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PRIVATE PILOT GROUND SCHOOL STARTS
​5 january 2027


Structured in-person classroom course for new and current student pilots preparing for private pilot training and the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

Start the knowledge side of your pilot training with Golden State Flying Club’s in-person classroom ground school at Gillespie Field.

​This 11-week course is built for new and current student pilots who want structure, live instruction, and help preparing for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.


CLASS DETAILS

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • 6:30–9:00 PM
  • 11 Weeks
  • Gillespie Field
  • $455 + Materials

SAVE 10% ON GROUND SCHOOL TUITION
Call (858) 263-5626 to enroll and mention code "LETSFLY26".


Call (619) 449-0611 or request enrollment information below.

    ​REQUEST GROUND SCHOOL INFO


    ​Interested in the October 6 Private Pilot Ground School? Send your information below and Golden State Flying Club will contact you with class details, materials, and enrollment options.
    ​By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Golden State Flying Club about ground school and flight training information.
REQUEST ENROLLMENT INFO
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WHY TAKE GROUND SCHOOL IN PERSON?

Online ground school can be a good option for students who want a cheaper, faster, self-paced course. Golden State’s in-person ground school is different. It is built for students who want structure, live instruction, accountability, and the ability to ask questions in a real classroom setting.

For many new student pilots, the hardest part is not finding information. The hard part is knowing what matters, staying consistent, and understanding how the knowledge connects to actual flight training.

IN-PERSON GROUND SCHOOL HELPS WITH:

STRUCTURE
You have a real class schedule to follow every Tuesday and Thursday, which makes it easier to stay consistent instead of putting off studying.
QUESTIONS
Some topics are hard to understand the first time, especially airspace, weather, navigation, and regulations. In class, you can ask questions with a qualified instructor instead of trying to figure it out alone.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Online courses are flexible, but that also makes them easy to delay. An in-person class gives you a reason to show up, keep learning, and stay on track.
FLIGHT TRAINING
Ground school helps your flight lessons make more sense because you start understanding the knowledge behind what you are doing in the airplane.
LOCAL SUPPORT
You are learning at Golden State Flying Club at Gillespie Field, around other student pilots, instructors, and people who are part of the local aviation community.

​WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Golden State’s Private Pilot Ground School covers the major knowledge areas students need while preparing for private pilot training and the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
Topics covered include:
  • Basic aerodynamics
  • Aircraft systems
  • Aircraft performance
  • Weight and balance
  • Aeronautical charts
  • Airport operations
  • Radio communications
  • FAA regulations
  • Flight computer use
  • Weather for pilots
  • Weather services and charts
  • Radio navigation
  • Cross-country planning
  • Aeromedical factors
  • SRM and ADM
  • Course review and final exam preparation
This course helps students prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Passing results are not guaranteed.
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MATERIALS, TESTING, AND COURSE DETAILS
Golden State Flying Club uses the Jeppesen Private Pilot textbook as the main course reference. Students also need additional materials during the course, including a sectional chart, an E6B flight computer, and a plotter.
Required materials are sold separately from tuition. Contact Golden State Flying Club before class begins for the current materials list and pricing.
FAA KNOWLEDGE TEST PREPARATION
This course helps students prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The class includes foundational knowledge topics, review, workshops, and preparation for the final exam.
C.A.T.S. TESTING AT GOLDEN STATE
After students are prepared, the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test can be taken on Golden State’s C.A.T.S. testing computer at the school. This means students do not have to search for a separate testing location somewhere else.
The FAA computerized knowledge test fee is currently listed as $175, subject to change without notice. Testing fees are separate from tuition and materials.
After the test is completed, results are received immediately. A satisfactorily completed FAA knowledge test is valid for 24 calendar months, which gives students time to complete the rest of their private pilot training and checkride preparation.
COURSE VALUE
Tuition is $455 plus the cost of required materials.
Students who enroll and pay before October 6 receive 10% off tuition. The discount applies to tuition only and does not include materials or testing fees.
Golden State may also allow students who have paid tuition to attend future ground school sessions for review if they need extra help or want to refresh the material. 
READY TO START GROUND SCHOOL?
Golden State Flying Club’s next Private Pilot Ground School starts October 6. Request enrollment information or call the school to ask about class details, materials, and payment options.
Call (619) 449-0611 or use the form above to request ground school information.

Location

  • Home
  • LEARN TO FLY
    • Intro Flight
    • Flying Lessons
    • Getting Your License
    • 4 Stages of Private Pilot Training
    • Finance Your Training
    • Benefits of a Private Pilot License
  • AIRCRAFT & CLUB
    • Fleet
    • Join The Club
    • Members Page
    • Golden State Fuel
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Classes
    • Private Pilot Ground School
    • Saturday Intro Class
    • Instrument Flight Rating Class
    • Biennial Flight Review
    • FAA/PSI Exams
    • Calendar
  • ADVANCED TRAINING
    • Instrument Rating
    • Commercial Pilot Certificate
    • Pilot Careers
    • Career as a Pilot