Ground School
What is Ground School?
Ground school is the "classroom" part of learning how to fly - it teaches you everything you need to know be a safe and smart pilot. It provides the information you need to pass your official written exam, the FAA Knowledge Test, before your checkride.
Here are the main things you learn:
How planes work: The basic mechanics of how wings create lift and how engines run.
Navigation: How to read aviation maps and plot a flight path from one airport to another.
Weather: How to understand forecasts, read wind patterns, and avoid storms.
Flight rules: The traffic laws and safety regulations of the sky.sky.You
You can complete ground school in a physical classroom with an instructor, or online at your own pace using websites and apps.
How to complete ground school:
Check with your airport to see if they offer ground school. It is often held 1-3 times a year for 2-3 months at time. You can also use an online “school”, such as King Schools.
the ground school test
The FAA ground school test (Knowledge Test) is 2 hours long, 60 multiple choice questions, and you need a minimum score of 70% to pass
It tests your understanding of aeronautical topics like regulations, weather, and navigation
You must have a graduation certificate or a written endorsement from a certified flight or ground instructor stating you are prepared to take the test
You must be 15 years old to take the test
Your successfully passed test is good for 2 years