Aviation Private Pilot Ground Training

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The Private Pilot Ground Training course is offered during the Spring Semester. For additional information or to join a waitlist for the Spring 2023 class, please contact: Jennifer Scheri jennifer_scheri@ivcc.edu or call (815) 224-0427.

IVCC Continuing Education Center
(815) 224-0427 or continuingeducation@ivcc.edu
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed on holidays. Closed on Fridays during the summer.
Hours may be subject to change.

Private Pilot Ground Training Course
Interested in learning how to fly? This course is designed to prepare you for the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. At the end of this course series, you will understand operations of the flight controls and instruments, airport and airspace considerations, aircraft weight and balance, aircraft performance tables, basic weather meteorology, federal aviation regulations, flight psychology, and emergency preparedness. An initial course will be held at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport where students will tour the airport and complete a hands-on experience in an airplane flight simulator. After successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the F.A.A. Private Pilot Knowledge Exam (additional fee for the F.A.A..Exam). Required textbooks include Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual, Private Pilot 2020 Test Prep, and the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Upon registration, books and materials may be purchased through the Continuing Education office. Flying or airtime is not included in this class. Please contact the Illinois Valley Regional Airport for this information.  (Students ages 15 & up are eligible).

Meet your instructor: Michael Padilla had an interest in aviation from a young age.  He remembers being inspired from his first ever airplane ride at 13 years old at the Peru Airport Fly-In Breakfast.  He began taking flying lessons shortly thereafter and obtained his private pilot’s license at the age of 17.  Michael received his associate degree from IVCC and attended Gulfstream Academy of Aeronautics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to study aviation science and complete his flight training.  He obtained his instrument pilot rating, multi-engine airplane rating, commercial pilot’s license and an advanced aviation ground instructor license.  He is a member of the Illinois Valley Flying Club and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA Illinois valley chapter).  Michael is currently employed as a Sergeant with the Oglesby Police Department and has been serving as a police officer for 15 years.