6 Online Private Pilot Ground School Options

Looking to become a 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 ground school courses you can complete anywhere.

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

Pilot Institute takes a different approach than most online private 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, students will 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: [what makes this one special?]

Pricing: $349

Sporty’s Pilot Shop is a one stop shop for all things pilot gear and education. This online private 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: 29 

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $279

Gold Seal's ground courses are designed with new pilots in mind with interactive lessons and access to a ground instructor. The program allows for “test classes” to make sure the private pilot ground school is the right fit for the student. Gold Seal guarantees students will pass their FAA private pilot knowledge test, or they will receive a full refund plus a little extra. 

Website: Gold Seal

Instructors: Russell Still

Expected Hours for Completion: 18+

Subscription Duration: 1 Year—with the ability to choose subscription-based access 

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Price: $229

Rod Machado’s Private 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 40 hours, students will gain the endorsement needed to take the FAA exams. 

Website: Rod Machado

Instructor: Rod Machado and Philip E. Hewitt

Expected Hours for Completion: 40

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List:

Standout Features: 

Pricing: $279

King School's 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 private pilot course. 

Website: King Schools 

Instructors: John King and Martha King

Expected Hours for Completion: 15 

Subscription Duration: Lifetime

Course List: 

Standout Features: 

Price: $600

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

Website: Gleim Aviation 

Instructors: Multiple 

Expected Hours for Completion: 35 

Subscription Duration: 12 Months - Repurchase Extension for Lower Cost

Course List: 

Standout Features:

Pricing: $125

Online ground school may be the best fit for students looking to start their training but who have minimal time and need to work at their own pace. Online ground schools give the flexibility to learn anywhere. Pilot ground school is where pilots learn the fundamentals of flying before hopping into the cockpit. Topics such as aeronautical decision making, interpreting charts, understanding weather briefs, and how to plan a flight are all subjects in ground school courses. Most ground school classes are designed to prepare students for the written (knowledge) and oral questions often posed during FAA check rides.

The first thing to consider when choosing an online 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 textual online ground schools. 

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

Online ground school courses range from 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 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 fundamentals. Main topics of a good online private pilot ground school will include: aerodynamics, airspace, and weather. These are key topics on FAA exams. 

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

Online private pilot ground schools vary in price depending on the school providing instruction. Pricing for online ground can range from $125 to $1,000. While online ground schools offer different features, the higher the price does not always mean more materials. Pricing can be a factor when deciding which ground school to choose, but it is best to choose an online private pilot ground school based on your learning style, not price alone. 

Physical ground school and online ground school are very similar. The materials in both will cover the same topics to ensure students pass the FAA knowledge and oral exams. The main difference between physical ground school and online ground school is the time commitment. Physical ground school requires an in person instructor with little room for flexibility. Online ground schools allow students to complete ground school at their own pace while still obtaining an endorsement to take FAA knowledge exams. The ability to ask questions while learning may be an upside for physical ground school, but now, a lot of online ground schools give the options for live chats with instructors. 

Whether or not you are looking to save time and money or you just learn better at your own pace, online pilot ground classes may be the best option for you. To learn more about aviation education and how you can become a certified pilot subscribe to the FLYING Newsletter.