Ground school
January 7th, 2026 - March 4th, 2026
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Alaska Airmen's Association ✈
Pass Your Private Pilot Written for FREE!
Purchase the online ground school of your choice from the options below at a subsidized rate of $50. Pass your written exam within 6 months of completion of the study sessions, and we will reimburse your test fees! (75% in class attendance required)
Expert guest instructors will provide tips, highlight potential pitfalls, and answer questions on the scheduled topic. Interact with your peers and "classmates" to find study partners and build community.
You are encouraged to attend all sessions and will be sent a Virtual link for each session before the scheduled day to provide a remote attendance option; however, in-person attendance at the Airmen Lodge at Lake Hood is strongly encouraged. Study materials and refreshments will be provided.
REQUIREMENTS:
✈Legal citizenship or lawful permanent residency in the United States
✈Alaska Residency
✈Membership in the Alaska Airmen Association
IMPORTANT:
Study sessions are not intended to replace online lessons but to build on them. Students are highly encouraged to complete the course lessons on the planned topic prior to attending the weekly study sessions.
We have partnered with two providers of online ground school training that are experienced in the unique piloting challenges in our great state.
Our special thanks to Flight Insight and Pilot Institute for their support of GA in AK and the NextGen Aviation Club!
Currently only Private Pilot and Drone Piloting (from Gleim Aviation) are eligible for this program. Additional courses may be available in the future.
Click the links above to learn about the Private Pilot course options.
Alaska Airmen's Association ✈
Ground School Schedule
Available Online and In Person
+ Aerodynamics: 1/07/26 - Alex Roesch
+ Human Factors: 1/21/26 - Dean Paulson
+ Aircraft Systems: 1/28/26- Kit Barton
+ Airports and Airspace: 2/4/26- Will Shumway
+ Performance: 2/11/26- Kit Barton
+ Aviation Weather Theory: 2/18/26 - Robert Murphy
+ Flight Planning: 2/25/26- Will Shumway
+ Regulations and Test Prep Tips: 3/4/26- Carol Zerbe
Online ground school access is yours to keep! Access it whenever you need for as long as you need.
Alaska Airmen's Association ✈
Meet our 2026 Ground School Instructors
Kit Barton
Ground Instructor
Kit is a CFI and 141 Check Airman in Anchorage. He enjoys flying in the mountains and helping others pursue their aviation passions. He is looking forward to owning a plane and continuing to explore Alaska.
Alex Roesch
Ground Instructor
Alex is a B-747 Pilot for Atlas Air. He holds an engineering degree from the University of Alabama and has been an active CFI for 33 years. He is a check-pilot for the Commemorative Airforce (CAF) and currently instructs part-time for BIrchcreek Aviation at Merrill Field.
Carol Zerbe
Ground Instructor
Carol is a highly experienced Alaskan pilot and a Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA. She has years of knowledge as an instructor and regularly volunteers to share her expertise with the community.
Dean Paulson
Ground Instructor
Dean is a seasoned 35 year+ Alaskan CFI, a former full time ground school instructor for the Anchorage School District, and a regular presenter at Airmen events He specializes in floats, skis, mountain flying, and off airport training.
Will Shumway
Ground Instructor
Will is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up around bush flying. He currently works as a certified flight instructor at Merrill Field for Land and Sea Aviation.
Robert Murphy
Ground Instructor
Captain Robert Murphy brings decades of professional aviation experience to the classroom. His approach is grounded in real-world experience and he is committed to making aviation knowledge accessible, practical, and meaningful for every student.