Private Pilot Ground School
Learning the knowledge component of aviation is an important part of your flight training. San Carlos Flight Center is proud to offer an interactive, immersive, and fun Private Pilot Ground School. Our course is taught both online and in-person, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that works best for you. Both course options go beyond the basics, and you will walk away with a deeper understanding of aviation concepts, as well as preparing you for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, which is required for anyone working towards a pilot license.
Our class is taught by Herb Patten, Chief Pilot at San Carlos Flight Center. The online course option can be taken at your own pace, and on your own schedule. In-person classes are offered weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM or Sundays at 10:00 AM. In addition to the lectures, we have workshops and field trips to let students see what they’re learning.
As lectures are independent of each other, new students can join the course at any point, and continue until they have completed each lesson. We also allow you to remain on our roster for two years, so you can retake the course or review topics whenever you need to.
The course costs $350, which includes all lectures, online content, workshops, our Ground School workbook, and field trips.
You may register for the class below.
Cost: $350
Instructor: Herb Patten
Yes, provided you pass this course, we will endorse you to take the Knowledge test.
Students enrolled in Ground School will need the following:
- FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (online for free, or buy a print copy)
- ASA Private Pilot Test Prep
- Rotating Plotter
- E6B Flight Computer
You can purchase these supplies at our office or from various vendors online.
We don’t have a minimum age. As long as students can follow lectures and are interested in learning the concepts, they are welcome at Ground School!
The in-person class is held at our office. On your first visit, please check in with Herb to get acquainted with our facilities. You can view the class schedule here.
Yes! You may attend whichever option works best for you.
You can access the course from the “Members Only” section of our website. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find the Ground School page, where all the videos and assignments are located. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can access it quickly in the future.
