After obtaining a private pilot license, the next step in advancing a pilot’s capabilities is often an instrument rating. This certification allows for flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), through clouds, and in low visibility conditions. Completing ground school is a critical part of instrument training, as the knowledge is specialized and directly applies to flight lessons. Understanding the material before entering the cockpit makes flight training more efficient.
For many pilots, online ground schools are as effective as in-person classes, offering flexibility, affordability, self-paced learning, and consistency. Modern online courses can be highly interactive and comprehensive. Below is a review of several top online ground schools that offer instrument rating training.
A Review of Instrument Rating Online Ground Schools
Pilot Institute Instrument Rating Made Easy
- Best for: Pass guarantee
- This course provides 20 hours of video instruction with animations and graphics. It includes over 420 short lessons, 800+ practice questions, and scenario-based training. Pilot Institute offers a pass guarantee: if a student doesn’t pass the FAA written test on the first try, the course fee is refunded along with a payment of $175.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 20 hours
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $279
Angle of Attack Instrument Rating Online Ground School
- Best for: Immersive learning
- Taught by founder Chris Palmer, this visually immersive course is based in Homer, Alaska. It contains over 160 lessons with scenario-based training that uses real cockpit footage and animations. Angle of Attack also guarantees its product, offering a refund and covering the exam cost if you don’t pass the written test.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 23 hours, 45 minutes
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $279
Gold Seal Instrument Pilot Ground School
- Best for: Reliable program
- This program uses interaction, spaced repetition, and strategic summaries for efficient learning. A key feature is that flight instructors can be given free access to monitor a student’s online progress. The course is suitable for Part 61 training and is also approved for Part 141 flight schools.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 30 hours
- Subscription Access: One-year ($229 with a $60 annual renewal) or lifetime ($299) options.
- Cost: $229 or $299
Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot eGround School
- Best for: Comprehensive content
- With over 50 hours of instruction across 26 modules and 686 short video lessons, this is one of the most comprehensive courses available. It is designed by Rod Machado, an instructor with 50 years of experience. The modules can be downloaded for offline study and the course includes 151 quizzes and three practice exams.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 50 hours
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $279
AviatorPro Instrument Rating
- Best for: Cutting-edge instruction
- An innovative course featuring over 250 scenario-based video lessons, each about four minutes long. AviatorPro focuses on delivering precise content to help students pass the FAA written test on their first attempt.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 25 hours
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $499
Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA) Instrument Pilot Online Ground School
- Best for: Affordability
- As one of the most affordable options, this on-demand program provides 10 hours of video content, practice FAA exams, and a searchable FAR/AIM. Access is limited to 24 months.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 10 hours
- Subscription Access: 24 months
- Cost: $199.95
Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course – Online Ground School
- Best for: All-in-one package
- This package combines online ground school, FAA test prep, and real-world training. It features over 12 hours of HD video and animations. The 2025 edition includes new AI features like ChatDPE and ChatFAR.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 12 hours
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $299
King Schools Instrument Rating Ground School & Test Prep
- Best for: Traditional approach
- Established in 1974 by John and Martha King, this is a reputable and straightforward program. The course offers a self-paced review of aviation topics such as approach charts, flight instruments, and holding patterns.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 16 hours
- Subscription Access: Lifetime
- Cost: $299
The Finer Points Instrument Pilot Course
- Best for: Modern learning
- Founded by instructor Jason Miller, known for his podcast and YouTube channel, this course brings a modern touch to training materials. It includes 124 interactive lessons, practice written and oral exams, and source books. It operates on a subscription model.
- FAA Endorsement: Yes
- Course Length: 25-30 hours
- Subscription Access: Monthly, three-month, and annual plans.
- Cost: $49.99/month, $149.99/three months, or $299/year
Instrument Rating Prerequisites
As specified in § 61.65(a), applicants for an instrument rating must hold a private pilot license, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and possess at least a third-class FAA medical certificate. Once these prerequisites are met, the pilot must complete ground training, pass the written knowledge test, acquire the required flight training hours, and pass the practical test (check ride).
Online Ground School Requirements
A home-study online ground school course must meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements outlined in § 61.65(b), covering:
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for IFR flight operations.
- Information from the Aeronautical Information Manual relevant to IFR operations.
- Air traffic control (ATC) systems and procedures for instrument flight.
- IFR navigation, including approaches by use of navigation systems.
- Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts.
- Aviation weather reports and forecasts.
- Safe and efficient aircraft operation under IFR conditions.
- Recognition of critical weather and wind-shear avoidance.
- Aeronautical decision making and judgment.
- Crew resource management.
Considerations for Selecting an Online Ground School
When evaluating courses, consider the following:
- Compliance: Confirm the school meets FAA Part 141 or Part 61 requirements.
- Creators: Review the provider’s background and the experience of the course creators.
- Accessibility: Check how content is delivered (website, app) and if it can be downloaded for offline use.
- Reputation: Look for reviews on the provider’s website.
- Pricing: Consider pricing options. A lifetime subscription is often ideal for ongoing learning.
- Teaching Style: Ensure the teaching method aligns with your learning preferences.
- Pass Rates: Inquire about the school’s pass rates for the FAA written exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cost of an instrument rating online ground school? The typical cost is around $300, though prices can vary based on content, access level, and other factors.
How long does it take to complete an instrument rating online ground school? Most courses take between 30 and 50 hours to complete, depending on the provider and student engagement.
Can an online ground school be used to refresh IFR knowledge for a rated pilot? Yes, online ground school is a valuable tool for rated pilots to refresh their instrument knowledge, as learning in aviation is a continuous process.
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