1-3, 4-7, and 8-11, with exams at the end of stage one and stage two plus a comprehensive final exam.

What materials are required and what materials are suggested?

Required materials include a Jeppesen Guided Discovery Private Pilot textbook, current sectional/terminal area and chart supplement documents, a mechanical E6-B flight computer, a sectional plotter, and the Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide. Suggested materials include a current FAR/AIM combination, notebook or electronic device for notes, page tabs, and standard writing/highlighter supplies.

What scores are needed for passing and for logbook endorsement eligibility?

The FAA knowledge test requires a minimum passing score of 70%. For logbook endorsement eligibility, Orange County Flight Center requires a minimum grade of 80% on the final exam.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

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