What you will learn
- Apply the four forces of flight and understand how they interact during every phase of flight.
- Interpret METARs, TAFs, and weather charts to make go/no-go decisions.
- Navigate using VOR, pilotage, and dead reckoning on cross-country flights.
- Calculate weight and balance and aircraft performance for safe operations.
- Apply FAA regulations governing private pilot privileges, limitations, and currency.
- Recognize and mitigate human factors hazards using ADM frameworks.
Topics covered
Aerodynamics & Principles of Flight
Four forces of flight, airfoil design, angle of attack, lift equation, drag types, ground effect, and turning tendency.
FAA Regulations (14 CFR Part 61 & 91)
Pilot certification requirements, currency, medical certificates, airspace rules, right-of-way, and operating limitations.
Aviation Weather
Atmosphere composition, pressure systems, fronts, cloud types, icing, thunderstorms, fog, METARs, TAFs, and weather briefings.
Navigation & Flight Planning
Pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR/NDB navigation, sectional charts, flight computers, fuel planning, and cross-country procedures.
Aircraft Performance & Weight and Balance
Performance charts, density altitude, takeoff and landing distances, weight and balance calculations, and CG limits.
Human Factors & Aeromedical
Hypoxia, spatial disorientation, vision limitations, ADM (Aeronautical Decision Making), IMSAFE checklist, and crew resource management.
Airport Operations
Runway markings, taxiway signs, lighting systems, NOTAMs, wake turbulence, and traffic pattern procedures.
Aircraft Systems & Instruments
Pitot-static system, gyroscopic instruments, engine operation, fuel systems, electrical systems, and vacuum systems.
Prerequisites
- •No prior aviation knowledge required — this module starts from fundamentals.
- •Basic math skills for performance calculations and navigation.
- •Access to a current FAR/AIM is recommended.