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Audio Ground School by Part Time Pilot
by Nick Smith
Welcome to the Part Time Pilot Audio Ground School Podcast! This podcast is going to be all about providing student pilots with ANOTHER way that they can consume the Private Pilot curriculum. Each episode is myself, Nick Smith, going through the lessons of our Online Ground School but adding more detail, stories and metaphors to make it consumable in the audio format. The #1 reason student pilots never end up becoming a private pilot is NOT due to money. The real reason is actually deeper than that. Yes, flight training is expensive. But every student pilot knows this and budgets for it when…
Episodes
Private Pilot - Section 7 - Lesson #2: Lift
28 Oct 2026 · 42 min
In this free Private Pilot online ground school lesson we are talking about Lift! How an airplane flies and stays in the air. Everything a student needs to know to be a good pilot and pass their exams.
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #12: Other Helpful Approach Procedures
26 Oct 2026 · 25 min
In this free IFR online ground school lesson we are talking about other helpful approach procdures that IFR pilots need to know about and might come across to use one day.
Private Pilot - Section 7 - Lesson #1: Forces of Flight
21 Oct 2026 · 25 min
In this free PPL online ground school lesson we begin the next section on the fundamentals of aerodynamics with the topic of the forces of flight.
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #11: RNAV GPS Approaches
19 Oct 2026 · 48 min
In this free IFR online ground school lesson we talk about RNAV GPS approaches and what you need to know to fly them!
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #11: Transponder Requirements
14 Oct 2026 · 19 min
In this free PPL online ground school lesson we talk about the transponder requirements that depend on where you are flying!
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #10: Other Localizer Approach Procedures
12 Oct 2026 · 31 min
In this free IFR online ground school lesson we talk about additional approach proceudres an IFR pilot may need to perform for localizer approaches.
BONUS: How to Maximize your Chances of Success in Flight Training
5 Oct 2026 · 1 h 15
In this BONUS episode of the Audio Ground School podcast we take a break form our PPL and IFR ground school lessons and talk about Student Pilot Maxxing, as the kids would say. In other words, we are talking about how you can maximize your chances of successful flight training and actually become…
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #10: Airspace Review
30 Sept 2026 · 26 min
In this free private pilot lesson we do a review of airspace and VFR weather minimums by introducing some memory aids to help you memorize all that information for the FAA written exam.
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #9: Approach Procedures
28 Sept 2026 · 58 min
In this free IFR ground school lesson from Part Time Pilot we cover the basics of executing an approach procedure. We cover determining your aircraft approach category and landing minimums, the decision altitude for precision approaches and how that differs from an MDA of non-precision approaches,…
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #9: Special Use Airspace
23 Sept 2026 · 26 min
In this Free PPL Ground School lesson we cover all the types of special use airspace you need to know as a student pilot, a mnemonic to remember them all and what you need to remember about each in terms of regulation and how to find information on them.
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #8: Approach Descent
21 Sept 2026 · 40 min
In this free IFR Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Approach Descent. We review step-down altitudes and approach segments, how to identify descent points and minimums, and how to calculate the descent rate needed to maintain the glide slope during an instrument…
BONUS: New FAA Written Practice Questions
16 Sept 2026 · 41 min
In this BONUS episode of the Audio Ground School podcast we talk about the recent changes to the FAA written and how that impacts student studying and then we get into what new subjects and new questions the FAA is asking students for their Private Pilot Written Exam!
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #8: Primary & Satellite Airports
9 Sept 2026 · 16 min
In this free Private Pilot Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Primary and Satellite Airports. We review the differences between primary and satellite airports, communication requirements, and the ATC procedures pilots must follow when operating within another…
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #7: Approach Arcs with DMEs & RMIs
7 Sept 2026 · 24 min
In this free IFR Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of DME Arcs and RMIs. We review how to fly DME arc approaches, lead and maintain turns, use the FAA’s ”turn 10, twist 10” technique, and how a Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) helps pilots accurately track an…
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #7: Class G
2 Sept 2026 · 21 min
In this free Private Pilot Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Class G Airspace. We review where Class G airspace exists, how to identify it in relation to Class E airspace, VFR weather minimums, communication requirements, and the operating rules for flying in…
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #6: Approach Segments & Identifying Fixes
31 Aug 2026 · 29 min
In this free IFR Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Approach Segments and Identifying Fixes. We review the initial, intermediate, and final approach segments, how to identify approach fixes, and the navigation aids pilots use to determine their position during…
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #6: Class E
26 Aug 2026 · 33 min
In this free Private Pilot Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Class E Airspace. We review how to identify Class E airspace on sectional charts, understand its different floor altitudes, VFR weather minimums, and the operating rules for flying in controlled…
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #5: Airport Diagram & Lighting
24 Aug 2026 · 33 min
In this free IFR Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Airport Diagrams and Lighting. We review how to interpret airport diagrams, runway markings and dimensions, airport lighting systems, and the visual cues pilots use to safely navigate and land during…
Private Pilot - Section 6 - Lesson #5: Class D
19 Aug 2026 · 20 min
In this free Private Pilot Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Class D Airspace. We review how Class D airspace is depicted on sectional charts, its communication and weather requirements, operating rules, and how it transitions when the control tower is not in…
IFR Section 8 - Lesson #4: Holding Pattern Speeds & Timing
17 Aug 2026 · 21 min
In this free IFR Online Ground School lesson from Part Time Pilot, we cover the topic of Holding Pattern Speeds and Timing. We review FAA holding speed limits, standard timing procedures, leg length requirements, and how to adjust holding patterns for wind while remaining within protected airspace.