Private Pilot Ground School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare

Start learning Write review

Details

Start learning

Provider

MIT OpenCourseWare
Pricing

Free Video
Languages

English
Duration & workload

16 hours
Sessions

On-Demand
Level

Intermediate

Found in

This is a three-day workshop that took place during the MIT Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January, 2019. This workshop aims to provide information for students to prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include airplane aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, aircraft ownership and maintenance, aircraft performance, multi-engine and jets.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Private Pilot Ground School.
2. Airplane Aerodynamics.
3. Learning to Fly.
4. Aircraft Systems.
5. Charts and Airspace.
6. The Flight Environment.
7. Navigation.
8. Helicopter Aerodynamics.
9. Meteorology.
10. Communication and Flight Information.
11. Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance.
12. Aircraft Performance.
13. Interpreting Weather Data.
14. Human Factors.
15. Flight Planning.
16. Seaplanes.
17. Small UAS Operations.
18. Weight and Balance.
19. Multi-Engine and Jets.
20. Flying at Night.
21. Weather Minimums and Final Tips.
Special Lecture: F-22 Flight Controls.
Special Lecture: The How and the Why of IFR.
Special Lecture: Oshkosh 2018—Safe Space for Light Aircraft Pilots.

Taught by

Dr. Philip Greenspun and Dr. Tina Srivastava

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 41 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Private Pilot Ground School

Rashed Asharf @muzan

the course is amazing . totally worth it 3 months summarized into 16 hours is just amazing i recommend it to anyone who is interested in aviation
Samuel Acidri
1

I have to admit, it’s a bit disappointing that MIT’s Private Pilot Ground School via OpenCourseWare doesn’t provide even a simple certificate of attendance. For a program that’s so well-structured and valuable, a certificate would give learners a ta…

I have to admit, it’s a bit disappointing that MIT’s Private Pilot Ground School via OpenCourseWare doesn’t provide even a simple certificate of attendance. For a program that’s so well-structured and valuable, a certificate would give learners a tangible way to showcase the effort they’ve put in—even if it’s not FAA-recognized.

It feels like a missed opportunity: many students use OCW courses to supplement their formal studies or professional development, and having at least a document of participation would add credibility when sharing the experience with employers, flight schools, or academic advisors.

In short: I wish this training came with at least a certificate of attendance. It would make the learning feel more complete and give learners something to show for their time.
Captain_Jonestone @Captainjones
3

Tina and Philip have been very precise and upto the point in having this groundschool lectures. I was specifically exited at lecture numbers 22, Nd 24. Go Aviation enthusiasts

There was a joke Tina mentioned when showing us how to interpret an approach plate: “I thought I saw a putty-tat ; I did I did see a Putty tat”. That got my ribs cracking. 😂
Amir Ali @Executivelife2060
5

For those that are interested in flying these lectures are made for you to understand exactly what you need to know to go the extra step and that is a Cockpit.
Pragasan Govender
2

I have done the ppl ground school before here in South Africa. I was just curious to see the America teaching method. I must say both professors are very professional and up to date with relevant information. Thank you for the lift theory clarification by the Wonderful Professor Tina. I do agree with you. One must also look at Daniel Bernoulli (1700 -1782) is also a wonky theory.
I highly recommend this ppl course.
Mostafa Mahmodi Baram

MIT’s *Private Pilot Ground School* on OpenCourseWare offers a rigorous, theory-rich foundation for aspiring aviators. Though not FAA-certified for formal ground training, the course excels in delivering deep conceptual clarity on aerodynamics, navi…

MIT’s *Private Pilot Ground School* on OpenCourseWare offers a rigorous, theory-rich foundation for aspiring aviators. Though not FAA-certified for formal ground training, the course excels in delivering deep conceptual clarity on aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and flight regulations—taught with MIT’s hallmark analytical rigor. Lectures and materials (including FAA handbooks and performance charts) emphasize *why* over rote memorization, fostering critical decision-making skills essential for safe piloting. The integration of real-world case studies and accident analyses adds invaluable context. However, it lacks interactive quizzes, updated ATC procedures (e.g., ADS-B), and hands-on flight planning tools found in dedicated aviation platforms. Best used as a **supplemental academic resource**, not a standalone test-prep course. Ideal for curious learners, engineering students, or pilots seeking a stronger theoretical backbone—free, prestigious, and intellectually rewarding.
Abdallah Mselem Abdallah Almsalmy
1

this course is best but I think it will be better if they will put some set of questions and when completed the student or leaner after passing his or her course he or she would be gifted a free certificate of compplimention approving that he or she has complete a certain course that was given by certain site and pass
Abdallah Almusalmy

nice course i really got knowledge of many things about aircrafts
also the course is simple and also easy
Irfan Wahyu Setyawan

I recently completed the Private Pilot Ground School on Class Central and I'm thoroughly impressed! The course was well-structured, with clear and concise lessons that made complex topics easy to understand. The instructor was knowledgeable and responsive to questions. The hands-on projects were a great way to apply what I learned. Overall, I'd highly recommend this course to anyone looking to Private Pilot Ground School. The content was engaging, and I feel confident in my ability to apply the skills learned. 5/5 stars!!
Abdul Raffik

So far the videos are very nice and informative
With this certification will be an better option
And thanks
Maria Jacob
2

I am 18 years old and have an interest in the aviation field. Even beginners can understand the class with ease, the course was really good and interesting. Personally, the class on the raptor was my favourite, and hoped it would have been a bit more longer.

In this class, they didn't stop with planes but they gave a basic knowledge of helicopters, drones etc. I would promote this class to anyone who needs a theoretical basic understanding of aviation.
Mete “Sadece Mete” Çekok

This course is a great introduction to aviation. The content is well-organized and easy to follow. Highly recommended for anyone interested in becoming a pilot.
Luis Henrique Da Costa Faustino

Antes demás, quería decir que me gustó la forma que está estructurado el curso pero al final no he podido obtener el certificado que todo el momento ellos mencionaba en la plataforma..
Victor Muzimo

Private Pilot Ground School provides a solid foundation for aspiring pilots, covering essential topics like aerodynamics, navigation, weather, FAA regulations, and flight planning. The course is designed to prepare students for the FAA Knowledge Exam and offers both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into flying. Ground school teaches about aircraft systems, airspace, radio communication procedures, and safety protocols. It emphasizes critical thinking, situational awareness, and decision-making skills necessary for safe flight operations. The curriculum typically includes lectures, reading materials, and practice exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both written tests and hands-on flight training.
David-Ferenc Geiger

It was a great course which covers mainly all aspects of flying a non commercial aircraft. Especially the great explanations where very easy to understand, so a great course for all interested in aviation. Basic aerodynamics get very well visualized by utilizing models and the students in class ask questions I also had while watching. A even more thorough dive in meteorology is probably the only aspect of this class which left something to be desired, however that is because of my background in flying sailing planes which requires brother knowledge in that area.
Manoj Kumar
1

I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course I like this course
Mohammed Abdulsahib Saleh
1

thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsis thanks for the corsisthanks for the corsis
Stanley Karanja Kamau

The ppl ground school is such a resourceful centre for all the information you require to kickstart your aviation persuit with well elaborated examples and experienced tutors
Nehal Asad

This was very helpful regarding to PPL and it has upgraded my knowledge and critical thinking. PPL exam is now easy for me to pass and achieve high in exam
Fernando Asekele Alex Dos Santos

Achei muito bom, muito interessante,eu aprendi bastante coisas em muito pouco tempo de curso, foi algo muito legal pra mim.