Online Learning at CFA – Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we’d like to provide answers to many of the frequently asked questions we get from future students about online learning at CFA. If you’d like immediate assistance, please call us directly at +1 619 448 2212.

What classes are offered online at California Flight Academy (CFA)?

All new students who desire to become a professional airline pilot can now take all Ground School and Radio Communications classes 100% online.

How do the online classes work?

All classes are broadcast live using Zoom. Classes run Monday through Friday for two hours each class session. Class sessions are recorded in case you can’t make the class for exceptional circumstances. During class, you’ll participate in various activities which may include listening to lectures, participating in interactive discussions, watching informational videos, and engaging in other learning activities.

What do I learn in the online classes?

The online classes contain the same curriculum, skills, and knowledge that are required by the United States Federal Aviation Administration for Ground School and Radio Communications. This means you make progress towards you pilot licenses and credentials. More specifically, the course learning outcomes include:

  • Flight systems and protocols
  • Aircraft components
  • Air space zones and clearances
  • Air traffic control tower systems and radio communications
  • Charts and maps
  • Aviation weather

What time do classes start online and how long do they run?

Classes start frequently and run for a total of eight weeks. As noted above, they run Monday through Friday for two hours per class session. The sessions typically start at either 8am or 10am Pacific Standard Time (California time). Prior to each class start date, we will confirm the start time.

Upcoming class start dates for 2021 include:

  • January 6, 2021
  • April 5, 2021
  • July 6, 2021
  • October 4, 2021

Can I attend if I’m not living in San Diego California?

Yes, absolutely! Note that if you live in a different time zone than Pacific Standard Time, you will need to be available Monday through Friday during the two hour class session time block in order to attend class and participate in learning activities.

Is it a good time to become a pilot in the middle of a pandemic?

Yes, we confidently believe so! According to one of the largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing, demand for air travel and demand for professional pilots is expected to completely recover to pre-pandemic levels within three years. What this means to you is that by starting your training now, you can complete your online coursework, flight training, and build the flight hours you need to secure a pilot position once jobs for pilots rebounds. Please click here to read an article about this.

What the next step once I finish the 8-week online course?

Once your coursework is done, you’re ready to start flight training at our campus in sunny San Diego, California! Flight training is designated as an “essential business” during the Covid-19 pandemic, which means you can continue your flight training without disruption. At CFA, we’ve put in place protocols to ensure your flight training experience is top-notch and safe. For example, we require all those who enter campus to wear a face mask, provide sanitation stations, and clean aircraft between flights. For more information about how CFA provides safe and effective flight training during the pandemic, please click here to read an article about this.

Can I take online classes and start the flight training at the same time in San Diego, California?

Yes! In fact, many students who live or relocate to San Diego take the online classes from their home or apartment so they can also begin their flight training on campus. However, if you prefer completing the 8-week online course first, and then relocate to San Diego later to begin flight training, that is an option as well.

 

Still have questions? No problem! Give us a call at +1 619 448 2212.

Ready to start your online training? Click here to apply.