Private Pilot Ground School Syllabus Lessons
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 1
Lesson References:
Private Pilot Manual
Chapter 1, Discovering Aviation
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
NOTE: Students should read Chapter 1, Sections A, B, and C, prior to Ground Lesson 1.
1. Lesson Introduction
2. Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Become familiar with pilot training, aviation opportunities, and human factors in aviation.
o Gain a basic understanding of the school's pilot training program.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A PILOT TRAINING
o How to Get Started
o Role of the FAA
o Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs)
o Eligibility Requirements
o Types of Training Available
o Phases of Training
o Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations
SECTION B AVIATION OPPORTUNITIES
o New Experiences
o Aviation Organizations
o Category/Class Ratings
o Additional Pilot Certificates
o Aviation Careers
SECTION C INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN FACTORS>
o Aeronautical Decision Making
o Crew Resource Management Training
o Pilot-in-Command Responsibility
o Communication
o Resource Use
o Workload Management
o Situational Awareness
o Aviation Physiology
o Alcohol, Drugs and Performance
o Fitness for Flight
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 2
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 2, Airplane systems
PART I, CHAPTER 2
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1. Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2. Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Gain a basic understanding of the main airplane components and systems.
o Become familiar with flight instrument functions and operating characteristics, including
error and common malfunctions.
o Learn about the powerplant and related systems.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A AIRPLANES
o Fuselage
o Wings
o Empennage
o Landing Gear
o Engine/Propeller
o Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)
SECTION B THE POWERPLANT AND RELATED SYSTEMS
o Reciprocating engine
o Induction Systems
o Supercharging and Turbocharging
o Ignition Systems
o Fuel systems
o Refueling
o Oil systems
o Cooling systems
o Exhaust systems
o Propellers
o Propeller Hazards
o Electrical Systems
SECTION C FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS
o Pitot-Static Instruments
o Airspeed Indicator
o Altimeter
o Vertical Speed Indicator
o Gyroscopic Instruments
o Magnetic Compass
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 3
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 3, Aerodynamic Principles
PART I, CHAPTER 3
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1. Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2. Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Become familiar with the four forces of flight, aerodynamic principles of stability,
maneuvering flight, and load factor.
o Gain a basic understanding of stall/spin characteristics as they relate to training
airplanes.
o Learn the importance of prompt recognition of stall indications.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A FOUR FORCES OF FLIGHT
o Lift
o Airfoils
o Pilot control of Lift
o Weight
o Thrust
o Drag
o Ground Effect
SECTION B STABILITY
o Three Axes of Flight
o Longitudinal Stability
o Center of Gravity Position
o Lateral Stability
o Direction Stability
o Stalls
o Spins
SECTION C AERODYNAMICS OF MANEUVERING FLIGHT
o Climbing Flight
o Left-Turning Tendencies
o Descending Flight
o Turning Flight
o Load Factor
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 4
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 4, The Flight Environment
PART II, CHAPTER 4
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1. Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2. Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Understand important safety considerations, including collision avoidance precautions,
right-of-way rules, and minimum safe altitudes.
o Become familiar with airport marking and lighting, aeronautical charts, and types of
airspace.
o Learn about collision avoidance procedures and runway incursion avoidance.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A SAFETY OF FLIGHT
o Collision Avoidance/Visual Scanning
o Airport Operations
o Right-of-Way Rules
o Minimum Safe Altitudes
o Taxiing in Wind
o Positive Exchange of Flight Controls
SECTION B AIRPORTS
o Controlled and Uncontrolled
o Runway Layout
o Traffic Pattern
o Airport Visual Aids
o Taxiway Markings
o Ramp Area Hand Signals
o Runway Incursion Avoidance
o Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)
o Airport Lighting
o Visual Glideslope Indicators
o Approach Light Systems
o Pilot-Controlled Lighting
SECTION C AERONAUTICAL CHARTS
o Latitude and Longitude
o Projections
o Sectional Charts
o World Aeronautical Charts
o Chart Symbology
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 4
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 4, The Flight Environment
PART II, CHAPTER 4
SECTION D AIRSPACE
o Classifications
o Uncontrolled Airspace
o Controlled Airspace
o Class E
o Class D
o Class C
o Class B
o Class A
o Special VFR
o Special Use Airspace
o Other Airspace Areas
o Emergency Air Traffic Rules
o Air Defense Identification Zones
STAGE I
GROUND LESSON 5
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 5, Communication and Flight Information
PART II, CHAPTER 5
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1. Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2. Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Become familiar with radar, transponder operations, and FAA radar equipment and services
for VFR aircraft.
o Understand the types of service provided by an FSS.
o Learn how to use the radio for communication.
o Gain a basic understanding of the sources of flight information, particularly the
Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA advisory circulars.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A RADAR AND ATC SERVICES
o Radar
o Transponder Operation
o FAA Radar Systems
o VFR Radar Services
o Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)
o Flight Service Stations
o VHF Direction Finder Assistance
SECTION B RADIO PROCEDURES
o Vhf Communication Equipment
o Using the Radio
o Phonetic Alphabet
o Coordinated Universal Time
o Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
o ATC Facilities and Controlled Airports
o Lost Communication Procedures
o Emergency Procedures
o Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)
SECTION C SOURCES OF FLIGHT INFORMATION
o Airport/Facility Directory
o Federal Aviation Regulations
o Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
o Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
o Advisory Circulars
o Jeppesen Information Services
GROUND LESSON 6
STAGE I EXAM
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapters 1 through 5
PART I AND II, CHAPTERS 1-5
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1. Lesson Introduction
2. Testing
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the material presented in Chapters 1 through 5 of the
Private Pilot Manual.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
STAGE I EXAM
o Airplane Systems
o Aerodynamic Principles
o The Flight Environment
o Communication and Flight Information
STAGE II
GROUND LESSON 7
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 6, Meteorology for Pilots
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
Learn the causes of various weather conditions, frontal systems and hazardous weather
phenomena.
Understand how to recognize critical weather situations from the ground and during
flight, including hazards associated with thunderstorms.
Become familiar with the recognition and avoidance of wind shear and wake turbulence.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A Basic Weather Theory
o The Atmosphere
o Atmospheric Circulation
o Atmospheric Pressure
o Coriolis Force
o Global Wind Patterns
o Local Wind Patterns
SECTION B WEATHER PATTERNS
o Atmospheric Stability
o Temperature inversions
o Moisture
o Humidity
o Dewpoint
o Clouds and Fog
o Precipitation
o Airmasses
o Fronts
SECTION C WEATHER HAZARDS
o Thunderstorms
o Turbulence
o Wake Turbulence
o Wind Shear
o Microburst
o Icing
o Restrictions to Visibility
o Volcanic Ash
STAGEII
GROUND LESSON 8
Lesson References:
FAR/AIM
Private Pilot FARs
FAR/AIM MANUAL OR CD-ROM
PRIVATE PILOT FARS
RECOMMENDED DEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Understand the appropriate Federal Aviation Regulation in the Private Pilot
Recommended Study List.
o Gain Specific knowledge of those FARs which govern student solo flight
operations, private pilot privileges, limitations, and National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) accident reporting requirements.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
o FAR Part 1
o FAR Part 61
o FAR Part 91
o NTSB 830
COMPLETION STANDARDS:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the material presented in the Private Pilot Manual
and the FARs that apply to private pilot operations, including private pilot
privileges, limitations and accident reporting rquirements.
STUDY ASSIGNMENT:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 7, Interpreting Weather Data
STAGE II
GROUND LESSON 9
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 7, Interpreting Weather Data
PART III, CHAPTER 7
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Learn how to obtain and interpret weather reports, formats, and graphic charts.
o Become familiar with the sources of weather information during preflight planning
and while in flight.
o Recognize critical weather situations described by weather reports and forecasts.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A THE FORECASTING PROCESS
o Forecasting Methods
o Types of Forecasts
o Compiling and Processing Weather Data
o Forecasting Accuracy and Limitations
SECTION B PRINTED REPORTS AND FORECASTS
o Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)
o Radar Weather Reports
o Pilot Weather Reports
o Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
o Aviation Area Forecast
o Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast
o Severe Weather Reports and Forecasts
o AIRMET/SIGMET/Convective SIGMET
SECTION C GRAPHIC WEATHER PRODUCTS
o Surface Analysis Chart
o Weather Depiction Chart
o Radar Summary Chart
o Satellite Weather Pictures
o Low-Level Significant Weather Prog
o Convective Outlook Chart
o Forecast Winds and Temperatures Aloft Chart
o Volcanic Ash Forecast and Dispersion Chart
SECTION D SOURCES OF WEATHER INFORMATION
o Preflight Weather Sources
o In-flight Weather Sources
o Enroute Flight Advisory Service
o Weather Radar Services
o Automated Weather Reporting Systems
STAGE II
GROUND LESSION 10
STAGE II EXAM
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapters 6 and 7
FAR/AIM - Private Pilot FARs
PART III, CHAPTERS 6 AND 7
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction
2 Testing
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the material presented in Chapters 6 and 7 of the
Private Pilot Manual and the FARs that apply to private pilot operations, including
private pilot privileges, limitations and NTSB accident reporting requirements.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
STAGE II EXAM
o Meterology for Pilots
o Federal Aviation Regulations
o Interpreting Weather Data
COMPLETION STANDARDS:
This lesson and stage are complete when the student has completed the Stage II Exam
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 8, Airplane Performance
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 11
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 8, Airplane Performance
PART IV, CHAPTER 8
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Learn how to use data supplied by the manufacturer to predict airplane performance,
including takeoff and landing distances and fuel requirements.
o Learn to compute and control the weight and balance condition of a typical training
airplane.
o Become familiar with basic functions of aviation computers.
o Understand the effects of density altitude of takeoff and climb performance.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A PREDICTING PERFORMANCE
o Aircraft Performance and Design
o Chart Presentations
o Factors Affecting Performance
o Takeoff and Landing Performance
o Climb Performance
o Using Performance Charts
SECTION B WEIGHT AND BALANCE
o Importance of Weight
o Importance of Balance
o Terminology
o Principles of Weight and Balance
o Computation Method
o Table Method
o Graph Method
o Weight-Shift Formula
o Effects of Operating at High Total Weights
o Flight at Various CG Positions
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 11
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 8, Airplane Performance
PART IV, CHAPTER 8
SECTION C FLIGHT COMPUTERS
o Mechanical Flight Computers
o Time, Speed, and Distance
o Airspeed and Density Altitude Computations
o Wind Problems
o Conversions
o Multi-Part Problems
o Electronic Flight Computers
o Modes and Basic Operations
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 12
Lesson References:
Private pilot manual
Chapter 9, Navigation
PART IV CHAPTER 9
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Learn the basic concepts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and
aircraft navigation systems.
o Become familiar with guidelines and recommended procedures related to flight
planning, use of an FAA Flight Plan, VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning,
and navigation systems.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A PILOTAGE AND DEAD RECONING
o Pilotage
o Dead Reckoning
o Flight Planning
o VFR Cruising Altitudes
o Flight Plan
o Lost Procedures
SECTION B VOR NAVIGATION
o VOR Operations
o Ground and Airborne Equipment
o Basic Procedures
o VOR Orientation and Navigation
o VOR Checkpoints and Test Signals
o VOR Precautions
o Horizontal Situation Indicator
o Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 12
Lesson References:
Private pilot manual
Chapter 9, Navigation
PART IV CHAPTER 9
SECTION C ADF NAVIGATION
o ADF Equipment
o Orientation
o Homing
o ADF Intercepts and Tracking
o Movable-Card Indicators
o Radio Magnetic Indicator
o ADF Precautions
SECTION D ADVANCED NAVIGATION
o VORTAC Based Area Navigation
o Long Range Navigation (LORAN)
o Inertial Navigation System
o Global Positioning System
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STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 13
LESSION REFERENCES:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 10, Applying Human Factors Principles
PART V CHAPTER 10
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Gain an insight into important aviation physiological factors as they relate to
private pilot operations.
o Become familiar with the accepted procedures and concepts pertaining to
aeronautical decision making and judgment, including cockpit resource management
and human factors training.
o Gain a basic understanding of aeronautical decision making and judgment.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A AVIATION PHYSIOLOGY
o Vision in Flight
o Night Vision
o Visual Illusions
o Disorientation
o Respiration
o Hypoxia
o Hyperventilation
SECTION B AERONAUTICAL DECISION MAKING
o Applying the Decision Making Process
o Pilot-in-Command Responsibility
o Communication
o Workload Management
o Situational Awareness
o Resource Use
o Applying Human Factors Training
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 14
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapter 11, Flying Cross-Country
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction and Video Presentation
2 Class Discussion
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Develop a sound understanding of the planning process for a cross-country flight.
o Become familiar with the details of flying a typical cross-country flight,
including evaluation of in-flight weather and decisions for alternative actions,
such as a diversion.
o Understand how to plan for alternatives.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
SECTION A THE FLIGHT PLANNING PROCESS
o Developing the Route
o Preflight Weather Briefing
o Completing the Navigation Log
o Flight Plan
o Preflight Inspection
SECTION B THE FLIGHT
o Departure
o 3A1 Airport to HSV Airport
o HSV Airport to HAB VOR
o HAB VOR to HAB Airport
o HAB Airport to JFX Airport
o Diversion to 3A1 Airport
REVIEW SESSION REVIEW SESSION
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 15
STAGE III EXAM
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapters 8-11
PARTS IV AND V, CHAPTERS 8-10
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction
2 Testing
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the material presented in Chapters 8 through 11 of
the Private Pilot Manual.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
STAGE III EXAM
o Airplane Performance
o Navigation
o Human Factors Principles
o Aeronautical Decision Making
o Flying Cross-Country
REVIEW SESSION REVIEW SESSION
STAGE III
END OF COURSE FINAL EXAM "A"
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapters 1-11
PARTS I-V, CHAPTERS 2-10
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 lesson introduction
2 testing
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the academic material presented in this course and
the student's readiness to complete the FAA Private Pilot Airmen Knowledge Test.
A score of 43 or 85% is required to obtain a sign-off for the authorization to
take the exam. The exam will not be given without this authorization. Do not
schedule the exam. without it, you will forfeit your $100.00.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
o Private Pilot End of Course Final Exam "A"
STAGE III
GROUND LESSON 17
END OF COURSE FINAL EXAM "B"
Lesson References:
PRIVATE PILOT MANUAL
Chapters 1-11
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE:
1 Lesson Introduction
2 Testing
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
o Demonstrate comprehension of the academic material presented in this course and
the student's readiness to complete the FAA Private Pilot Airmen Knowledge Test.
A score of 43 or 85% is required to obtain a sign-off for the authorization to
take the exam. The exam will not be given without this authorization. Do not
schedule the exam. without it, you will forfeit your $100.00.
ACADEMIC CONTENT:
o Private Pilot End of Course Final Exam "B"