Online Private Pilot Ground School Class 2023-2024

Online Private Pilot Ground School Class 2023-2024

Student pilots need to be shaken, not stirred – …
… it allows them to form a stronger bond with the airplane.

Announcements

The Online Private Pilot Ground School is resuming at the beginning of May 2024 (maybe sooner). Our regular course program will also be expanded significantly in scope. Three types of regular and semi-regular events will now be offered:

  • Online Private Pilot Ground School: Continuation of this class, as you know it, with updated content. Focus for May-June will be specifically on FAA Knowledge Test prep (see below). Classes take place on Sundays and Mondays as before.
  • Aerospace and STEM Education Course Series: Intended for the more engineering minded participants, from future aerospace engineers to test pilots. Focuses on computer programming, sensors, data analysis and visualization, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, statistics, etc. Classes take place on Tuesdays.
  • Special Lectures and Q&A Sessions by Guest Speakers: Of interest to everyone. Experienced professionals will give insights into their professions and will give career advice. The first such event will be a Q&A session with pilots/aircrew from the U.S. Coast Guard on May 4.

This page continues to serve the Private Pilot Ground School (first type of event). For more information about the schedules of the other two types of events, please see our Events page.

Current Private Pilot Ground School Topics and Objectives

In May and June, the Online Private Pilot Ground School will focus on preparation for the Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test. We will be practicing with questions of the style you will encounter on this test in a peer instruction format online. We do this specifically with the de factor application deadline of the Cadet Wings program in mind (July 1, 2024). Cadet Wings can pay for your private pilot certificate training, if you are a CAP cadet.

Applications for Cadet Wings are processed in the order they are received (see CAPP 60-43). This assumes that you are a preferred candidate, i.e. one who has already soloed an aircraft and passed the FAA Knowledge Test. It is therefore essential, that you submit your application on July 1, immediately when the Cadet Wings application window opens, and do not delay even a day longer if possible. Early submission is really what matters, if you are a preferred candidate.

In the period of May to June, this class will therefore prepare you for the FAA Knowledge Test. In parallel to the multiple choice questions presented and discussed in class, we strongly encourage you to work through the private pilot question bank at Sporty’s Study Buddy (Private Pilot Test Prep). The questions there should be most similar, if not identical, to the actual questions on the FAA Knowledge Test.

Soloing an airplane, which is the other prerequisite for Cadet Wings, you have to arrange on your own at your local flight school (unless you wish to come to South Florida to fly with us). We can advise you, if you have any questions.

Schedule and Registration

Live online lectures take place (almost) weekly. Two session with same content are offered for participants with different schedules:

  • Sundays, 9:00 p.m. EDT / 6:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. HST
  • Mondays, 7:30 p.m. EDT / 4:30 p.m. PDT / 9:30 a.m. ChST / 8:30 a.m. JST

For a weekly schedule and lecture topics (as well as study materials), see further below. You are welcome to attend multiple sessions of the same lecture, if you’d like to hear a repetition. To receive the Microsoft Teams link for the online lectures by email, please register for the course. The link will remain the same for all sessions.

Recommended Weekly Study Cycle

Please follow this recommended weekly study cycle to get the most out of this online private pilot ground school course:

  1. Read the corresponding chapter in the Main Textbook Reference indicated further below in the week before each lesson. (Do not wait for the online lecture to happen to see the material for the very first time.)
  2. The online lecture will review the most important points and explain selected difficult concepts. You will be able to ask questions and clarify misconceptions during the lecture and during the Q&A session afterwards.
  3. Review the same chapter in the Main Textbook Reference after the lesson as many times as needed, until you retain the information. In addition, engage in optional flight simulator practice on your home computer as applicable.

Additional advice for your own self-studies (including a suggested flight simulator setup) can be found in our learn-to-fly article.

Important Safety Notice and Legal Disclaimer

Flying is a high risk activity with potentially fatal consequences. Never do anything in an aircraft without having received prior flight instruction in the specific aircraft make and model in flight from a qualified flight instructor. Solely attending this private pilot ground school does not enable you to pilot an aircraft by yourself, neither safely nor legally. This ground school is for general education purposes only and may contain errors and omissions; FAA publications, regulations (CFR Title 14), and aircraft manufacturers’ documents always take precedence, where discrepancies exist.

Study Materials for Individual Lectures

Below are links to materials you will find useful for your studies during this online private pilot ground school. Read the Main Textbook Reference before and after each lecture. The main textbook reference in the Fall 2023 Semester is usually the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Additional or Advanced References indicated, on the other hand, are for possible future or optional reading.

Please note that only a few selected presentation slides of the lectures are offered below (take screenshots during the online lectures to get all of them). Familiarize yourself with any slides available before the lecture, if possible. Links to videos shown during the lecture may be provided as well.

Links to homework quizzes are also provided below. Please do the homework, even if you missed the lecture. It reviews several of the important key points made during the lecture, and explanations are provided with the answers.

Lecture dates listed below may be subject to change. Please look for email announcements sent to the course mailing list.

Fall Semester 2023

Lecture 1: Introduction

Online Lecture Dates: Monday 2023-09-04, Tuesday 2023-09-05, Thursday 2023-09-07.
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 1.1, last updated 2023-09-27)
Homework: Tutorial Quiz 1 (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-09-06)
Main Textbook Reference: None
External Videos: Euler Angles vs Quaternions Flight Controller Video
Comments: Introduction to flight training; recommended study style; information about the course; references; general pilot career overview.

Lecture 2: 2D (and some 3D) Aerodynamics

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-09-17, Monday 2023-09-18, Tuesday 2023-09-19.
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-09-20)
Homework: Tutorial Quiz 2 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 4 (Principles of Flight), Chapter 5 (Aerodynamics of Flight), Chapter 6 (Flight Controls)
Advanced Reference: [23] USAF TPS Vol 1: Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4; [21] Anderson: Chapter 3, Chapter 4.
Comments: Overview of notation; fundamental forces of flight; basic properties of the atmosphere; how aerodynamic forces arise on an airfoil (2D cross section or infinitely long wing) and on a wing of finite length.

Lecture 3: 3D Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics (Forces of Flight)

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-09-24, Monday 2023-09-25, Tuesday 2023-09-26; (Monday 2023-10-02).
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-09-27)
Homework: Tutorial 3 (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-09-27) – Tutorial 3 Solution (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-10-03) (important lecture content!)
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 4 (Principles of Flight), Chapter 5 (Aerodynamics of Flight), Chapter 6 (Flight Controls)
Advanced References: [23] USAF TPS Vol 1: Chapter 4, Chapter 9; [21] Anderson: Chapter 5.
External Videos: Ludwig Prandtl’s Historical Starting Vortex Flow Visualization Video
Comments: 3D aerodynamics; fundamental forces of flight and how to draw them; once the fundamental forces of flight are determined, how does the aircraft move.

Lecture 4 (Reading Assignment): Physical and Mathematical Foundations of Flight Dynamics

Online Lecture Dates: Reading Assignment of uploaded lecture slides (no online live lecture).
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-09-29).
Homework: Homework Quiz 4 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Main Textbook Reference: None.
Advanced References: [24] USAF TPS Vol 2, Part 1: Sections 4.4-4.7 (Coordinate Systems, Vector Definitions, Euler Angles, Angular Velocity Transformation); [27] Schaub.
Comments: Foundations and tools for understanding flight dynamics, including coordinate systems, description of motion (kinematics), and how forces and moments create motion (kinetics). Prerequisite knowledge for weight and balance calculations as well as longitudinal stability.

NO CLASS IN THE WEEK OF Sunday 2023-10-08 — Tuesday 2023-10-10 due to unavailability of the lecturer.

Lecture 5: Weight and Balance, Pilot’s Operating Handbook

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-10-15, Monday 2023-10-16, Tuesday, 2023-10-17, Wednesday 2023-10-18.
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 1.0, last updated 2023-10-05)
Homework: Homework Quiz 5 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 10 (Weight and Balance), Chapter 9 (Flight Manuals and Other Documents); [18] Cessna 172S POH
Additional Reference: FAA Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (read if more explanations or details are desired)
Comments: Weight and Balance will be covered, building on the last set of slides of Lecture 4; that is the main emphasis of this lecture, so please read PHAK Chapter 10 (Weight and Balance) diligently beforehand. An overview of the contents of the POH (except for Section 5) will also be given (with amount of details time permitting) – no need to read the POH beforehand, but you can download a copy at the link above and flip through it a bit, if you have time.

Lecture 6: Forces of Flight, Turning Flight, Static and Dynamic Stability, Propeller Effects

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-10-22, Monday 2023-10-23, Tuesday 2023-10-24, Wednesday 2023-10-25.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 4 (Principles of Flight), Chapter 5 (Aerodynamics of Flight), Chapter 6 (Flight Controls)
Advanced References: [23] USAF TPS Vol 1: Chapter 10 (Turn Performance); [24] USAF TPS Vol. 2, Part 1: Chapter 5 (Longitudinal Static Stability), Chapter 7 (Lateral-Directional Static Stability), Chapter 8 (Dynamic Stability), Chapter 6 (Maneuvering Flight); Academic Flight, Gliding Flight Article, Academic Flight, Accelerated Stall Speed Article.
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 6 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Forces of flight continued from previous lecture (study of several flight situations), turning flight and turn performance, turnback maneuver after engine failure after takeoff; static and dynamic stability; propeller effects.

Lecture 7: Turning Flight (continuation from last lecture)

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-10-29, Monday 2023-10-30, Tuesday, 2023-10-31.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 5 (Aerodynamics of Flight), Chapter 6 (Flight Controls)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 7 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Forces in turning flight, such as horizontal and vertical component of lift, centripetal and centrifugal force, load factor, and coordinated turns (including use and errors of inclinometer and yaw string). Moments of turning flight, such as adverse yaw Cnδa, overbanking tendency Clr, roll damping Clp, yaw damping Cnr, and pitch damping Cmq (the later increases the longitudinal stability of the aircraft – see maneuvering stability discussed earlier). How to turn an airplane.

Lecture 8: Flight Instruments (Pitot-Static System) and Turning Flight (continuation from last lecture)

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-11-05, Monday 2023-11-06.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 8 (Flight Instruments)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 8 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: How the flight instruments in the cockpit work, what they indicate, what their limitations are, and how their malfunctions manifest themselves. We will also finish up our discussion of turning flight.

Lecture 9: Flight Instruments (Gyroscopic Instruments and Compass), Aircraft Performance

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-11-12, Monday 2023-11-13.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 11 (Aircraft Performance), Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 9 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Review of drag, drag polar, glide polar and speeds to fly for a glider, density altitude, thrust and power available and required, VX, VY, absolute and service ceilings, back side of power curve, Section 5 (Performance) of the POH, including takeoff and landing performance.

Lecture 10: Performance (continuation from last lecture), Weather Theory

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-11-19, Monday 2023-11-20.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 12 (Weather Theory)
Additional Reference: Advisory Circular AC 00-6B Aviation Weather
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 10 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: The physics of weather, meteorology for pilots.

NO CLASS IN THE WEEK OF Sunday 2023-11-26 — Monday 2023-11-27 due to unavailability of the lecturer.

Lecture 11: Weather Theory (continuation from last lecture), Aviation Weather Services

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-12-03, Monday 2023-12-04.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 13 (Aviation Weather Services)
Additional Reference: Advisory Circular AC 00-45H Aviation Weather Services
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 11 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Weather reporting and forecasting products available to the pilot.

Winter Break: NO CLASS IN THE WEEKS BETWEEN Sunday 2023-12-10 — Monday 2023-02-05 due to unavailability of the lecturer.

Lecture 12: Airport Operations

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-02-11, Monday 2023-02-12.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 14 (Airport Operations), AFH Chapter 8 (Airport Traffic Patterns)
Additional References: GFH Chapter 7 (Launch and Recovery Procedures and Flight Maneuvers), AIM Chapter 2 (Aeronautical Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 12 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: At, around, and over the airport. We will also go through the whole procedure of a local training flight, preparing you for your solo from a procedural perspective.

Lecture 13: Aircraft Systems

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2024-02-18, Monday 2024-02-19.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 7 (Aircraft Systems)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 13 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Powerplant, electrical system, hydraulic systems (landing gear, brakes), anti- and deicing systems, etc.

Lecture 14: Airspace and Navigation

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2023-02-25, Monday 2023-02-26.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 15 (Airspace), Chapter 16 (Navigation)
Additional References: AIM Chapter 3 (Airspace), Chapter 1 (Air Navigation)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 14 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Venturing away from the airport.

Lecture 15: Navigation

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2024-03-03, Monday 2024-03-04.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 16 (Navigation)
Additional References: AIM Chapter 1 (Air Navigation)
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 13 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Lost and found – or never lost in the first place.

Lecture 16: Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and Aeromedical Factors

Online Lecture Dates: Sunday 2024-03-10, Monday 2024-03-11.
Main Textbook Reference: [1] PHAK Chapter 2 (Aeronautical Decision Making), Chapter 17 (Aeromedical Factors)
Additional References: [5] FAA Risk Management Handbook
Presentation Slides: Selected Slides (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Homework: Homework Quiz 14 (Version 0.0, not uploaded yet)
Comments: Human factors in flight. Last lecture of the PHAK review.

Spring Semester 2024

In May and June, this online private pilot ground school will focus specifically on FAA Knowledge Test preparation. We will go through question banks with questions that are the same or similar to those which you will encounter on the FAA Knowledge Test (commonly often also referred to as the “written test”). We will do so in a peer instruction format, where first all students answer the question on their own, then they discuss it with a few of their peers in online breakout rooms, and finally the question is discussed by the ground instructor with the whole class. This format promotes the learning process by letting students exchange their ideas.

Furthermore, we encourage you to work on your own through the question bank of Sporty’s Study Buddy (Private Pilot Test Prep), which should be reasonably up to date and most similar to the questions you will encounter on the FAA Knowledge Test itself.

In the Spring Semester 2024 we will do practical exercises to prepare you for your flying lessons, such as cross-country flights in a flight simulator to practice VOR/GPS navigation procedures and use of avionics, and we will practice together for the oral part of the FAA Practical Test. We will also cover advanced topics beyond standard private pilot material from the advanced references below; these are in particular of interest to military and test pilots, such as spins, roll coupling, and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). Aspects of cross-country soaring may also be discussed. Time and opportunity permitting, guest speakers may be invited to speak about their specific areas of expertise. The exact selection of topics for the spring semester is still to be determined and subject to change at the lecturer’s discretion. Suggestions from the participants are welcome.

References

Basic Private Pilot References

FAA Textbooks

  1. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), FAA-H-8083-25B, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., 2016.
  2. Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH), FAA-H-8083-3C, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., 2021.
  3. Glider Flying Handbook (GFH), FAA-H-8083-13A, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., 2013.
  4. Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook, FAA-H-8083-1B, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., 2016.
  5. Risk Management Handbook, FAA-H-8083-2A, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., 2022.

Regulations (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14: Aeronautics and Space)

  1. 14 CFR Part 61 (Airmen Certification)
  2. 14 CFR Part 91 (Flight Operating Rules)
  3. 49 CFR Part 830 (Accident/Incident Reporting)

Recommended Procedures and Additional Technical Information

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., April 20, 2023.

Navigational and Facility Information

  1. FAA Sectional Chart (navigational chart)
  2. FAA Chart Supplement (airport information, formerly called “Airport/Facility Directory”)
  3. SkyVector (provider of aeronautical charts, easy to use online implementation of the above)

Flight Test Info and Preparation

  1. FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) – Private Pilot Airplane, FAA-S-ACS-6B (with Change 1), Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, Washington, D.C., June 2018. (For FAA Practical Test preparation, oral and flying part; successor of “Practical Test Standards (PTS)”.)
  2. Michael D. Hayes, Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide, 13th Edition, Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). (For FAA Practical Test preparation, oral part.)
  3. Sporty’s Study Buddy (Private Pilot Test Prep). (Free online question bank for FAA Knowledge Test preparation.)

FAA Advisory Circulars and Legal Interpretations

  1. FAA Advisory Circulars (AC) (see also Academic Flight Bibliography for a selection)
  2. FAA Legal Interpretations (see also Academic Flight Bibliography for a selection)

Aircraft Documents

  1. Pilot’s Operating Handbook for Cessna 172SP Skyhawk, Cessna, 2005.

Advanced References

  1. Hugh Harrison Hurt, Jr., Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, NAVAIR 00-80T-80, Naval Air Systems Command, 1965.
  2. Ralph D. Kimberlin, Flight Testing of Fixed-Wing Aircraft, AIAA Education Series, Reston, VA, 2003.
  3. John D. Anderson, Jr., Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York, 2011.
  4. Robert F. Stengel, Flight Dynamics, 1st Edition, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2004.
  5. USAF Test Pilot School, Performance Phase Textbook, Volume 1, Edwards AFB, California, 1986.
  6. USAF Test Pilot School, Flying Qualities Textbook, Volume 2, Part 1, Edwards AFB, California, 1986.
  7. USAF Test Pilot School, Flying Qualities Textbook, Volume 2, Part 2, Edwards AFB, California, 1986.
  8. National Test Pilot School, Math & Physics for Flight Testers, Professional Course, Volume 1, Mojave, 2021.
  9. Hanspeter Schaub, “Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft”, Course on Coursera (by University of Colorado Boulder).