Aviation Ground School & Test Prep
Teach aviation ground school and test preparation courses
Overview
Ground schools charge $400-$1,200 per student.
Teaching 100-400 students annually generates $100,000-$500,000 annually with 75-90% margins.
In 2025, aspiring pilots need comprehensive ground training before flight training.
Services include private pilot ground school, instrument rating ground school, commercial pilot ground school, written test preparation, online and in-person classes, and study materials.
Successful ground schools provide comprehensive curriculum, use quality materials (King Schools, Sporty's), offer flexible scheduling (evening/weekend), maintain high pass rates, and provide ongoing support.
Can offer in-person or online courses (or both).
Marketing through local airports, flight schools, aspiring pilots, and online presence.
Required Skills
- Aviation Knowledge
- Teaching & Presentation
- Curriculum Development
- FAA Regulations
- Online Course Platforms
- Student Support
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low overhead classroom-based business
- Can offer online courses (scalable)
- Every student pilot needs ground training
- Flexible scheduling possible
- Can teach multiple courses simultaneously
Cons
- Lower revenue than flight instruction
- Competition from online courses
- Seasonal enrollment patterns
- Must stay current with FAA changes
- Marketing to attract students
How to Get Started
- Build comprehensive aviation knowledge
- Develop ground school curriculum
- Choose delivery method (in-person, online, hybrid)
- Get quality teaching materials
- Set course schedule and pricing
- Market through flight schools and airports
- Build reputation through student pass rates
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