Formal Ground Schools

Kevin Olson of Centerline Flight LLC in association with Twin Cities Flying Club is pleased to offer an Instrument Pilot Ground School beginning January 2008. This unique aviation ground school is perfect for the Private Pilot who is interested in working toward their instrument rating and preparing for the FAA Instrument Pilot knowledge exam.

This ground school will also be valuable to individuals who work in the aviation industry and want a better understanding of the world of instrument flying, aircraft navigation and the Air Traffic Control system.  The class will also address topics such as Intercontinental Travel, IRS (Inertial Reference Systems), RNP (Required Navigational Performance) and how these fit into pilot planning and large aircraft navigation.  (Note that completion of the Private Pilot ground school is not a prerequisite for this class.)

The ground school will also include a special segment aimed specifically at rated instrument pilots who want to build confidence and improve their knowledge of instrument flying.  The advanced segment will focus specifically on GPS technology, GPS approaches, Garmin GPS navigator techniques and tricks, with a special emphasis on incorporating WAAS into your everyday flying.  Garmin 430W and 530W units will be the main focus for learning proper use and instrument approach techniques.  Free downloadable GPS simulators will be used extensively for learning and practice.

The full instrument ground school will run for 13 weeks and be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. beginning January 8, 2008.  The class will run through April 1, 2008.  The advanced ground school segment (for already rated instrument pilots) will "piggy-back" on the full ground school and will take place during the last five weeks of the class, beginning on Tuesday March 4, 2008.  The exact location for this ground school has not yet been finalized, but it will likely be in the Plymouth/Maple Grove area.  The class location will be communicated to class participants as soon as plans are finalized.

The course fee for the full instrument ground school is $350, which includes the class text, FAA knowledge exam prep book, instrument charts, etc.  The course fee for the advanced pilot segment is $150 and includes all necessary materials.  This popular course is limited to 20 participants and will likely fill very quickly.  Registration will begin immediately, with a registration deadline of Friday November 30, 2007. 

Registered participants will receive additional class information, including a full class syllabus in early December.  Class text and other supplies will be distributed at the first class.  In the meantime, if you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kevin Olson at kpo@centerlineflight.com or by phone at 612-239-9627.