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I know that there is a written exam that you are required to take, but do you have to go to a class in order to study for that test? If I'm really good at just learning from a book, can I just learn that way, maybe take a couple practice tests and then take the exam? Or are they going to need proof that I went to some certified class?
More subjectively: Assuming it's allowable, is it a bad idea?
In Canada, you are required to have 40 hours of ground school instruction. See Canadian Aviation Regulations 421.26 (3)(a):
completed a minimum of 40 hours private pilot aeroplane ground school instruction on the following subjects ...
Ground school instruction is defined as (CARS 400.01):
classroom-type instruction generally given to one or more persons and covering an organized program of lectures, homework or self-paced study that adheres to an approved training program.
So, you can learn by self-study, but it needs to be an approved training program. This would mean that a flight instructor would need to sign off on the self-study program.
If you are unable to attend a ground school, the self-study method can be satisfactory, provided you obtain the proper study materials and devote a reasonable amount of time to study.
The regulation is at Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, §61.35(a)(1):
Received an endorsement, if required by this part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test ...
Because in both cases an instructor must sign off on your preparedness for the examination, and passing the examination demonstrates that you meet the standard, in my opinion, the only thing that would make self-study a bad idea is if self-study is not an effective learning method for you, which could delay your training.
My students have not been typical, and many are scientists and engineers, and motivated high school students. Only one, out of hundreds has taken a formal "ground school." Probably 50 (just a guess) have bought, borrowed or somehow used videos or online coursework. The rest (hundreds), have elected to study on their own. I provide a modified FAA syllabus, my supplemental syllabus, and pointers to a large number of resources. I also provide a reading list. Since I am in the Northeastern US, they read "Weather Flying," by Robert Buck. Even if they are a primary student, I want them to understand many of the things Buck talks about. But that is just an example.
Most of my students meet with each other for review sessions, and if they get stuck on something, I might get a call.
This method won't work for everyone. Many flight schools make money by offering ground schools. Many CFIs are more comfortable with their students getting a comprehensive ground course in a more formal setting. Some students might be more comfortable with a structured classroom.
However, when the students have free reign to explore their material, I find they do better. As an example, one student had a hard time with turbulence in flight as a primary student, and she studied weather phenomena and became quite knowledgeable on lifted index, and so on. This is typical of students who are curious and motivated.
So if one is disinclined to go with a traditional ground school, and your instructor(s) are supportive, from my experience it is not only doable, but can produce superior results. Oh, on the written? I cannot remember any student getting below a 94. It may have happened, but if it did it was unmemorable.
I realize that this answer is not laden with regs and manual quotes, but it reflects experiences having instructed for 40 some years.
An aside for CFIs, the rules may have changed recently, but I normally sign off for the written with my AGI certificate. The record keeping requirement is different.
As noted above, a ground school is not required by the FAA but a sign-off by an instructor is.
I do not know if this is still valid, but a decade ago, one of the big pilot training companies (King? Sporty's? Gleim?) would send you the equivalent of an instructor's endorsement after you took that company's ground school course in the comfort of your own home. So at least back then, yes, if you sent in the required completed home school tests, you did not need to attend a ground school class.
Is it a good idea? I vote NO. the reason is that these courses teach pretty specifically to the tests and little else. There is a lot of knowledge that you won't get by taking these courses without an instructor even though you can pass the test. Remember that they are teaching the MINIMUM you need to be safe. Choose well.
A ‘ground school’ per se is not a required part of a Part 61 flight training program but ground instruction is an integral component of Part 61 instruction per §61.105 and §61.107. The FAA has tightened down considerably on this stuff and it’s a good idea for CFIs to document this ground work with logbook endorsements verifying all items of §61.105(b)(1-13) and §61.107(b)(1-10).
As for home study ground school programs like Sportys, King Schools, Jeppesen, etc., they are acceptable, though I recommend using the FAA handbooks for this as they are much more concise and succinct and the FAA will inevitably test you on their content. If you have questions from the reading, you are advised to discuss this with your flight instructor. As to in classroom ground schools, I can advise that they are useful in some respects as they can help you with ‘catches’ in the regulations and learning the enormous amount of material that goes into flight training.
