Ground School FAQs
We offer three flexible ground school options to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences: in-person structured classroom courses in partnership with Brunswick Community College (BCC), personalized one-on-one ground instruction tailored to your schedule, and self-paced online ground school training in partnership with Gold Seal.
Our in-person ground school courses are held at Brunswick Community College's Leland Campus, located at 2045 Enterprise Dr NE, Leland, NC 28451 (Room 209). Classes are offered for Private Pilot preparation (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9pm, from September 22 to December 10, 2026) and Instrument Rating preparation (Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-9pm, from September 21 to December 9, 2026).
The structured in-person ground school courses at Brunswick Community College cost $180 through BCC's community program. Textbooks and additional study materials are not included in this tuition cost.
No prior flight training or pilot experience is required to enroll in the Private Pilot Ground School course. It is designed specifically for beginners and provides the essential theoretical foundation you need before or during your initial flight lessons.
Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll in our ground school programs.
No, the FAA knowledge (written) exam is not included in the ground school course fee. The exam must be scheduled independently at an authorized FAA testing center, and separate exam testing fees will apply.
Yes. Students who maintain steady attendance, complete the required course curriculum, and demonstrate readiness on practice exams will receive the formal instructor endorsement required by the FAA to sit for the written exam.
Yes, you can fly concurrently with ground school classes. Many students find that learning theory in the classroom makes their practical, in-aircraft flight training hours much more efficient and productive because they already understand the terminology and concepts.
Ground school covers the core aeronautical knowledge required for the FAA knowledge exam and for flying safely. Topics include aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation and chart reading, weather interpretation, flight planning, radio communications, airspace rules, and Federal Aviation Regulations. The curriculum is designed to give you true understanding of each subject, not just memorized answers.
The Private Pilot Ground School prepares you for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam and covers foundational aviation topics. The Instrument Rating Ground School is an advanced course aimed at pilots who already hold a Private Pilot Certificate and are working toward flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC): think clouds, low visibility, and relying fully on cockpit instruments. Both are offered this fall at the BCC Leland Campus.
Seats are limited to keep the class size focused and productive. Registration closes automatically once the course is full. We recommend calling 910-931-0650 early to reserve your spot before the fall session fills.
It depends on your plan and provider. Some 529 accounts allow funds to be used for aviation training expenses, but eligibility varies by plan. Check with your 529 plan administrator or tax advisor before applying those funds. For broader flight training financing, covering aircraft rental, instructor fees, and more, we can help you explore options like AOPA Flight Training Finance.
After completing ground school and passing your FAA written knowledge exam, you move into the flight training phase of your Private Pilot or Instrument Rating program. Your written exam score is valid for 24 months, so you have two years to complete your checkride. From there, most students continue on to their Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and beyond.