Free Private Pilot
Ground School.

Now offering the first 8 hours of our industry-leading online Private Pilot ground school for free.

Classroom instruction from the comfort of your home.
Enjoy beautiful animations and graphics, no whiteboards.
Watch and rewatch at your own pace.
Get advice from a former flight school president.

Enroll in this course

$0 - Free Course

Watch the course preview

Why Pilot Institute

Accurate Information

This course is up-to-date and it is updated when the FAA makes changes.

Mobile and Offline Access

You can watch this course on your mobile phone and even download the videos for offline use.

Short Video Lessons

Watch these short, easy videos to learn more about becoming a pilot. Get your questions answered.

From Our Students Here is what they are saying about the course

This is my third ground school. Two completed, starting this one. This one by far is the best.

Ethan L.

I have been a student pilot for 6 years, between college and then work I haven't given myself the time to study and finish. This course is informative and engaging enough to keep my attention and I don't get bored. I really wish I had started with this course instead of trying to do the ground school on my own. I highly recommend it and only wish I had done it sooner.

Natalie Maxwell

I tried many other ground school courses which focused on test passing rather than knowledge acquisition. While these left me capable of passing the test, I didn't really feel confident in some of the topics because I was memorizing answers rather than understanding the sometimes complex truth behind various regulations, tasks and training. Greg thoroughly explains every topic, even past private pilot standards, in order to make sure you can understand why. I feel much more confident knowing how to think about and derive answers rather than memorizing steps in order to simply pass a test.

John R.

I'm extremely impressed at how easy and approachable this school is. My biggest fear of doing an online ground school was that the lessons would feel almost "robotic." With Pilot Institute, I don't feel that. I feel that each lesson is very informative and important. I also feel that if for any reason I need help on anything, I can ask the questions and get answers extremely quickly. Thanks Pilot Institute!

Pete N.

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

Greg Reverdiau

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, Commercial Pilot, Drone Pilot

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, 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 now concentrate on educating the next generation of manned and unmanned pilots by creating online courses.

I truly enjoy teaching both in the classroom and online as well as sharing my knowledge using newer technology. I intend to help bridge the gap between the manned and unmanned aircraft industry to increase safety.

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

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

Why is this course free? What's the catch?

There's no catch. You can sign up without a credit card and get instant access. We want to show you how much easier learning aviation can be. With scenario based training, an exclusive flashcard app, a 44 page study guide, and much more - we're leading the industry - and we promise to keep innovating.

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. We provide you with a ton of info on how to find a flight school in this free course.

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.

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

(22,043+ ratings)

The Easiest Way to Become a Private Pilot Our course makes becoming a Private Pilot easier. We're now offering the first 8 hours of our course for free. See why our average student scores 92% on the FAA exam.

Actually learn the 'why' behind topics, instead of memorization.
Designed for visual, auditory, and reading learners.
Short, easy to understand videos. Be flying in no time.
First 8 hours are free - no credit card. Instant access.