Ground School — PPL & IFR Classes

Training & Education

Ground School: Private Pilot (PPL) & IFR

Learn together with friendly volunteers, CFIs and AGIs. Each class is $10 per session. Young Eagles attend PPL ground for free. IFR ground includes access to our simulators for procedures and proficiency.

Next Class
  • PPL Wednesdays at 6:00 PM PST
  • IFR Wednesdays at 7:00 PM PST

Stay in the Loop — Class Updates

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Pricing & What’s Included

Private Pilot Ground (PPL) $10 / session

  • Structured lessons aligned to the FAA Private Pilot ACS
  • Group discussion, quizzes, and knowledge test prep tips
  • Handouts and recommended study resources
  • Young Eagles attend PPL ground for free

Instrument (IFR) Ground $10 / session

  • Instrument procedures, regs, weather, IFR nav & avionics
  • Approach briefings, missed approaches, holds & emergencies
  • Includes simulator time for procedures and practice
  • Scenario-based training with debriefs

Who Teaches?

Classes are taught and supported by Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) and Advanced Ground Instructors (AGIs), along with experienced volunteers and mentor pilots.

You’ll get practical explanations, real-world examples, and clear next steps toward your goals.

Schedule

Program Day / Time Notes Action
PPL Ground Wednesdays — 6:00 PM PST Young Eagles free; $10 otherwise RSVP
IFR Ground Wednesdays — 7:00 PM PST Includes simulator access RSVP
Simulator Sessions (IFR) By appointment Procedures, holds, approaches Request Slot

Times may shift based on events, weather, and instructor availability. We’ll confirm by email/text when you RSVP.

Location


Map to Brown Field Municipal Airport (KSDM) Open Google Maps

Policies

  • $10 per session (PPL & IFR); payable at check-in.
  • Young Eagles attend PPL ground for free.
  • Membership: After your first session, membership in EAA Chapter 14 is required to continue attending.
    Young Eagles can join Chapter 14 for $1.
  • Supervision: This is not babysitting—a parent or guardian must be present for minors (under 18).

Safety & Youth Protection

We follow common-sense safety practices in the classroom and on the ramp. If you need an accommodation, let us know—we’re happy to help.

What We Cover

PPL Ground — Module Outline

  1. Intro to ADM & Regulations
  2. Airspace, Charts, Radar Services
  3. Aircraft Systems & Performance
  4. Weather Theory, Reports & Forecasts
  5. Navigation (VFR), Flight Planning & Weight/Balance
  6. Human Factors & Aeromedical
  7. Airport Operations & Communications
  8. Knowledge Test Prep & Checkride Tips

IFR Ground — Module Outline

  1. IFR Regulations, Instruments & Pitot-Static
  2. Clearances, Enroute Structure, Holds
  3. Approaches: ILS, LOC, RNAV (GPS), VOR
  4. Briefings & Missed Approach Procedures
  5. IFR Weather & Alternates
  6. Avionics & Automation (GPS, AP, CDI/HSI)
  7. Abnormal & Emergency Procedures
  8. Scenario Flights & Simulator Practice

Ready to Learn?

Tell us your availability and which class you’d like to join—PPL or IFR.