Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide Office of Professional Education is excited to announce online learning opportunities for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.
Through a series of instructor-facilitated ground school courses, participants can gain essential knowledge in three specialized areas:
- Commercial Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
- Private Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
- sUAS Ground School
These flexible, web-based courses allow students to develop the skills needed for future certification exams and professional aviation roles.
Course Breakdown
Commercial Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
The Commercial Pilot Ground School at ERAU is an in-depth, instructor-led online course designed for students pursuing a commercial airplane pilot rating. The curriculum covers critical topics including:
- Commercial operations within the National Airspace System (NAS)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
- Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, performance, and weight and balance
- Visual Flight Rules (VFR) cross-country planning and navigation
- Weather theory, charts, and services
- Human factors, decision-making, and safety practices
Graduates will acquire the knowledge needed to pass the FAA Commercial Pilot-Airplane Knowledge Test, the first step toward becoming an FAA-certified commercial airplane pilot.
Private Pilot Ground School (Fixed Wing)
ERAU’s Private Pilot Ground School is an online course that introduces students to the fundamentals of piloting a fixed-wing aircraft. The course explores:
- Basic aerodynamics and aircraft performance
- VFR cross-country navigation
- Weather reports, forecasts, and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
- Resource management and best safety practices
This course is ideal for students who are concurrently completing hands-on flight training, and it prepares them for the FAA Private Pilot written exam.
sUAS Ground School
For those interested in operating small uncrewed and autonomous systems (sUAS), ERAU offers a specialized sUAS Ground School. This four-week course covers:
- Aircraft components and systems
- Regulations under CFR Part 107
- Flight fundamentals, weather, navigation, human factors, and safety
The course is designed to prepare students for the CFR Part 107 sUAS general knowledge exam and to build a solid foundation for safely operating sUAS in the National Airspace System.
Key Features
These non-degree, asynchronous courses are fully online and facilitated by expert instructors.
- Coursework is web-based with no additional software required, although a reliable internet connection is essential.
- Students can expect to dedicate 10-15 hours per week to their studies.
- Courses open 48 business hours before the start date and must be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
- Additional course materials may need to be purchased separately.
- Upon successful completion of individual courses, students will receive digital certificates. Printed certificates are available upon completing a full certificate program.
For more information on enrollment and course details, please visit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide’s Office of Professional Education or contact the Office of Professional Education at 386-481-9070 or email at [email protected]
Founded in 1926, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the world’s largest fully accredited universities specializing in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related fields. For more information, visit www.erau.edu
