AVI 130 - Private Pilot Ground School

1. Identify airplanes, their construction, the power plant and related systems, flight control systems, instruments, basic aerodynamics
   1. Explain the requirements and steps necessary to become a safe and responsible licensed private pilot
   2. Familiarize the student with aircraft nomenclature and basic aerodynamics.
   3. Explain the principles of operation and the proper use of an airplane reciprocating engine. Become familiar with the theory and utilization of associated engine systems and cockpit engine instruments
   4. Provide basic comprehension of the theory of operation and the systems that activate cockpit flight instruments. Learn to coordinate outside visual references with flight instruments
   5. Evaluate aircraft performance by considering the effect of varying atmospheric and runway conditions
2. Study rules, regulations and procedures used while operating an aircraft in the vicinity of different types of airports and airspace
   1. Explain the types of airspace and airports
   2. Give the scope and sources of government publications that relate to aviation.
   3. Identify the definitions, applications and enforcement procedures for those federal aviation regulations and national transportation safety board regulations that relate to the student and private pilot
3. Prepare student to use weather and flight information, reference material, and aircraft equipment to plan and execute a cross-country flight
   1. Familiarize the student with basic principles of navigation and to teach the application of the different methods of air navigation
   2. Introduce the basic operating principles of the most commonly used radio navigation aids and to teach their proper use
4. Review the procedures for calculating weight and balance and performance capabilities.
   1. Teach hazards of improper airplane loading, legal requirements for and the advantage of proper loading
   2. Calculate an aircraft’s weight and center of gravity using aircraft weight and balance documents
   3. Calculate aircraft performance capabilities in varying atmospheric conditions, using a pilot’s operating handbook
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how the atmosphere acts to produce weather and how this weather affects flight safety
   1. Study the general characteristics of the atmosphere and the specifics of aviation weather relevant to the private pilot
   2. Identify the sources and types of aviation weather charts, forecasts, and reports.
6. Show how to use various flight information publications for flight planning or reference use
   1. Learn to determine if a publication is current and whether it is intended to be read as a source of information to pilots or to be research as a reference tool when planning a flight
   2. Interpret and use sectional charts and an airport facility directory to become familiar with intended route of flight and destination airports
7. Perform computations using an E6-B Flight Computer
   1. Determine the number of degree correction needed to fly a straight path when being blow off course by wind
   2. Determine groundspeed based on wind effect
   3. Determine rate of fuel burn based on groundspeed
   4. Determine estimated time of arrival to destination
8. Learn the FAA safety procedures and anti-terrorist tactics
   1. Understand emergency transponder codes and emergency procedures for hijacked airplanes
   2. Learn requirements to comply with temporary flight restrictions
9. Understand technically advanced aircraft
   1. Learn components of a glass cockpit
   2. Interpret instrument information displayed on a glass panel
   3. Understand power sources and minimum operating requirements for glass cockpits
   4. Learn how to load approaches, departures and arrivals in technically advanced aircraft