How Our Training Programs Work
AviatorAcademy.com training programs are Internet Based Instruction. They are developed so that you can work on them at any time, from any place that you have an Internet connection. All of our courses are entirely self-contained; there is no special software or books to buy. When taking an
Our courses run on the same software platform that is used by many leading colleges for the delivery of online classes. While the exact content varies by the individual course, all of our courses follow the following instructional model:
All courses are organized on a topics format, where the subject matter is broken into units covering a specific topic – such as “aircraft systems” or “regulations”. In an effort to accommodate different learning styles each unit uses a number of instructional resources to convey the information to the students. For example, as a topic or subtopic is introduced we assign directed readings from FAA Texts, Handbooks, Advisory Circulars, and other resources. These readings establish a common knowledge baseline and are then followed by lessons in which a highly skilled instructor goes over the material that you have just read, emphasizes the important points, and expands on what you have learned from your reading. Our lessons are richly illustrated with graphics, diagrams, and animations; which ensures that the visual learner also benefits from the instruction. Due to the instructors real world experience the lessons also bring the material from the realm of the text book theoretical to real life practical application. In addition, all of our courses include one or more forums where discussions are held on various topics so that you can interact with the instructors and your fellow students. These forums are a style of teaching known as the Socratic Method, which is widely used in professional programs such as medicine and law. When appropriate, videos are then shown to reinforce what you have learned from the readings, lessons, and forums. Communications are taught using live or recorded ATC feeds from a variety of operating areas. In this way, whether you live in a major metropolis or a remote rural area, you will receive exposure to operating environments of all types ranging from the UNICOM at a local uncontrolled grass strip to JFK approach. Your progress is continually monitored and assessed using a combination of quizzes, exams, and graded exercises. If the class is preparation for an FAA exam, quizzes and exams will utilize the actual FAA test questions and exam figures that you will face at the testing center.
The courses are paced by the instructor, but are not run on a schedule. What this means is that you do not have to be online at any particular times. You can work on your course as your schedule permits and the materials are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. However, to ensure the quality of instruction the instructor sets the class pacing and you can not move beyond certain benchmarks until you have completed all requirements and he or she determines that you are ready for new material. There are no time limits for course completion but we recommend you study often, for short periods of time, so as to maximize your retention of material.
If you are enrolled in a course of study that requires an endorsement, such as certain FAA Exam prep classes including the Private and Instrument Ground School programs, this endorsement will be provided by an appropriately rated staff instructor following successful completion of all course requirements, including passing two timed practice exams, using current FAA questions, that are formatted exactly like the FAA exam you will face at the testing center. For example, on our private courses your final exams will each consist of 60 questions with a 2-1/2 hour time limit and your endorsement will be issued by a CFI, BGI, or AGI. Instrument students will also have 60 question 2-1/2 hour timed exams but their endorsement will be issued by a CFI-I or an IGI.
All of our primary texts are FAA generated resources – such as the Airplane Flying Handbook, the Aeronautical Information Manual, or the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. These are the materials from which the FAA tests themselves are derived and are considered the definitive references in the industry. No commercial texts are used in the courses and all materials that you may need to complete the online course of study are provided for your use. You also receive certain bonus publications such as Practical Test Standards appropriate to the rating you are seeking. This is just part of our commitment to providing affordable and high quality aviation education.
We hope this has been informative to you and has given you a better understanding of how our courses operate and the instructional model that we utilize. Should you have further questions please contact us by e-mailing info@aviatoracademy.com
