Tradewind Flight Services
Flight instructor teaching Private Pilot Ground School at Tradewind Flight Services

Private Pilot Ground School

Open enrollment. Join any lesson. No long-term commitment required.

Open Enrollment

Start anytime — join any lesson on the schedule

Tue & Thu Evenings

6:00 – 8:00 PM, two-hour sessions

$55 Per Lesson

No long-term commitment required

Small Groups

Minimum two students required per session

Flexible Ground School Built for Real Life

Tradewind Flight Services offers an open-enrollment Private Pilot Ground School that fits your schedule. Classes meet two evenings a week and cover every topic on the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test — from aerodynamics and aircraft systems to weather, airspace, regulations, and navigation.

Because enrollment is open, you can start with any lesson on the calendar and work through the full curriculum at your own pace. Whether you're a brand-new student, a Part 61 learner, or a pilot returning after time away, there's a seat for you.

Topics Covered

Aerodynamics & Aircraft Systems
Weather Theory & Information Sources
Airspace & Chart Interpretation
FAA Regulations
Maneuvers & Performance
Weight & Balance
Emergencies & Survival
Navigation & Night Operations

Who This Is For

  • New aviation students
  • Part 61 learners
  • Pilots returning after time away
  • FAA Knowledge Test prep
  • Anyone wanting structured aviation theory without a full-course commitment
(252) 718-7510tfsi@tradewind-fsi.com
New Bern, NC

Current Course Calendar

November 3, 2026 – March 30, 2027 • All classes 6:00 – 8:00 PM

DateTopic
Tue Nov 3Introduction to Aviation, Course Overview, Basic Aerodynamics
Thu Nov 5Parts of the Airplane (Airframe, Controls, Pre-Flight)
Tue Nov 10Powerplant, Ignition, Induction/Fuel
Thu Nov 12Landing Gear, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical System
Tue Nov 17Pitot-Static & Gyroscopic Systems
Thu Nov 19Review (Weeks 1–3)
Tue Nov 24No Class – Thanksgiving
Thu Nov 26No Class – Thanksgiving
Tue Dec 1Aircraft Airworthiness
Thu Dec 3Personal Airworthiness
Tue Dec 8Cockpit Management
Thu Dec 10Human Factors
Tue Dec 15Runway Incursion Avoidance
Thu Dec 17Review (Weeks 4–6)
Tue Dec 22Weather – Atmosphere, Pressure, Fronts
Thu Dec 24No Class – Holiday Break
Tue Dec 29No Class – Holiday Break
Thu Dec 31No Class – Holiday Break
Tue Jan 5No Class – Holiday Break
Thu Jan 7Weather – Clouds, Thunderstorms, Icing
Tue Jan 12Weather Information Sources
Thu Jan 14Weather Review
Tue Jan 19Weight & Balance, Performance
Thu Jan 21Airspace (G, E, D)
Tue Jan 26Airspace (C, B, A)
Thu Jan 28Special Use Airspace, NOTAMs, TFRs
Tue Feb 2Chart Symbology Overflow
Thu Feb 4Airspace + Chart Review
Tue Feb 9Regulations (Parts 1, 23, 43, 61)
Thu Feb 11Part 91 + NTSB 830
Tue Feb 16Preflight, Post-Flight, V-Speeds
Thu Feb 18Basic Maneuvers
Tue Feb 23Slow Flight, Stalls
Thu Feb 25Steep Turns, Ground Reference
Tue Mar 2Chandelles, Lazy 8s, 8s on Pylons
Thu Mar 4Review (Weeks 12–14)
Tue Mar 9Spins & Radio Communications
Thu Mar 11Traffic Pattern Operations
Tue Mar 16Emergencies, Malfunctions, Survival Gear
Thu Mar 18Pilotage, Dead Reckoning, Magnetic Compass
Tue Mar 23Electronic Navigation + Airspace Review
Thu Mar 25Basic Instrument Maneuvers & Night Operations
Tue Mar 30Final Review

No classes during Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, or New Year's week.

Reserve Your Seat

Call or email us to receive the current schedule and reserve your spot. Classes require a minimum of two students — don't wait to sign up.

(252) 718-7510tfsi@tradewind-fsi.com