What is Ground School?
Ground school is the academic foundation of flight training, teaching you the essential knowledge needed to fly safely and legally. It covers topics like weather, navigation, regulations, aircraft systems, and decision-making — all critical for passing FAA exams and becoming a competent pilot. While flight training teaches how to fly, ground school teaches you why you do what you do, building the confidence and understanding needed to make smart, safe choices in the air.
Why do you need Ground School?
Ground school is necessary because it prepares you for the FAA written knowledge test, which is a required step toward earning your pilot certificate. To take that test, you need an endorsement from a certified instructor or an approved ground school program, confirming you’ve been trained in key topics like weather, regulations, navigation, and aircraft systems. Ground school not only helps you pass the test—it ensures you understand the “why” behind flying, so you can make safe, informed decisions in the air.
What ground school do we use?
Deep Sky Flight Training has tested out several different online ground schools and have determined that Sporty's Ground School provides the best experience for our students. Their private pilot ground course not only prepares you for the FAA written exam but has great resources to also prepare you for your FAA practical oral exam--including an AI practice oral exam tool!
How much does it cost?
Sporty's Private Pilot course is $299 and gives you lifetime access to all their videos and resources becoming an invaluable source not only for your initial training but to brush up on topics throughout your lifetime as a pilot. Also, if you buy through Deep Sky Flight Training, you will receive a Free Logbook to record all of your flights going forward!
How do I get started?
Contact your instructor to purchase the ground course and they will get you your activation key for Sporty's Private Pilot course as well as your logbook to start using with your training!