Ground School
St. Simons Ground School
Register now to reserve your spot for the upcoming St. Simons classes.
Classes every Tuesday and Thursday, Feb 10 – April 30 at Coastal Pines Technical College.
Cost: $550 (includes textbook and materials)
Reserve Your Spot*Seats are limited and fill up quickly. Don't miss out!
Southport Private Pilot Ground School
Register now to reserve your spot for the upcoming Southport Ground School classes.
Classes every Tuesday and Thursday, Jan 6 – Mar 26 at Brunswick Community College Leland Center.
Cost: $180
Reserve Your Spot*Seats are limited and fill up quickly. Don't miss out!
Southport Instrument Ground School
Register now to reserve your spot for the upcoming Wilmington classes.
Classes every Monday and Wednesday, Jan 5 – Mar 30 at Brunswick Community College Leland Center.
Cost: $180
Reserve Your Spot*Seats are limited and fill up quickly. Don't miss out!
Ground School Training is available in
- Southport, NC
- St Simons Island, GA
- Wilmington, NC
What is Ground School?
High Tide Aviation's ground school is where your aviation journey begins. As the foundation of pilot training, ground school equips students with the essential knowledge required to become safe, confident pilots. Instruction is led by experienced aviation professionals who bring real-world flying insight into every lesson.
Students explore core aviation subjects including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, weather interpretation, flight planning, radio communication, and Federal Aviation Regulations. Lessons are interactive and designed to ensure true understanding — not rote memorization.
Upon completion, students are prepared to take the FAA knowledge (written) examination and move confidently into flight training. Whether your goal is recreational flying or a professional pilot career, ground school sets the stage for everything that follows.
Program Prerequisites
Before joining us, ensure you meet the following criteria:
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Minimum Age: Must be at least 16 years old to enroll in ground school.
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No Prior Experience Required: This course is designed for beginners. No previous flight training is necessary.
Enrollment Process
Ready to take the first step toward your aviation goals? Here's how:
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Choose Your Program: Select the ground school option that best fits your goals — in-person, location-based, or online.
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Reserve Your Seat: In-person classes have limited enrollment. Registration closes automatically once full.
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Get Started: Complete your enrollment and begin building the knowledge needed to succeed as a pilot.
Interested in online ground school?
We've partnered with Gold Seal to offer you a discounted online ground school course
Cost Estimates
In-Person Private Pilot Ground School (Brunswick CC)
An immersive, in-person Private Pilot Ground School designed specifically for first-time pilots.
January 5, 2026 – March 26, 2026 | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–9 PM
Starting at
$180
Reserve Your Seat- 12-week in-person ground school
- Twice-weekly live instruction with experienced aviation professionals
- Interactive classroom environment with real-world application
- Covers aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and flight planning
- Direct path to FAA Private Pilot written endorsement
- Small class size with limited seats
- FAA written exam fee not included
- Books and supplies not included
Instrument Rating Ground School
Advance your training with structured instrument rating ground instruction.
Offered during select semesters
Starting at
$180
Enroll Now- Instrument flying principles and navigation systems
- Federal Aviation Regulations and aeromedical factors
- Preparation for the FAA Instrument Rating written exam
- Books and supplies not included
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)
Offered during select semesters
Starting at
$125
Start Drone Training- Commercial and recreational drone operations
- Airspace, weather, and regulatory compliance
- Human factors and UAV performance
- Preparation for FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam
- Books and supplies not included
One-on-One Ground School
Personalized ground school instruction tailored to your schedule and goals.
Starting at
Custom
Contact for Custom Quote- Custom-paced instruction
- Flexible scheduling
- Direct instructor support
*Please note all prices are approximate and based on FAA minimums*
Explore financing optionsFuture Pathways
What comes after my Ground School training?
Private Pilot
Start Your Journey
Build on your ground school foundation and take your first steps into flight training.
Commercial Pilot
Fly for Your Career
Turn your passion for aviation into a professional career.
Flight Instructor
Train the Next Class
Become a CFI, CFII, or MEI and help shape the next generation of pilots.