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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
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
No tuition, subscription fee or credit card required. Just enroll and learn.
Online & Self-Paced
Study when it fits your schedule from a computer, laptop, tablet or phone.
Level Up Your Training
Study with flight training or get ahead to save time, money and frustration.
Choose Your Free Course: Private Pilot or Commercial Drone Pilot?
Select the course that matches your training goal. Both programs are available online and can be started immediately.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2011
PTS Founded
2
Free Online Courses
72,500+
YouTube Subscribers
How It Works
1. Create Your Free Account
· No fees or credit card required
· Click the link above and begin
2. Complete Lessons Anytime
· Videos, quizzes & practice exams
· Finish the course > take the FAA exam
3. Apply Your Knowledge to Flying
· Continue your private pilot training
· Execute safe, informed flight operations
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY ARE THESE COURSES FREE?
To reduce the cost of flight training and lower the barrier to entry to an amazing career for those who can't afford it.
ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS?
The courses are free, but FAA testing and practical training are not included. Private Pilot applicants need an authorized instructor’s endorsement before taking the knowledge test. Part 107 applicants do not need an instructor endorsement to take the test.
HOW DO I TAKE THE FAA LICENSING EXAM?
1) Visit the PSI Website: https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/
2) Search for "Federal Aviation Administration"
3) Click "More" under "Federal Aviation Administration"
4) Select "Private Pilot Airplane" or "Unmanned Aircraft General"
5) OR call (844) 704-1487
6) OR email examschedule@psionline.com
DOES THIS REPLACE FLIGHT TRAINING?
No. Ground school is only part of flight training that prepares you to take a knowledge exam similar to earning your drivers license. You must also take flight lessons in order to pass the equivalent of a "road test" that, in aviation, is called a "checkride".
WHAT IS A CHECKRIDE?
A checkride is the final practical test a pilot must pass to earn a pilot certificate or rating. You take your checkride after you pass your knowledge exam, and it includes an oral exam and flight test that requires you to demonstrate for a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) your ability to safely plan and operate an aircraft in the National Airspace System governed by the FAA.
HOW MUCH FLIGHT TRAINING DO I NEED?
To earn an FAA Private Pilot License, you must generally log a minimum of 40 flight hours and receive a flight instructor's authorization / endorsement before you can legally take a check ride, though the national average is 60-75 flight hours.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL?
1) You can pay-as-you-go at your local flight school, but this path is notoriously frustrating and associated with an 80% dropout rate. There are a lot of factors that contribute to this poor success rate, and the ~20% who do finish usually spend way more time and money than planned. Contact PTS for a full explanation of this.
2) You can enroll in a degreed aviation program at a college or university. These programs have a much higher completion rate due to their structure and rigor, but they are generally expensive and take much longer than necessary to get into aviation as a career. Degrees are not needed for aviation jobs, and the recommendation for those who want one is to get a degree in something other than aviation in case you lose your medical to fly.
3) You can save time and money and enjoy a high success rate by enrolling in a non-degreed college flight program. PTS has affiliations with 10 colleges in 6 states. You can review the program structure here, and here is a list of our locations.
WHAT IS THE MEDICAL REQUIREMENT TO FLY?
Private pilots who want to fly for fun generally need a third-class medical, and career pilots, need a first- or second-class medical certificate to fly. It is highly recommended that you consult with a pilot before you speak with your local flight doctor. Contact PTS for a free consultation.