Online Ground School Courses for Aspiring Pilots and sUAS Operators

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.

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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.

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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