Private Pilot
Made Easy.®

Our online ground school will help you pass the FAA Private Pilot test with flying colors. Achieve your dreams of flying an airplane.

  • Modern pilot training to pass your FAA exam on the 1st try.
  • 29,763+ students have signed up for this course to become pilots.
  • 35 hours of videos with beautiful graphics and animations.
  • Classroom instruction from the comfort of your home.
  • Continually updated (last update April 2025).
  • Live office hours with a flight instructor to answer your questions.
  • You're guaranteed to pass the test or you'll get $175 and a full refund. 99.8% of our students pass.
Enroll in this course

$279  $225 (lifetime access)

Why Pilot Institute

Pass the Test the 1st Time - Guaranteed!

Pass the Test the 1st Time - Guaranteed!

The industry's best guarantee: We will promptly send you $175 and give you 100% of your money back if you don't pass the FAA's test on your 1st try. We're serious. That's how confident we are in our course.

Free Instructor Endorsement

Free Instructor Endorsement

This course comes with the instructor endorsement that's required by the FAA for you to take the test.

540+ Video Lessons

540+ Video Lessons

Learn everything you need to know to pass the test on the first try. Breeze through our lessons while understanding complicated topics. Easily pick up where you left off - stop and start when you have time to study. The average lesson is just 3 minutes long.

See Test-like Questions

See Test-like Questions

Our course comes with several practice exams and over 800 practice questions that you can use to test your knowledge. With quiz answer explanations, you'll be ready and confident on your test day.

Lifetime Access

Lifetime Access

We offer lifetime access to our course, which is another way we stand out. You can always come back if you need a refresher, even after you get your certificate. Watch videos as many times as you'd like - no limits.

Mobile and Offline Access

Mobile and Offline Access

You can watch our lessons on mobile phones and even download them for offline access. Watch lessons at up to 2x speed or even slow them down.

Accurate Information

Accurate Information

The aviation industry changes constantly. Our instructors closely track FAA changes and update the course so you're always up-to-date and not learning incorrect or out of date info.

Study Groups & Support

Study Groups & Support

Join our study groups and learn with other people. Leave comments on a lesson and get a response fast. Get one-on-one support from your instructor when you need it. We're here to help you.

Scenario Based Training

Scenario Based Training

Put what you learn to practice with real-life style scenarios. Apply your knowledge and see if your actions were right.

Flashcard App Exclusive

We offer an exclusive flashcard app for iPhone and Android users – and best of all it’s free for course subscribers.

 

There are more than 220 cards that will cement your knowledge in all test topics. You can also flag cards and come back to them and shuffle the order. This will help you study on the go whenever you have a minute.

Enroll Now and Get the App
Flashcard App
The Help You Need, When You Need It

The Help You Need, When You Need It

Pilot Institute offers online courses with fast interactive support whenever you need it. Reach out to us on live chat, through phone calls, by email, or simply by writing a comment below a lesson and get a response quickly.

Additionally, we have a Facebook Group to help you study with classmates.

(855) 933-1440

  Mon-Saturday 8am-5pm MST

44 Page Illustrated Study Guide

44 Page Illustrated Study Guide

Our course comes with a 44 page study guide that you can use to remember the most important information prior to taking the written exam. By giving you access to multiple types of teaching methods, we are able to increase retention and student success. Our students score an average of 92% on their FAA exams.

Thousands of Success Stories Is yours next?

I got my Private Pilot certificate in 1995 and supplemented my ground school by watching a famous couple on VHS videos -- like many did back then. I must say, I enjoyed your course way better! No, seriously, your teaching method, explanations, course organization, and resources were exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! I will certainly refer others to your course!

S. Davis

S. Davis

Great course. Greg is very engaging with his delivery of course information and very complete. I've learned a lot in a short time to review the course.

Stephen Prewitt

Stephen Prewitt

Greg is a great teacher who breaks down a topic and makes it easy to understand. Thanks to him I passed my test with flying colors and even impressed my flight instructor with a thing or two!

Barry Creighton

Barry Creighton

Very good course for new pilots. Flow of the course was great, he covers everything from the basic with enough advanced hints to put all the pieces of flying together. Can't wait to start flying.

Matt Short

Matt Short

Let’s meet your instructor Taught by experts, focused on outcomes.

Greg Reverdiau

Greg Reverdiau

Certified Flight Instructor, University Professor, Former Flight School President

Hi, I'm Greg or Professor R as my students call me.


I have been an aviation professional since the early 2000s. I currently hold the following FAA certificates: Certified Flight Instructor (Instrument), Commercial Pilot (for single and multi engine), and UAS Remote Pilot.


I have worked for two of the biggest aeronautical universities in the country (managing flight training programs of up to 500 students and 50 aircraft) and in teaching roles as an adjunct professor. I was also the President of a Part 141 Flight School with 25 employees, 14 aircraft, and 100 students.


I am passionate about making aviation more accessible and easier to learn. I now concentrate on educating the next generation of manned and unmanned pilots.


I hold a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science and a Masters Degree in Aviation Human Factors, both from the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL.


When I am not teaching, you can find me running in the beautiful mountains surrounding Prescott, AZ.

Join Over 250,000 Happy Pilots

Enroll in this course

$279  $225 (lifetime access)

FAQ Have questions? Get the answers below. You can also contact us.

Do I need to start flying before taking this class?

No, you can start this course before even finding a flight school. There is an entire chapter in the course on how to choose a flight school so we recommend you watch this first. This information comes from insider experience running large flight schools across the country. You will be able to pick the best school in your area and learn how to save money. After a few lessons, you can sign up for a flight school if you haven't already.

What's the difference between a ground school and a flight school?

In order to pass your FAA exam and become a Private Pilot, you need to receive both ground and flight training. Pilot Institute teaches you the theory that's required to pass the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. The second part of your exam will be done in the airplane so you need to receive instruction from a flight school. Find a local school that matches your budget and your expectations to get this training completed.

What makes Pilot Institute different?

Our ground school teaches you to proficiency rather than teaching you to just pass the exam. Even if it is possible to pass the FAA Written Exam with short term memorization and cramming, doing so will cost you more time and money because you'll have to brush up your knowledge in the airplane (where you are paying $200-300/hr). Additionally, you will need to explain your answers in-person to your checkride examiner to get your license - so surface level knowledge won't cut it. Our program comes with double the content of many alternatives so you are more prepared for each flight.

 

Our students are scoring an average of 92% on their Private Pilot FAA Written Exams. This is roughly 10% higher than the national average.

 

Pilot Institute offers lifetime access to our course with a one-time charge.

 

Additionally, we have the industry's best guarantee. We will refund your course AND give you $175 if you fail the FAA Written Exam. This is in addition to our 30 day money-back guarantee.

 

This class also comes with a free interactive 6 hour bonus class to help you learn airplane maneuvers.

Do you offer an instructor endorsement at the end of the course?

Yes. If you complete 100% of the course and you achieve an 80% or higher on two timed practice exams, we will send you a free written endorsement that satisfies the aeronautical knowledge requirement of 14 CFR Part 61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d) and 61.105. You can only receive this endorsement from an FAA Certified Flight Instructor who provided you with the proper training.

What happens if I need help?

No problem. Our instructors are happy to help you with questions and give you the answer you need in a timely fashion. We usually respond within a few hours and you can reach out via email, live chat, or phone.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, high school and college students can email us to get an additional discount for the course. Additionally, veterans and active-duty military personnel can email us for a coupon code.

The Almost 5 Star Institute

Our programs are trusted by thousands of pilots and backed by our 30-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. With more than 285,673 class enrollments, our students have rated us an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Learn more

4.9/5
(24,353+ ratings)

Comprehensive Online Ground School

Finally, Ground School That Fits Your Busy Life

 

You’ve dreamed of flying, maybe even taken a few flights.

 

But now you’re facing a mountain of unfamiliar knowledge to climb before you earn your wings.

 

How do airplanes actually fly? What does that maze of lines on aviation charts mean? When is it safe to fly, and when should you stay on the ground? And how do you make sense of all those FAA regulations?

 

But balancing ground school with work, family, and other commitments can feel impossible.

 

With $15,000+ invested in your private pilot journey, you can’t afford to waste precious flight hours learning concepts you should have mastered on the ground.

 

The Ground School That Works Around Your Life

 

Our class is designed for busy, visual learners who need flexibility without sacrificing quality:

 

  • Bite-sized 3-5 minute lessons that fit into even the busiest schedule
  • Lifetime access to all class materials – revisit concepts years later when you need them
  • Study anywhere – on your phone during lunch breaks, on your tablet in the evening, or offline during travel
  • Visual animations and graphics that make abstract concepts crystal clear

 

Learn Smarter, Not Harder

 

Pilot Institute’s training fits around your life:

 

  • Learn at your own pace – no pressure to complete training by a deadline
  • Study when it’s convenient – fit training around your job and family obligations
  • Connect theory to practice – understand the “why” behind procedures and regulations
  • Study in small increments rather than lengthy sessions
  • Track your progress automatically between devices
  • Get fast answers from instructors when questions arise

 

Beyond Just Passing the Test

 

Most ground schools focus only on memorization, leaving students unprepared for real flying situations that require deeper understanding.

 

Our approach builds the complete foundation for your aviation journey:

 

  • 35 hours of modern, engaging videos that explain the “why” behind aviation principles
  • 540+ concise lessons organized in a clear, logical progression
  • 92% average test score – nearly 10% higher than the national average
  • Free instructor endorsement required by the FAA to take your written test
  • Real-world scenarios that connect theory to practical flying situations

 

Save Thousands on Your Flight Training

 

Every hour with an instructor and aircraft costs $200-300. Students who understand concepts thoroughly before flight lessons often require fewer hours of expensive aircraft time.

 

Our class can help you arrive prepared to flight lessons so you can focus on practical skills in the cockpit instead of learning basic concepts.

 

Additionally, our program is a one-time payment, there’s no recurring subscription or hidden costs.

 

But Wait, There’s More…

 

On top of our comprehensive ground school, you’ll also receive our Airplane Maneuvers Mastery course ($149 value – yours FREE).

 

This isn’t just a bonus – it’s a training system that helps you prepare for each flight:

 

  • Watch 35 essential flying skills demonstrated from multiple angles – see inside the cockpit, outside views, and simple graphics that make everything clear
  • Practice the exact sequence of steps for each flying skill through interactive exercises – so you won’t forget what to do when you’re actually in the air
  • Discover what flight examiners look for when testing your flying skills, including specific standards you’ll need to meet
  • See the most common mistakes new pilots make – and learn how to avoid them in your own training
  • Get a 76-page illustrated guide you can study between your actual flying lessons

 

As one student put it: “I don’t think there is anything like it out there! It covers all the flying skills you need to be successful and makes it easy to understand why we do certain things in the cockpit.”

 

While other new pilots waste expensive flight time figuring out basic movements and controls, you’ll arrive at each lesson already knowing what to expect, saving both time and money.

 

In addition to all that – we guarantee that our program works. If you don’t pass your FAA written exam on your first try we will give you a full refund plus $175.

 

The Complete Private Pilot Package

 

Here’s what you’ll learn in our Private Pilot Made Easy class:

 

Aerodynamics & Aircraft Systems

 

  • How aircraft generate lift and maintain control
  • Understanding engine operation and limitations
  • Recognizing how weight and balance affect performance
  • Learn how cockpit instruments work and what information they provide in flight

 

Navigation & Flight Planning

 

  • Reading sectional charts and flight publications
  • Planning efficient, safe cross-country routes
  • Using flight computers for time, fuel, and distance calculations

 

Weather & Decision Making

 

  • Interpreting aviation weather reports and forecasts
  • Recognizing dangerous weather phenomena before they threaten safety
  • Reading and understanding METAR, TAF, and PIREP weather reports
  • Assessing and mitigating risks before and during flights

 

Airspace & Regulations

 

  • Navigating complex airspace requirements with confidence
  • Understanding the legal responsibilities of being pilot-in-command

 

And so much more… the full program contains 35 hours of instruction.

 

A Proven Path to Pilot Success

 

Did you know that over 80% of people who start flight training never finish? Most get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information or struggle to retain what they’ve learned.

 

At Pilot Institute, we’ve optimized the journey to becoming a pilot. After training 20,000+ successful pilots, we’ve developed ways to make the learning process clearer and more manageable.

 

Our Made Easy® approach works by combining effective teaching methods with learning technology:

 

  • Complex topics broken into digestible 3-5 minute lessons
  • Visual learning that makes aviation concepts clearer
  • Quizbank – our advanced quizzing platform that uses spaced repetition to improve long-term retention
  • Intelligent question technology that identifies your weak areas and helps focus your study time

 

With our straightforward system, you’ll focus your time on what matters most – mastering the knowledge you need to become a confident, capable pilot.

 

We’ve guided thousands of students from their first aviation lesson to successful written exams and beyond.

 

What Pilots Are Saying:

 

“Greg! I just want to say I really appreciate all you’ve done with this course. I tried 3 other courses before settling on yours. I love the amount of depth and breadth you offer. It goes way beyond the bare minimum, which is great. Why would anyone want just enough to pass?! An incredible value. Thanks to all who work at Pilot Institute!”Joshua W

 

“I passed my exam with a 95% today! As someone with absolutely 0 aviation background, before starting this course I likely wouldn’t have been able to tell you a single thing about airplanes. I’ve come a very long way, learned so much and couldn’t be more happy with the results.

 

I’m very grateful my instructor recommended your ground school to me and will continue to recommend it to others. Thank you to the pilot institute team for going above and beyond to teach students how to be safe and proficient!”Veronica

 

A Foundation For Safe, Confident Flying

 

When you invest $15,000+ in flight training, having the right knowledge foundation isn’t optional – it’s essential. Our comprehensive ground school gives you the tools to maximize your investment and become a safer, more confident pilot.

 
$279 $225 (one-time payment, lifetime access)

The Easiest Way to Become a Private Pilot Our course makes becoming a Private Pilot easier. We cover everything you need to know starting with choosing a flight school all the way to planning your first cross-country flight.

  • Arrive to your flight lessons prepared and with a strong foundation.
  • Achieve your life-long dream of taking flight and becoming a pilot.
  • Lifetime Access - Go at your own pace.
  • Short, easy to understand videos. Be flying in no time.
  • Modern pilot training with beautiful animations and quiz answer explanations.
  • 30-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Private Pilot Made Easy Online Ground School Enroll in this course

$279  $225 (lifetime access)