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Live Ground Instruction
Completion requirements
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FAA Ground Instruction
Train smarter.
Fly with confidence.
Live one-on-one ground instruction and in-depth checkride preparation — built around the ACS, led by FAA certificated instructors, and designed to make you a capable, decisive pilot in command.
FAA
Certificated Instructors
ACS
Standards Aligned
1-on-1
Live Instruction
TPC
Certificate Eligible
"As pilot in command, you are responsible for yourself, your passengers, and the people below you. We help you understand how to be a confident, decisive pilot who leads every flight with precision and care."
Elliot Jordan, CAO & VP of Pilot Training
Our Programs
Two ways to sharpen your knowledge
Whether you need to fill a specific gap before your next flight or you're prepping for a checkride, we have a structured path for you.
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Book Any Topic
Live Ground Instruction
Work directly with an FAA CFI or CGI in a live session built around whatever you need — no rigid curriculum, no wasted time.
- Schedule a session on any topic of your choosing
- One-on-one with a certificated FAA CFI or CGI
- Flexible pacing — go deep or cover the essentials
- Ask real questions, get real explanations
- Ideal for brushing up before a flight or review after training
- Session summary provided after each lesson
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Not sure where to start? We'll sit down with you, learn your goals, and build the right plan — no commitment required.
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DPE-Ready Prep
Checkride Prep Packages
Scenario-based, ACS-driven lessons that show you exactly what a DPE expects — and train you to walk in ready.
- In-depth scenario-based lesson plans per topic
- Aligned to FAA ACS standards throughout
- Understand what DPEs are actually looking for
- PIC leadership and decision-making woven in
- Complete one topic or the full series to earn your TPC Certificate
- Builds lasting knowledge — not just checkride answers
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Not sure where to start? We'll sit down with you, learn your goals, and build the right plan — no commitment required.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Every dollar you invest in your training goes directly back into The Pilot Club's mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we reinvest all proceeds into expanding aviation education, developing new curriculum, and supporting the next generation of pilots — not into profit margins.
Checkride Prep Curriculum
Lesson plans built for the oral exam
Each lesson dives into a core knowledge area, walks through ACS risk elements, and prepares you to articulate your reasoning to a DPE. Select a category then expand a topic to view the full lesson plan.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain the privileges and limitations of a Private Pilot Certificate
- Identify all pilot and aircraft documents required for legal flight (PSCRITT)
- Understand types of medical certifications, durations, and FAA BasicMed
- Determine airworthiness using MEL, KOEL, TCDS, and STC documentation
- Explain mandatory aircraft inspections: annual, 100-hr, pitot-static, VOR, ELT, and ADs
Session Tasks
- Requirements for certification and recordkeeping
- Pilot medical certifications and BasicMed
- Aircraft category, class, and type (high-performance, complex)
- Recency requirements and proficiency vs. currency
- Aircraft airworthiness and inoperative equipment (91.213)
- Mandatory aircraft inspections and ADs
ACS Reference: PA.I.A.K1–K5, PA.I.B.K1 — Preflight Preparation; Pilot Qualifications and Aircraft Airworthiness.
Lesson Objectives
- Define the four forces and explain how they interact in all phases of flight
- Explain lift generation via Bernoulli's Principle and Newton's Third Law
- Demonstrate knowledge of left-turning tendencies: P-factor, torque, spiraling slipstream, gyroscopic precession
- Understand critical angle of attack, load factors, accelerated stalls, and spin entry/recovery
- Explain the relationship between center of pressure and center of gravity
Session Tasks
- Four dynamic forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, drag)
- Left-turning tendencies (P-factor, torque, spiraling slipstream, gyroscopic precession)
- Aerodynamics of stalls and spins (AOA, load factor, laminar vs. turbulent flow)
- Scenario-based applications provided by the instructor
ACS Reference: PA.I.F.K2–K3, PA.IV.C.K6 — Aerodynamics of Flight.
Lesson Objectives
- Define aircraft weight categories: BEW, gross weight, useful load, and max gross weight
- Perform W&B calculations using arm, moment, datum, and CG
- Explain pressure altitude vs. density altitude and calculate DA from given conditions
- Describe how altitude, temperature, and humidity affect aircraft performance
- Use POH performance charts for takeoff and landing distances
Session Tasks
- Weight & balance fundamentals and CG calculations
- Altitude and air density (pressure altitude, density altitude, humidity)
- Takeoff and landing performance charts
- Scenario-based applications provided by the instructor
ACS Reference: PA.I.F.K1–K4 — Performance and Limitations.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain primary and secondary flight controls and their axes of movement
- Describe the powerplant, fuel, landing gear, hydraulic, and electrical systems
- Explain the pitot-static system and failure modes
- Describe gyroscopic instruments, vacuum vs. electric power, rigidity and precession
- Identify all critical V-speeds and differentiate IAS, CAS, and TAS
Session Tasks
- Flight control systems (primary and secondary)
- Airplane systems (powerplant, fuel, landing gear, hydraulic, electrical, anti-ice/de-ice)
- Pitot-static system and instruments (ASI, VSI, ALT) and errors
- Gyroscopic system (AI, HI, TC — vacuum vs. electric)
- Avionics and EFIS (AHRS, Garmin G5)
- V-speeds and airspeed types
ACS Reference: PA.I.G.K1a–K1j, PA.I.F.K1–K2 — Aircraft Systems.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify and apply airspace classifications (Class A–G) and SUA restrictions
- Complete a NavLog with accurate headings, times, and fuel calculations
- Interpret a sectional chart including airspace, MEFs, and symbology
- Extract airport data from the Chart Supplement and read a standard taxi diagram
- Obtain and apply a standard weather briefing; execute a diversion using the 5 C's
Session Tasks
- Airspace and SUA classification and entry requirements
- Sectional chart interpretation (MEF, magnetic variation, navaids, obstacles)
- Chart Supplement, taxi diagrams, hot spots, LAHSO
- MSA, speed limits (91.117), and right-of-way rules (91.113)
- XC route and flight planning (NavLog, E6B, W&B, fuel requirements)
- Weather and NOTAMs; lost procedures and the 5 C's
ACS Reference: PA.I.D.K1–K4, PA.I.E.K2, PA.II.D.K1–K6, PA.VI.C.K1–K2 — Cross-Country Planning.
Lesson Objectives
- Demonstrate understanding of aviation weather theory and its impact on operations
- Interpret METARs, TAFs, winds aloft, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and convective SIGMETs
- Explain VFR weather minimums per 14 CFR 91.155 across all airspace classes
- Identify hazardous weather: thunderstorm stages, microbursts, LLWS, icing, fog types
- Apply weather information to ADM and risk management
Session Tasks
- Weather regulations and flight planning (VFR minimums, ForeFlight, 1-800-WX-BRIEF)
- Aviation weather products (METAR, TAF, AIRMET, SIGMET, PIREP, radar/satellite)
- Weather theory (pressure systems, fronts, isobars, prognostic charts)
- Thunderstorms and convective weather (3 stages, microbursts, LLWS)
- Visibility hazards and icing (structural types, freezing level, avoidance)
ACS Reference: PA.I.C.K1–K4 — Weather Information.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify the causes, symptoms, effects, and corrective actions for each type of hypoxia
- Explain the effects of hypoxia at night and when supplemental oxygen is required (91.211)
- Identify the five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes
- Apply the PAVE checklist and IMSAFE to real go/no-go scenarios
- State FAA regulations regarding alcohol and drugs (91.17)
Session Tasks
- Hypoxia (types, supplemental oxygen requirements, night considerations)
- Aeronautical decision-making (hazardous attitudes and antidotes)
- PAVE and IMSAFE checklists
- Alcohol and drug regulations (14 CFR 91.17)
ACS Reference: PA.I.H.K1a–K4 — Aeromedical Factors.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify appropriate actions during loss of communication (91.185)
- Explain procedures for vacuum, pitot-static, electrical, and navigational system failures
- Recognize spatial disorientation hazards during inadvertent IMC and describe recovery
- Understand and identify all magnetic compass errors
- Apply sound ADM to engine failures, emergency descents, electrical fires, and cabin smoke
Session Tasks
- Emergency communication (ATC light gun signals, lost comm, transponder codes)
- Aircraft systems failures (vacuum, pitot-static, electrical, navigational)
- Spatial disorientation (causes, vestibular illusions, inadvertent IMC recovery)
- Magnetic compass errors (dip, variation, deviation, acceleration, turning)
- Common emergency procedures (engine failure, emergency descent, fire, cabin smoke)
- ADM and emergency risk management
ACS Reference: PA.III.A.K3–K7, PA.IX.B–D, PA.VI.A.K2 — Emergency Procedures.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain the privileges and limitations of private pilot and instrument ratings
- Differentiate between airplane category, class, and type ratings
- Describe medical certification and BasicMed requirements and limitations
- Differentiate between currency and proficiency
- Explain instrument currency (6HITS), safety pilot requirements, and IPC
Session Tasks
- Requirements for certification and documentation (IR.I.A.K1–K2)
- Medical requirements: types, durations, BasicMed (IR.I.A.K4–K5)
- Aircraft category, class, and type; high-performance and complex requirements
- Proficiency vs. currency: recent flight experience (61.57), safety pilot (91.109)
- Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) and logging instrument time
ACS Reference: IR.I.A.K1–K5, IR.I.B.K1, IR.II.C.K1 — Pilot Qualifications. IFR certification, currency, medical requirements, and safety pilot operations.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify mandatory inspections required for flight into IMC
- Identify required IFR equipment using GRABCARD and apply to real-world scenarios
- Determine airworthiness using MEL, KOEL, TCDS, and STC documentation
- Explain procedures for inoperative equipment (91.213)
- Demonstrate knowledge of GPS database requirements and VOR checks (91.171)
Session Tasks
- Aircraft required documents and airworthiness (ARROW, AV1AATE inspections)
- GRABCARD required IFR equipment (91.205)
- MEL, KOEL, TCDS, STC — determining and maintaining airworthiness
- Navigation systems: GPS database requirements, VOR checks and operational requirements
- Required IFR inspections: pitot-static (91.411), altimeter, transponder (91.413)
ACS Reference: IR.II.A.K1, IR.II.B.K1–K3, IR.II.C.K2–K3 — Required Equipment and Airworthiness for IFR operations.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify DA/MDA and understand when to continue or discontinue an approach
- Differentiate between non-precision, precision, and APV approaches
- Explain ILS components, marker beacons (OM/MM/IM), and false glideslope hazards
- Understand circling approach advantages, disadvantages, and category requirements
- Identify when a procedure turn is required and when it may be omitted
Session Tasks
- Precision approaches: ILS components, missed approach, descent below DA (91.175)
- Non-precision approaches: VOR, RNAV, MDA, VDP, descent below MDA
- Circling approaches: category speeds, protected area, circling from precision/non-precision
- DME arcs and procedure turns
- Approach plate interpretation: briefing strip, plan view, profile view, minimums
- RNAV approach types: LPV, LNAV/VNAV, LNAV minimums differences
ACS Reference: IR.VI.A–D — Instrument Approach Procedures. Approach chart interpretation, precision vs. non-precision, minimums, missed approach, and circling per 14 CFR 91.175.
Lesson Objectives
- Plan an IFR flight and adhere to all applicable regulations
- Apply alternate planning and fuel requirements (1-2-3 Rule, 91.167, 91.169)
- Utilize T-routes and Victor airways to plan efficient IFR routes
- Comply with IFR cruising altitude requirements based on direction of travel (91.179)
- Interpret low en route chart symbols including MEA, MOCA, MRA, MCA, MAA, OROCA
Session Tasks
- IFR flight planning: minimum fuel requirements (91.167), preflight planning (NEWKRAF)
- Alternate planning: 1-2-3 Rule, alternate weather minimums (91.169)
- IFR cruising altitudes (91.179) and MEA/MOCA (91.177)
- Low en route charts: symbols, Victor airways, VOR/VORTAC, T-routes, SUA
- En route altitudes: MEA, MOCA, MRA, MTA, MCA, MAA, MVA, OROCA
ACS Reference: IR.I.C.K1–K5 — Cross-Country Flight Planning. IFR route planning, fuel requirements, alternate selection, and low en route chart interpretation.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain procedures for STARs, SIDs, DPs, and ODPs
- Interpret and comply with ATC instructions during arrival and departure
- Explain when and how a Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA) is conducted
- Calculate and apply required climb gradients for obstacle clearance
- Determine proper holding entries and maintain correct timing procedures
- Explain VFR-on-top and VFR-over-the-top operations
Session Tasks
- Arrival procedures: STARs, descent via clearances, chart symbols
- Departure procedures: SIDs, takeoff minimums, DPs/ODPs, VCOA, climb gradients
- Holding: EFC, entries and timing, holding speeds (91.117)
- ATC communication: IFR clearances at towered and non-towered airports
- Mandatory reporting points, VFR-on-top, and cancelling IFR
ACS Reference: IR.III.A–B, IR.V.B.K1–K2 — ATC and Procedures. Departure, arrival, holding, and IFR clearance procedures.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain the operation of the pitot-static system and associated instrument errors
- Differentiate between IAS, CAS, and TAS
- Demonstrate knowledge of gyroscopic principles and gyroscopic instrument operation
- Compare vacuum-driven, electrically driven, and AHRS-based instruments
- Explain VOR operation, reverse sensing, and proper CDI interpretation
Session Tasks
- Pitot-static system: operation, pitot/static port blockage effects, IAS/CAS/TAS differences
- Gyroscopic instruments: rigidity in space, precession, common errors and limitations
- Vacuum system failures and indications; vacuum vs. electric vs. AHRS comparison
- VOR systems: reverse sensing, CDI interpretation, line-of-sight and terrain effects, service volumes
ACS Reference: IR.II.A.K1, IR.II.B.K1b, IR.II.B.K2a — Flight Instruments. Pitot-static errors, gyroscopic principles, vacuum systems, and VOR operations.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain the purpose and function of RAIM and satellite requirements
- Describe RAIM prediction and preflight planning procedures
- Describe the effects of GPS degradation during all phases of flight
- Differentiate between WAAS and non-WAAS GPS equipment
- Identify WAAS approach capabilities: LP, LNAV/VNAV, and LPV
- Plan an alternate airport based on aircraft navigational equipment capabilities
Session Tasks
- RAIM: purpose, satellite requirements, preflight prediction, loss during RNAV approach
- SBAS: difference from RAIM, purpose and function
- WAAS: how it corrects GPS errors, approach capabilities, WAAS vs. non-WAAS
- WAAS degradation: outages, NOTAMs, approach downgrade, alternate planning
- Database requirements and proper actions if degradation occurs during approach
ACS Reference: IR.II.B.K2b–K3, IR.V.A.K2, IR.I.C.K1e — GPS Navigation Systems. RAIM, WAAS, degradation procedures, and alternate planning based on equipment capabilities.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify appropriate actions for loss of comm in both IMC and VMC (91.185)
- Explain procedures for vacuum, pitot-static, electrical, and navigational failures
- Demonstrate knowledge of partial panel operations and instrument scan
- Recognize spatial disorientation, vestibular illusions, and recovery methods
- Identify and explain all magnetic compass errors
Session Tasks
- Loss of comm: VMC and IMC procedures (91.185), transponder codes, IFR altitudes
- Aircraft systems failures: vacuum, pitot-static, electrical, navigational
- Partial panel: recognition of failed instruments, control using remaining instruments
- Spatial disorientation: causes, vestibular illusions, visual illusions, prevention and recovery
- Compass errors: acceleration/deceleration, turning errors, magnetic dip, deviation
- ADM: risk assessment, available resources, emergency checklists, automation use
ACS Reference: IR.III.A.K1–K3, IR.II.A.K1–K2, IR.II.B.K1, IR.IV.B.K1–K4 — Emergency Procedures. Loss of comm, systems failures, partial panel, and spatial disorientation for IFR operations.
Lesson Objectives
- Demonstrate understanding of pressure systems, fronts, and associated weather
- Differentiate between AIRMETs, SIGMETs, convective SIGMETs, and CWAs
- Interpret METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, winds aloft, and weather charts
- Identify freezing level, structural icing hazards, and thunderstorm development
- Recognize hazards of microbursts, LLWS, embedded thunderstorms, and fog types
Session Tasks
- Pressure systems and fronts: high/low pressure, warm/cold/stationary/occluded fronts
- Weather advisories: AIRMETs, SIGMETs, convective SIGMETs, CWAs
- Weather reports and forecasts: PIREPs, NOTAMs, METARs, TAFs, GFAs, prog charts, radar/satellite
- Icing: freezing level, structural types, hazards, avoidance, and forecasting
- Thunderstorms: stages, LLWS, microbursts, embedded thunderstorms, avoidance
- Fog types: radiation, advection, upslope, steam, ice fog; smoke/haze/ash
ACS Reference: IR.I.B.K1–K3 — Weather Information. IFR weather theory, products, hazards, and application to aeronautical decision-making and IFR flight planning.
Lesson Objectives
- Understand the causes, symptoms, and effects of each type of hypoxia
- Identify supplemental oxygen requirements (91.211) and effects of altitude on oxygen saturation
- Explain the five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes
- Recognize the effects of alcohol and drugs on pilot performance and applicable regulations (91.17)
- Apply ADM and IMSAFE to aeromedical and operational scenarios
Session Tasks
- Hypoxia: types, causes, symptoms, corrective action, supplemental oxygen requirements
- Aeronautical decision-making: hazardous attitudes and antidotes
- IMSAFE checklist applied to aeromedical scenarios
- Alcohol and drugs: performance effects and 14 CFR 91.17 regulations
ACS Reference: IR.I.C.K2 — Aeromedical Factors. Hypoxia, supplemental oxygen, hazardous attitudes, IMSAFE, and alcohol/drug regulations for IFR operations.
PIC Leadership
More than a knowledge test
Passing a checkride means demonstrating judgment, not just memorizing regulations. We train you to think and lead like a pilot in command from day one.
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Decision-Making Under Pressure
Real scenario work that forces you to reason through competing priorities — fuel, weather, passengers, ATC — and make sound calls in real time.
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Risk Management First
Every lesson integrates the PAVE checklist and 5P model so risk assessment becomes instinctive, not an afterthought before departure.
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Communication & CRM
You're responsible for everyone on board. We develop the habit of briefing passengers, managing cabin distractions, and staying ahead of the aircraft.
Training Staff
Who you'll learn from
Every TPC instructor is FAA certificated and brings real-world aviation experience into every session — not just textbook knowledge.
CAO & VP of Pilot Training
Elliot Jordan
Elliot is an Air Traffic Controller, FAA Safety Team Representative, and Certified Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument with deep expertise in aviation safety and instructing pilots to become leaders in the flight deck.
Director of Virtual Training
Kevin Claus
Kevin is a FAA Commercial Multi Engine Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument (CFII) and is currently finishing up his master's degree in Aviation Safety. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for teaching.
TPC Certificate
Complete all lessons. Earn your credential.
Each lesson can be taken individually to target a specific gap. Complete the full checkride prep series and TPC will issue you a certificate of completion — a recognition of the thoroughness you brought to your training.
View All Lessons →TPC
Certificate of Completion
Aviation Career Center — Checkride Prep Series
Awarded to
For completing all required modules of the
TPC Checkride Prep Curriculum
ACS Aligned
FAA CFI Verified
8 Modules