College launches private pilot ground school

LAKEWOOD RANCH — For the second time this year, State College of Florida is partnering with the Sarasota Aero Club to offer a private pilot ground school.

Classes will be held at the school's Lakewood Ranch Campus, 7131 Professional Parkway E., on Mondays and Wednesdays between July 11 and July 27, a statement says. The fee is $299, plus $65 for course materials.

The college held its inaugural private pilot ground school in May at its Venice campus.

Completion of the private pilot ground school is the first step in obtaining a private pilot certificate, the statement says. Students who complete the ground school can receive an endorsement certifying they are prepared to take the knowledge portion of the test for a private pilot certificate.

The ground school offers the aeronautical knowledge required of private pilots, including aerodynamics, how the systems of a plane work, weather conditions to avoid, FAA regulations, principals of navigation and stall/spin awareness. The school will also cover accident reporting requirements and aeromedical factors.