146 products

Popular flight training materials at a glance

Product Type Best for
Gleim 2026 Deluxe Private Pilot Kit Complete training kit Self-study students who want everything in one Gleim package
ASA Complete Private Pilot Starter Kit Part 61 Complete training kit Part 61 students starting from zero
Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual Illustrated textbook Visual learners who want a single deep reference
Rod Machado's Private Pilot/Commercial Handbook Textbook Students who learn best with humor and plain-English explanations
FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) FAA reference handbook The foundational text behind every knowledge test
ASA 2026 FAR/AIM Regulations reference Every pilot and instructor, every rating
ASA Remote Pilot Test Prep Test prep Part 107 drone pilots preparing for the FAA exam
ASA Instrument Procedures Handbook FAA reference handbook Instrument students and IFR pilots refining procedures
Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot Advanced reference Commercial and professional pilots wanting one deep answer book

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Why buy from Pilot Mall

  • The full certification ladder: materials organized by certificate and rating, from first solo to ATP-level study.
  • Trusted publishers: ASA, Jeppesen, Gleim, Rod Machado, and the official FAA handbooks, all in one place.
  • Aviation only: we sell pilot gear and nothing else, so our team knows which materials match your stage of training.
  • Trusted for 25-plus years: thousands of students and instructors rely on Pilot Mall for their study library.
  • Free U.S. shipping over $100: stock up on kits and handbooks and qualify with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ground school for pilots?

Ground school is the knowledge portion of pilot training, separate from time in the airplane. It covers aerodynamics, weather, navigation, federal aviation regulations, airspace, aircraft systems, and radio communications. You can complete it in a classroom, through an online self-paced course, or by self-study, and it prepares you for the FAA knowledge test and oral exam.

Is ground school required for a private pilot license?

Formal ground school is not a standalone legal requirement, but the underlying knowledge is. Before you can take the FAA written test for a private pilot certificate you must receive ground training and an endorsement from an authorized instructor. Ground school, in any format, is simply the most reliable way to gain that knowledge and earn the endorsement.

How long does ground school take?

It depends on the format. An intensive in-person course often runs about two to six weeks, while online self-paced programs typically take two to three months as students fit study around work. Self-study timelines vary widely. Under Part 141, an approved private pilot ground curriculum requires a minimum of 35 hours of instruction.

Can you do ground school online?

Yes. Online self-paced ground school is one of the most popular options because you can study on your own schedule, and many programs include an endorsement to take the FAA knowledge test once you finish. Whichever format you choose, you will still want the FAA handbooks, a current FAR/AIM, and a test prep resource to study alongside the course.

What books do I need for ground school?

Most students build their library around a core textbook or complete kit from ASA, Gleim, Jeppesen, or Rod Machado, plus the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, a current FAR/AIM, and a written test prep book. As the checkride nears, add the appropriate ACS and an oral exam guide to prepare for the practical test.

What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 ground training?

Both lead to the same certificate. Part 141 uses an FAA-approved, structured syllabus with set minimum ground training hours and is common at dedicated flight academies. Part 61 is more flexible, letting an instructor tailor training to the student and often suiting part-time or self-paced learners. The study materials you need are essentially the same under either path.