Tips to Get the Most Out of Online Ground Instruction
Once you decide to use one-on-one online ground instruction, it’s important to approach it in a way that maximizes your learning and bang for your buck.
Updated May 15, 2025 Here are some tips and strategies for student pilots to get the best value from their online sessions:
1. Choose the Right Instructor
Not all CFIs are the same. If possible, find an instructor who is not only knowledgeable, but also comfortable with online teaching tools.
Many instructors now advertise online ground training services – look for those who mention things like personalized lessons and flexible scheduling. It’s a bonus if they have experience or good reviews specifically for instruction via video call.
A quick introductory meeting (many offer a free or low-cost initial session) can help you see if their teaching style fits your learning style.
2. Schedule Regular Sessions
Treat online ground school with the same seriousness and routine as you would an in-person class.
Set up a consistent schedule – for example, every Tuesday and Thursday evening for 1 hour, or every Saturday morning – whatever fits your life. Regular frequency (at least once a week, if not more) will keep your momentum up.
Also, plan sessions to complement your flight schedule: if you have a flight lesson coming up, try to do a ground session beforehand to cover relevant knowledge.
During intensive phases of training, you might even do short check-ins after each flight to debrief and clarify questions while the experience is fresh.
3. Prepare Before Each Session
To use your paid time efficiently, come prepared. Review the previous lesson’s notes, complete any reading or video assignments, and jot down questions you want to ask. If you’re going to cover a topic like weather or navigation, make sure you have the necessary materials at hand (e.g., sectional charts, plotter, E6B, FAR/AIM – whatever might be needed).
By preparing, you avoid spending the first 15 minutes of your session getting up to speed. One great approach is to do a bit of self-study on the topic first, then use the online session to solidify your understanding and quiz yourself.
This way, the instructor time is focused on areas you truly need help with. As Pilot Institute suggests, “do your homework and use your time wisely” – you’ll impress your instructor and save money.
4. Engage Actively During the Session
Online format doesn’t mean passive. Treat it like you would in-person tutoring: ask lots of questions, speak up when you don’t understand, and try to actively solve problems. Remember, one big advantage here is that you’re the only student – so you’re not holding anyone else up by diving deeper into a point. Take advantage of that!
As one training guide notes, “Engage with your instructors during these sessions, ask questions, and seek clarification on anything that’s unclear.”
If something isn’t clicking, ask your CFI to explain it another way – they can draw diagrams on a virtual whiteboard, show a video, or use a model. The more interactive you are, the more you’ll gain.
Some students find it useful to share their screen or use flight planning software during the session for a hands-on approach (for example, together plotting a cross-country route on ForeFlight or SkyVector as a learning exercise).
5. Minimize Distractions
Set yourself up in a quiet environment where you can focus. Turn off TV, put your phone on silent (unless you need it for the lesson), and let family members/roommates know not to disturb you.
Having a good headset with microphone can help you hear and be heard clearly, which reduces frustration.
Also, ensure your internet connection is stable – nothing disrupts learning like a call dropping out repeatedly. If necessary, coordinate a backup (like having a phone call on standby for audio if the video acts up).
6. Take Notes and Use Session Recordings
Just as you would in ground school, take notes during your online lessons. Writing things down helps retention. Many video conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype, etc.) also have a recording feature.
Ask your instructor’s permission to record the session – most will be fine with it if it’s for your personal study use. Having a recording means you can replay the lesson later to review complex explanations without having to schedule another paid session.
If recording isn’t an option, consider asking the instructor to summarize key points in the chat or via email after, or do it yourself immediately after the session while it’s fresh. These records will be invaluable when you’re studying for the FAA written or the oral exam.
One Part 141 academy that offers live online ground school even posts all sessions online for review, so students never miss anything – you can emulate this by creating your own library of lesson recordings.
7. Integrate Multimedia and Real-World Scenarios
One-on-one online training allows you to bring in multimedia resources easily. Don’t hesitate to use them. For example, if you had a difficult flight or a confusing ATC interaction, you might share a video or audio recording of it with your instructor over the screen-share (if you use a GoPro or audio recorder in your plane).
You two can then debrief it in detail. Or use Google Earth and weather briefings to simulate a real trip planning scenario. Instructors often appreciate when students connect theory to real-world situations – it makes the learning more practical and memorable.
Many online instructors advertise “scenario-based learning”, so take them up on that: work through hypothetical flights, emergencies, or planning tasks together.
8. Coordinate with Your Flight Instructor (if different)
If the CFI doing your online ground school is not the same as your flight instructor (for instance, you hired a remote ground instructor independently), make sure to keep your flight instructor in the loop. Let them know what you’re covering online.
This prevents any misalignment and ensures your flight instructor is confident in the knowledge you’re gaining.
Most instructors will be happy to see you taking initiative, but communication is key.
Ultimately, your flight instructor will be endorsing you for the practical test, so they need to trust your knowledge level. You can even invite your flight instructor to join an occasional online session if scheduling allows, or share notes/recordings with them.
9. Use Online Ground to Fill Specific Gaps
Finally, be strategic. If you’re already enrolled in a ground school or mostly self-studying, identify the topics you struggle with the most and use your online one-on-one time to focus on those.
For example, maybe you can self-learn regulations and aerodynamics from books, but you just can’t wrap your head around weight-and-balance calculations or VOR navigation. Spend an online lesson or two specifically on those tough areas.
The personalized help will likely get you past the hurdle much faster than grinding through alone. Similarly, as you approach your exams, you can use sessions for targeted exam prep – run through practice test questions that stump you, or do a rapid-fire Q&A with your instructor to simulate the checkride oral.
A focused hour on weak spots can make the difference between mediocre and excellent performance.
Following these strategies will ensure that you extract maximum value from each online lesson. Remember that while the instructor is there to guide you, you are in charge of your learning. The more effort and thought you put into the process, the more you’ll accelerate your progress.
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