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Ground school

January 7th, 2026 - February 25th, 2026

Instructors │ Sponsors  │  Schedule

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% Attendance in Classes Required)

Expert guest instructors will cover tips, illuminate possible 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 to each session before the scheduled day.  Attendance in person at the Airmen Lodge at Lake Hood is also 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

Study sessions ARE NOT intended to replace online lessons but to build on them.  It is important that you complete your course's lessons on the planned topic prior to attending the 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.

 

Study Schedule:

Available Online and In Person

+ Aerodynamics: 1/07/26

+Weather: Theory and Aviation Weather: 1/14/26

+ Human Factors: 1/21/26

+ Aircraft Systems: 1/28/26

+ Airports and Airspace: 2/4/26

+ Performance: 2/11/26

+ Flight Planning: 2/18/26

+ Regulations and Test Prep Tips: 2/25/26

Online ground school access is yours to keep!  Access it whenever you need for as long as you need.

Meet Some of the Instructors

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Ground Instructor

Carol Zerbe

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.  

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Ground Instructor

Bernie Willis

Bernie is a retired Alaska Airlines pilot with over 30,000 hours of flight time.  He is a skilled CFI, mechanic, and regular contributor to the Transponder.   

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Ground Instructor

Steve Lewis

Steve Lewis is currently a UPS pilot and Board Member of the Alaska Airmen Association.  He is an experienced CFI that keeps his personal plane at Lake Hood and loves to give back to the aviation community whenever he is able.  

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Ground Instructor

Dean Paulson

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.  

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Ground Instructor

Ryan Gerety

Ryan is a NextGen Board member and CFI experienced in operations around Lake Hood and dedicated to supporting the next generation on Alaskan Aviators. 

Questions?  Contact info@alaskaairmen.org or call 907-245-1251