Private Pilot Ground School (Part of the Professional Aeronautics Certification - PAC)

This foundational course is the first of four in the Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program, a collaborative offering from Iowa Western Community College and the Nebraska Flight Center (NFC). It prepares students to earn their Private Pilot License (PPL) by covering core aviation knowledge through lecture-based classroom instruction. The course provides students with the aeronautical understanding necessary to begin flight training and successfully pass the FAA written examination.

Award Type:

Certificate of Completion (qualifies student for FAA written exam; not a pilot license by itself)

Learning Outcomes:

Identify key aircraft structures and mechanical systems.
Understand flight instruments and avionics.
Apply principles of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
Interpret airport operations and navigation protocols.
Analyze weather patterns and meteorological data for flight.
Understand FAA regulations and aeromedical factors.

Educational Objective:

Vocational - designed to prepare students for FAA certification and entry-level employment or training in the aviation industry.

Tuition:

$1000 per semester (estimated)

Included Costs:

Course materials: $75
FAA Written Exam fee: $175
Total Estimated Fees: $250
Includes tuition for lecture hours, textbook, online training access, and FAA exam registration

Length of Course:

17 weeks (Wednesday evenings)
Total: 45 clock hours (Lecture only)
No lab hours included in this course

Course Outline:

Aircraft Structure and Mechanical Systems - 5 hours
Flight Instruments and Avionics - 5 hours
Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance - 10 hours
Aviation Meteorology - 5 hours
Airport Operations and Navigation - 8 hours
Aeromedical Factors, Rules, and Regulations - 7 hours
Exam Review and Practice Testing - 5 hours

Admission Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years old
Valid government-issued photo ID
High school diploma or equivalent recommended, but not required
English language proficiency

Attendance Requirements:

Students must attend at least 85% of all class sessions
One excused absence allowed with instructor approval
More than two unexcused absences may result in removal from the course
Tardiness beyond 15 minutes is recorded as a half-day absence
Incomplete work must be resolved within one week unless otherwise approved

Instructor Qualification:

Instructor is registered, certified, or licensed in the occupational area in which the state requires registration, certification or licensure for the occupational area in which the instructor is teaching.