Nicolet College will offer its next Private Pilot Ground School in Spring 2026. Learn about the joys of flight, what it takes to become a pilot, and the many career options there are in the aviation field. Over 200 Wisconsin companies have ties to the state's aerospace sector, and more than 26,000 people are employed in Wisconsin by companies that support aviation businesses and aerospace manufacturers

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Here’s what will be studied:

Have you always been interested in learning to fly? Learn the fundamentals of flight required for your FAA Private or Light Sport Pilot license. Content includes pertinent FAA regulations, principles of aerodynamics, airplane systems and performance, instruments, aero-medical and human factors, aviation weather, airspace, airport operations, charts and navigation, cross country flying, and the various aviation career opportunities.

Upon successful completion of this course and completion of an online exam-prep study course, you will be furnished with the knowledge to complete the FAA written knowledge test. This 30-hour course will be taught by local Flight Instructors with years of aviation experience in a variety of aircraft. Classes will be held in a combination of in-person and online presentations, with additional tours available to expand your aviation knowledge. Whether you actually want to pursue flight training or a career, or are just interested in learning about aviation, you’re welcome to attend. FAA Airman Knowledge Testing (written exams) are now available at Nicolet College in Rhinelander through PSI. See separate tab on this website for more information. 

Class Details (tentative)

The ground school is scheduled to begin March 10, 2026. Classes will run from 6 - 9 pm for 10 weeks, on Tuesday nights, and is set to conclude in May. Classes will be held at Nicolet College in Rhinelander.

The course will also include an online learning component for aeronautical knowledge and test prep. Computer and online access will be required to complete the course. 

The course will also feature a number of aviation guest speakers, covering a variety of topic areas associated with the class. There will be special highlights regarding aviation careers.

There are also field trips being scheduled for this course. They will be on Saturdays in spring. The dates have not been set yet, but we plan to include a variety of airports, aircraft, and aviation businesses. Details will be available as the class progresses.

Registration Information

The course cost will be $650. It includes everything listed below.

Ground School class will be limited to 20 students to provide personal support to each student. Registration for the class will open this fall but is expected to sell out. If you’re interested in getting pre-registration information, please contact our lead flight instructor, Curt Drumm for more information at cdrumm@nicoletcollege.edu. 

The cost of this course includes:

• Ten weekly in-person class sessions taught by FAA-licensed Certified Flight Instructors (CFI’s)
• A weekly online Zoom meeting with instructor(s) to aid in your studies.
• Daily email support from your instructor(s) to answer your questions.
• Guest speakers. Details to be confirmed.
• Field trips to airports and aviation businesses. (Transportation is not included, but all locations will be within an hour of Rhinelander)
• GLEIM Deluxe Private Pilot Kit, which includes:
• Online access to the Gleim Private Pilot Online Ground School and FAA Test Prep (12 months)
• AvLearn testing software to evaluate your studies and comprehension
• 6 hard-copy textbooks and FAA regulations (FAR/AIM) to aid in studies.
• Pilot logbook
• Flight planning FAA chart, E6B flight computer and plotter. (current Green Bay sectional covering northern Wisconsin)
• Pilot Flight Bag

Meet the Instructor

Curt Drumm, Lead Instructor
Curt has been a professional pilot, flight instructor, and aviation business owner for over 20 years. He learned to fly in Los Angeles, and holds Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial Drone Pilot ratings, among others. Curt has logged nearly 5,500 hours in a variety of aircraft including single and multi-engine airplanes, seaplanes, and air charter aircraft. He is currently leading a 2-year Career Pathways Grant to develop aviation education at Nicolet College. The grant will include ground schools, flight simulators, drones, high school programs, and special events. He is also leading the efforts to work with other colleges and universities who offer aviation degree programs, including pilots, mechanics, avionics technicians, and aviation management personnel. 

Other instructors will be added for certain classes.

Flight Training and aircraft rental are available through private flight schools. Please see the section on our website that lists flight schools in northern Wisconsin where our students have trained.