Private Pilot Ground
School Course Outline
Theory of Flight
During this session we will discuss
airframe construction, forces acting on an aircraft in flight, movements and
controls, aircraft stability and flight performance.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 21 – 39
During this session we will discuss
airframe construction, control surfaces and common words. There will also be
discussion of different types of aircraft.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 9-20
Aero Engines and
Topics covered will include types of
combustion engines, the four stroke cycle, engine timing, cooling, lubrication,
fuel systems, carburetors, mixture control, exhaust system, ignition system,
electrical system, propellers, engine instruments and engine operation
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 51 – 85
Regulations, Licensing Requirements and PSTAR
The aim of this class is to review rules
of the air and procedures. Students are expected to study the AIM references
outlined in the PSTAR study guide PRIOR to attending this class.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 91 – 119, PSTAR
study guide, AIM LRA section and CARs
Requirements & Radio License (ROC-A and Exam)
You will learn about what is required for
your Private Pilot License. During this lesson you will learn about the
phonetic alphabet and how to use it in aviation. At the end of this lesson you may
be given the Restricted Operators Certificate Exam for Aviation. Bring in your Passport to process the ROC-A efficiently.
Reference: AIM LRA section, Industry
ROC-A Study Guide
This lesson will involve an analysis of
atmospheric pressure, the pitot static system, gyroscopic theory and associated
instruments. The magnetic compass will also be discussed.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 39 – 50 and 179
Airmanship and Performance
During this session we will discuss care
of the airplane, weight and balance, factors affecting aircraft performance and
performance charts, wake turbulence, and handling flight abnormalities.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 259 to 297, AIM
AIR section, POH,
In this class we will discuss the
atmosphere, clouds, pressure, winds, humidity, temperature and stability. There
will be further training about air masses, fronts, precipitation, fog types,
thunderstorms, icing and turbulence. We will look at available weather data,
decoding and analyzing weather observations and forecasts from METARs, TAFs,
FDs and GFAs.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 123 – 172, AIM
Navigation I: Basic
During this session we will discuss latitude
and longitude, the earth’s magnetism and aeronautical charts. Later we will
discuss departure procedures and getting back on track. During the practical
portion of the class, you will learn about using the E6-B, Douglas Protractor,
Charts and flight log. Near the end of the lesson we will start to plan a trip
from CYTZ to Muskoka.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 175 - 179, 184 –
206 Flight Computer User Manual, VNC, POH, CFS
Radio Aids to
In this class we will discuss radio wave
theory, the theory of operation, application of various radio aids to
navigation including VOR, NDB, ADF, DME, VORTAC, TACAN, ILS, radar, transponder
and GPS devices.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 227 – 255
Topics to include aerodrome layout,
traffic procedures, the Canadian Airspace System, radio wave theory and
frequency bands, radio communication facilities and procedures.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 91 – 105, 207 –
226 and ROC-A study guide
Human Factors & Pilot
Decision Making (PDM)
This class analyzes the pilot decision
making process and other related issues such as pilot attitude, the “DECIDE”
process, human factors, and air safety. Medical factors affecting pilots such
as hypoxia, carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperventilation, decompression
sickness, sensory illusions, alcohol, drugs, blood donation, fatigue,
pregnancy, nutrition, stress and physical fitness.
Reference: From the Ground Up, pages 303 – 319, AIM
AIM = Aeronautical Information Manual
RTOC = Radio Telephone Operator’s Certificate
= Pilot Operating Handbook