Best IFR Ground School Online

Looking to become a safer pilot but don’t think you have time? Online ground courses can be an easy and flexible way to tackle the academic side of pilot training without scheduled classes. Below are a few of the best online pilot instrument ground school courses you can complete anywhere. 

The FAA has very specific requirements you must meet before you can be eligible to obtain an instrument rating. 

The first major step in the above requirements is to complete an instrument ground school. FLYING has researched the available online instrument ground schools and determined the best options below. 

Here are a few of our picks for online instrument pilot ground school courses. 

Sporty’s Pilot Shop is a one-stop shop for all things pilot gear and education. This online instrument pilot course offers unlimited free updates, live CFI questions, and dynamic video. When you complete the course, Sporty’s will give you the flight instructor endorsement to take the knowledge test.

Website: Sporty’s Private Pilot Course

Instructors: Multiple

Expected Hours for Completion: 36

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $299

Pilot Institute takes a different approach than most online instrument pilot ground schools. Training with shorter videos encourages students to learn comprehensively and not just through memorization. Pilot Institute guarantees students will pass the FAA knowledge exam. If they do not pass the exam, students can apply to receive a full refund—and a little extra.

Website: Pilot Institute

Instructor: Multiple

Expected Hours for Completion: 35

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $249

Website: groundschool.com

Instructor: Multiple

Expected Hours for Completion: 30

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $299 Lifetime or $249 for the year

Angle of Attack brings a fresh approach to IFR online ground school and is taught by YouTube creator Chris Palmer, who is a CFI out of Homer, Alaska. Angle of Attack guarantees passing with a guarantee you'll pass your written test or a full refund and they'll pay for your written test exam fee. If you're looking for real-life scenarios by an active CFI, look no further. Plus, the beautiful videography and graphics will keep you engaged during the entire instrument ground school experience.

Website: angleofattack.com

Instructor: Chris Palmer

Expected Hours for Completion: 30-50

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $279 for Lifetime Access (Bundle with Checkride Ace Course for $349 total)

Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot Ground School is an upbeat and comedic compilation of ground school classes. This course allows prospective pilots to gain knowledge needed for FAA knowledge and oral exams with interactive video eLearning. At the end of 50 hours, students will gain the endorsement needed to take the FAA exams. 

Website: RodMachado

Instructor: Rod Machado and Philip E. Hewitt

Expected Hours for Completion: 50

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List:

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $279

King Schools’ ground courses are some of the most well known in the aviation community. The instructors, John King, and Martha King, have more than 40 years of experience teaching and training pilots. The program also offers a full refund within 30 days if you do not like the instrument course. 

Website: King Schools 

Instructors: John King and Martha King

Expected Hours for Completion: 15 

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Price: $599

Gleim Aviation offers one of the most affordable online instrument pilot courses out there. With fully integrated mixed media courses, accurate practice tests, and comprehensive study guides, Gleim may be the best fit for students looking to save money without compromising quality. 

Website: Gleim Aviation 

Instructors: Multiple 

Expected Hours for Completion: 30 

Subscription Duration: 12 Months - Repurchase Extension for Lower Cost

Course List: 

Standout Features:

Pricing: $250

An instrument rating allows you to fly “by instruments,” i.e., without visual references to the ground, horizon, and other landmarks. This means the pilot will be trained to fly through clouds, rain, fog, and other weather conditions in a safe and informed manner.

Most schools allow you to schedule a checkride near your location online. If your school does not have that capability, research designated pilot examiners in your area and reach out to them directly. 

To ensure your checkride is successful, have your ground and flight endorsements in your log book, your written certification with a passing score, your private pilot's license, and government issued identification with you.

The first thing to consider when choosing an online instrument ground school is how you learn. Visual learners may have the most success with video and interactive courses, while those who can grasp concepts by reading may succeed with textbook-based online ground schools. 

Students who ask lots of questions should find an online instrument pilot ground school with live instructors to answer questions. 

Online ground school courses range from a single instructor to multiple depending on the program. Ensuring the instructor fits your learning style will set you up for success. The best way to find out if an online ground school instructor is the right fit for your learning style is by watching or skimming the free excerpts that most online ground schools offer.

Core lessons are important to look at before purchasing an online instrument ground school course. Ensuring the alignment of courses with the topics on the FAA knowledge exam is important to ensure the course will be successful in teaching the instrument fundamentals. The main topics of a good online instrument pilot ground school will include:

Some online ground schools provide additional materials to help students study and understand topics fully. Some of the extra materials provided include:

Online instrument pilot ground schools vary in price depending on the school providing instruction. Pricing for online ground instruction can range from $250 to $1,000. While online ground schools offer different features, the higher prices do not always equate to more materials. Pricing can be a factor when deciding which ground school to choose, but it is best to choose an online instrument pilot ground school based on your learning style, not price alone.

Whether or not you are looking to save time and money or you just learn better at your own pace, online instrument pilot ground classes may be the best option for you. To stay informed on more training options and to stay up to date on all aviation related news subscribe to FLYING Magazine.