“Ground School” is a term used in the aviation industry to indicate the necessary training that takes place in a classroom, as opposed to in the cockpit of an airplane. Ground school courses provide the theoretical introduction to aerodynamics, engines and systems, weather, navigation, and many other subjects. The Club offers ground school courses for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. Club ground school classes are taught in our air-conditioned classroom overlooking the approach end of Runway 3 and the Sanford airport.

The ground school courses offered by the Club are designed to go well beyond the FAA-mandated curriculum and include a substantial emphasis on safety and operational issues in addition to the required technical subjects. While we make sure that all students are prepared to successfully pass the FAA knowledge test, we are committed to the notion that all of our students should be thoroughly grounded in theory and practical understanding. Consequently our ground schools are far more thorough and interactive than what is typically found in the industry. We pride ourselves on top-notch instruction from experienced instructors and allow for plenty of time for questions and interactions with fellow students in the class in addition to “hands on” experience with airplanes in our maintenance hangar. … And we always are sure to make our classes fun and enjoyable for all!

All are welcome to attend our grounds schools! You do not have to be a Club member. Click on the links below for more information on each of our ground schools:

• Private Pilot Ground School
• Instrument Rating Ground School
• Commercial Pilot Ground School

Ground School Schedule

2012 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 4 through April 12 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2012 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 23 through March 27 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2012 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 21 through July 16 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)

2012 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
September 5 through December 19 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2012 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 10 through November 12 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2013 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 9 through April 17 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2013 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 28 through April 1 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2013 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 20 through July 15 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)

2013 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
September 4 through December 18 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2013 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 16 through November 18 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2014 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 8 through April 16 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2014 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 27 through April 7 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2014 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 19 through July 14 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)

2014 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
September 3 through December 17 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2014 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 15 through November 17 (Mondays 7-10pm)