WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PRIVATE PILOT GROUND SCHOOL ? The Private Pilot Ground School is designed to assist the student pilot in preparation for the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam, as well as provide a refresher course for experienced pilots wishing to brush up on their skills.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR TAKING THE COURSE? There are no prerequisites, except for an interest in aviation, and a desire to learn.

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL BE COVERED DURING THE COURSE ? Subjects will include aerodynamics, aircraft systems, physiology, aeronautical charts, airspace, meteorology, communications, weight & balance, aircraft performance, navigation, and regulations.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE COMPLETE COURSE SYLLABUS ? A copy of the syllabus can be obtained at the customer service desk of West Houston Airport, or on line at www.westhoustonairport.com/PVTGround.htm
WILL THERE BE HOMEWORK ? There will be reading assignments, to be completed prior to each class.
WILL THERE BE A LOT OF MATH INVOLVED ? No more than basic addition and subtraction will be required on paper, or in flight. Some multiplication and division may be required while planning flights, but can be solved with any standard or aviation calculator.

HOW IS THE CLASS CONDUCTED ? A typical class may include any or all of the following: classroom lecture and discussion; video presentation by Jeppesen; live demonstrations; practiced use of charts and tools; and field trips.
WHAT TYPE OF FIELD TRIPS ARE TAKEN ? Past trips have included tours of a Flight Service Station (FSS), an Air Route Traffic Control Center (AFRCC), an FAA Control Tower, and NASA Flight Physiology Training with high altitude simulation. Each of these greatly depends upon current National Security Levels as well as facility availability.

WHO TEACHES THE COURSE ? The course is taught by an FAA Licensed, Advanced Ground Instructor. The current instructor is Assistant Airport Manager, Randy "Chip" Dale, who has been flying since 1991, and serves as a volunteer pilot for the Civil Air Patrol.
HOW CAN THE INSTRUCTOR BE CONTACTED ? Randy "Chip" Dale can reached at (281) 492-2130, or by email at chip@westhoustonairport.com.

WHERE IS THE COURSE TAUGHT ? The class meets in the flight school class room, located on the second floor of the main terminal of West Houston Airport, 18000 Groschke Rd, Houston, Texas.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE NEXT SESSION ? The next class session will begin on Monday, June 16, 2008, and will run for twelve weeks, ending on September 1, 2008.
CAN I BEGIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COURSE ? Yes. The course is modularized (as much as reasonably possible) to allow each class to stand on it’s own. This allows a new student to start his ground training as soon as possible, instead of waiting for the next session. Any missed classes can be taken at the beginning of the following session.
ON WHAT DAYS IS CLASS ? The class is taught every Monday night, with only a few exceptions for holidays or weather.
DURING WHAT TIME IS CLASS ? Classes are held from 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm, with a brief, mid-class break.

HOW MANY CLASSES ARE REQUIRED FOR COURSE COMPLETION ? A minimum of eight (of the twelve total) classes must be completed to meet the minimum course requirements.
WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS ? It is not mandatory to complete any single specific class. However, to best keep up with the class, it is recommended that all reading and homework assignments still be completed.
HOW DO I MADE UP A CLASS ? A class can be made up through individual, one-on-one ground instruction. The class instructor should be contacted for scheduling. The class can also be taken during the following session (offered approximately every three months).
WHAT IF I AM LATE TO CLASS ? Late arrivals are accepted within the first thirty minutes of class. However it is important to be as punctual as possible, to insure complete coverage of the class material as well as reduce the disruption to other students. If more than thirty minutes of a class is missed, a make-up class should be considered.
CAN I COME BACK TO REPEAT CLASSES IN THE FUTURE ? Once a class has been completed, the student may repeat that same class during the following year, at no cost.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO CLASS WITH ME ? One friend or family member can attend any class for one-half price, when accompanied by a regular rate student.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR THE COURSE ? The cost for the course is $45.00 per night, for a total of $540.00.
DO ALL FEES HAVE TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE ? The course can be paid for in advance with a single payment, or paid for individually, week-by-week.
IS THERE ANY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ? If the entire course is paid for in advance, a ten-percent discount will be applied to the total payment.
WHERE / WHEN DO I PAY FOR CLASS EACH WEEK ? All students should check-in at the Customer Service Desk, located on the first floor of the airport main terminal. This should occur at least 5-10 minutes before each class, at which time payments can be made. An invoice will be provided to each student, and used for sign-in during class.

WHAT BOOKS ARE REQUIRED ? The primary text book used is the Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual. Other useful books may include publications by the Federal Aviation Administration, and various study guides.
WHAT ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED ? Some additional items will be required through out the course, and include a flight computer, plotter, navigation forms, a sectional chart and airport directory. A full detailed list will be provided in class.
WHERE CAN THESE BOOKS AND SUPPLIES BE PURCHASED ? All of these books and supplies can be purchased at the main airport terminal, at any time.
IS A GROUND SCHOOL SUPPLY PACKAGE AVAILABLE ? A complete ground school starter kit containing all required items can be purchased at a discounted price, at the customer service counter.

WILL THERE BE TESTS ? Take-home quizzes will be handed out at the end of most classes. These quizzes will consist of actual FAA questions relating to that classes’ subject material. Answers will be provided and reviewed at the beginning of the next class. These quizzes are not graded, and can be retained by the student for review.
IS THERE A FINAL EXAM ? The final exam will consist of a supervised, practice written test. It will simulate the FAA testing conditions, including the same number of random questions, time limit, and limitations on use of resources. A minimum score of 70% is required, to receive an instructor endorsement, necessary to take the actual FAA exam.
AFTER COURSE COMPLETION, WHERE CAN I TAKE THE FAA WRITTEN EXAM ? The official FAA written test can be taken at any one of many testing facilities in the Houston area, including LASER GRADE located at West Houston Airport. LASER GRADE can be reached at (281) 829-0020. A listing of other facilities can be found online through the Houston Flight Standards District Office.
FOR HOW LONG ARE THE TEST RESULTS VALID ? The written exam test results are valid for two years, for application toward the completion of a Private Pilot's License.

IS ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE ? Additional instruction is available through any of West Houston Airport's certified instructors. This instruction may include the make-up of missed classes, and clarification of subject material, as well as primary and advanced flight training.

HOW DO I GET STARTED ? To get started in the Private Pilot Ground school, simply show up at the West Houston Airport main terminal between 6:30 and 6:45 pm for first time registration.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE ? No advanced registration is required, however books and supplies can be purchased in advance for early review.

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