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FREE ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL

Build essential aviation knowledge, prepare for your FAA knowledge test and begin your training with confidence—at no cost.


Ground School: Start Flight Training Smarter

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Whether you're taking flight lessons concurrently with ground school or you want to get ahead on your ground-school knowledge before you begin regular flight lessons, Pilot Training System provides free, self-paced online courses for future private pilots and commercial drone pilots. Learn the concepts you need before entering the cockpit or scheduling your FAA knowledge test.

Completely free online courses

Completely Free

No tuition, subscription fee or credit card required. Just enroll and learn.

Free courses are online and self-paced

Online & Self-Paced

Study when it fits your schedule from a computer, laptop, tablet or phone.

Free online courses advance your aviation knowledge and skills

Level Up Your Training

Study with flight training or get ahead to save time, money and frustration.

 

Choose a Free Course: Private Pilot or Drone Pilot?

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Select the course that matches your training goal. Both programs are available online at no cost and can be started immediately.

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Male drone pilot
Female student pilot

Private Pilot Ground School

 

OVERVIEW: Build the aeronautical knowledge needed for flight training and prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test. This free, self-paced course covers aircraft systems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, airport operations, weather, navigation, federal aviation regulations and safe decision-making.

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OBJECTIVE: After this course, you will be able to apply essential private pilot knowledge to flight-training scenarios and prepare to take the FAA Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test.

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LIMITATIONS: Course completion does not grant an FAA pilot certificate. FAA testing and flight training are separate. Contact us for help.

Commercial Drone Pilot Course​

 

OVERVIEW: Prepare to operate drones safely and pursue an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. This free, self-paced course covers federal regulations, airspace, weather, airport operations, loading and performance, emergency procedures and aeronautical decision-making.

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OBJECTIVE: After this course, you will be able to apply aviation knowledge and Part 107 operating rules to commercial drone operations and prepare to take the FAA Remote Pilot Test.

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LIMITATIONS: Course completion does not grant an FAA pilot certificate. FAA testing is required, and flight training is recommended.

2011

PTS Founded

2

Free Online Courses

72,500+

YouTube Subscribers

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How It Works 

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1. Create Your Free Account 

      · No fees or credit card required

      · Select a course and enroll​​​​​

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2. Complete Lessons Anytime

      · Videos, quizzes & practice exams

      · Pass the course > take the FAA exam​​

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3. Apply Your Knowledge

    · Continue the flight-training journey

      · Pursue flight training smarter​​​

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How to Choose a Flight-Training Pathway

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There are four primary flight-training pathways, each offering different levels of cost, structure, flexibility and support. The Professional Aeronautics Certificate (PAC) program that PTS offers at participating colleges combines college instruction, local flight training and flexible scheduling without requiring an aviation degree. Compare the options below or contact PTS for a free consultation.

Four Flight Training Pathways: Local Flight School, Flight Academy, University or College, Non-Degree College Career Pathway
Local Flight School
Flight Academy
Aviation College or University
PAC career pathway: structured non-degree pilot training, flexible schedules, advantages and limitations.
Local Flight School
Flight Academy
Aviation University or College
PAC career pathway: structured non-degree pilot training, flexible schedules, advantages and limitations.

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Frequently Asked Questions​​​​​
 

WHY ARE THESE COURSES FREE?

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PTS provides free ground school to reduce the cost of aviation training and make aviation education more accessible. There are no tuition charges, subscription fees or credit-card requirements.

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ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS?

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No. The online courses are free, but FAA knowledge-testing fees and practical flight training are not included.

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Private Pilot applicants need an endorsement from an authorized instructor before taking the FAA knowledge test. 

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HOW DO I RECEIVE AN INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENT?

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Private Pilot applicants must receive an endorsement from an authorized flight or ground instructor before taking the FAA knowledge test. After completing this course, contact PTS or a local Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or authorized ground instructor. The instructor may review your course completion, evaluate your knowledge and provide the endorsement after determining that you are prepared for the test.

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Part 107 applicants do not need an instructor endorsement.

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HOW DO I TAKE THE FAA KNOWLEDGE TEST?

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Visit: https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login

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DOES THIS REPLACE FLIGHT TRAINING?

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No. Ground school prepares you for the FAA knowledge test and provides the academic foundation for flight training. Private Pilot applicants must also complete the required flight experience and pass an oral exam and practical flight test called a "checkride." 

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WHAT IS A CHECKRIDE?

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A checkride is the final practical test required to earn most pilot certificates and ratings. It includes an oral examination and a flight test conducted by an FAA inspector or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). A checkride demonstrates that you can safely plan and operate an aircraft in accordance with applicable FAA standards.

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Part 107 Remote Pilot applicants take a knowledge test but do not complete a checkride. However, hands-on training is encouraged.

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HOW MUCH FLIGHT TRAINING DO I NEED?

 

FAA Private Pilot licensing requires 40 flight hours under FAR Part 61 and 35 hours under Part 141, but the national average is 60-75 hours. Most students require more than the regulatory minimum to receive their flight instructor's authorization to take their checkride.

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WHAT IS THE MEDICAL REQUIREMENT TO FLY?

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Student pilots generally need at least a third-class FAA medical certificate before flying solo. Private pilots may operate with a valid medical certificate or, when eligible, under BasicMed.

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Pilots exercising commercial-pilot privileges generally need a second-class medical certificate while Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) privileges generally require a first-class medical certificate.

 

Part 107 Remote Pilots do not need a medical certificate.

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Navigating the medical certification process can be confusing. If you have questions, contact PTS for a free consult. We can explain the medical certification but cannot provide medical advice.​​

​​WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL?

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1) Pay-As-You-Go Flight Training

Train lesson by lesson at a local flight school without enrolling in a college, university, academy or other structured program.​

Advantages

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Start anytime

  • No contract

  • Local availability

  • Pay-per-lesson pricing

  • No college enrollment​​

Disadvantages

  • Inconsistent scheduling

  • Limited resource availability

  • Less structure

  • Frequent instructor turnover

  • Cost & timeline overruns

  • High dropout rate (~80%)

2) Accelerated Flight-Training Academies

Complete multiple pilot certificates and ratings through an intensive, full-time program designed for rapid progression.

Advantages

  • Structured full-time schedule

  • Large aircraft fleets

  • High training capacity

  • Frequent start dates

  • Faster completion

  • Financing options

Disadvantages

  • Intensive pace

  • Higher upfront cost

  • Restrictive refund policies

  • High volume lowers quality

  • Financing risk

  • “Time-Builder” Instructors

3) Degree-Based Aviation Programs

Combine professional flight training with a two-year or four-year college degree and traditional campus experience.

Advantages

  • Structured full-time schedule

  • Campus experience

  • Alternative financing options

  • Sizable aircraft fleets

  • Broader coursework

Disadvantages

  • High cost & program length

  • Additional coursework 

  • Degree unnecessary 

  • Limited alternative career value if medical eligibility lost

SHOULD I CHOOSE FAR PART 61 OR 141?

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Part 141 requires an FAA-approved curriculum and additional FAA oversight and progress checks that add cost to the program. The most structured programs are generally regulated under Part 141.

Part 61 schools often use 141 curricula by choice but are generally less expensive and more flexible, allowing an instructor or local flight school greater flexibility to adapt training around the student.

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For licensing, the FAA requires checkrides to be conducted to the same standard, and an FAA certificate or rating is the same credential no matter where or how it is earned.

 

Part 141 schools have reduced minimums for private pilot (35 hrs vs 40 hrs for Part 61), instrument pilot (35 hrs vs 40 hrs) and commercial pilot (190 hrs vs 250 hrs), and both types of flight schools often quote minimums in standard pricing. However, these are eligibility requirements—not realistic completion estimates, which are generally much higher. The FAA notes, for example, that most private pilots require approximately 60–75 hours, often resulting in substantially higher costs and longer timelines to completion. ​

4) Non-Degree College Aviation Programs (PAC Program)

Complete structured professional pilot training through a college without the time and expense of earning an aviation degree.

Advantages

  • Local, structured career path

  • Part-time or Full-time

  • Lower time and cost than aviation degree programs

  • Freedom to pursue a different degree

  • High-school enrollment

Disadvantages

  • Enrollment capacity limited by location

  • Financing options more limited than academy/degree

  • Attendance policy enforced

  • Tuition paid by certificate/ flight course (lump sum)

Want to know more?

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