I did Gold Seal and Sporty's for my Private. LOVE Russ Still's teaching style. So much so that now that I'm going for my instrument, I bought their new instrument ground school. Totally agree with your recommendation.
I am just beginning to look into obtaining a private pilot certificate and have been doing a lot of research. Your channel is very informative and helpful. It was great to see you recommended one of the ground schools I was looking into. As a matter of fact, I was already using their free trial lessons, quizzes, and tests. Thank you for the recommendation and great help in this new endeavor of mine.
YES! I joined Gold Seal Private Pilot Ground School. Got a 97 on my FAA Written Test!!! Just wish it was lifetime access so at a later time I can brush up.
Thank you so much for the video. I was all confused and I didn’t even start my training. I always been enthusiastic about aviation, finally at 48 I decided to move forward with the PPL. Great RUclips channel.
My son and I both currently use gold seal. The one thing I liked was how responsive they are to questions if you message them in. The content is solid, not perfect, but has definitely provided us with what we need to know.
@flywiththeguys you should take this video down. I paid for and started this course off of your recommendation. I like the school but they have major technical issues! I’m not getting credit for my courses. Call Gold Seal and this is a common problem. The developers not done a good job. I’ll be requesting a refund on Monday!! What a bummer!
This is very helpful. I tried 3 different ground schools. I ended up memorizing most of the test questions. Some I couldn't memorize I just took the hit on the test. Not recommended! I wish this was available when I was studying.
Wow! This helps a lot! I definitely will sign up for the free trial. As a non-native speaker, Gold Seal's course seems very helpful with the 3d examples.
I really wanted to go with Gold Seal, but no lifetime access--deal breaker. I want to refer back to my training and even bookmarks as my flying progresses. Went with the most popular, Kings and Sportys.
I just purchased Gold Seal for my instrument training. Man, I wish I had heard of this program when I was doing my private training. Just started my instrument training last week and this program is helping so much. And to think I almost purchased King's School again for my instrument training.... lol
I gave Gold Seal a shot. It was ok. I guess the only downside about Gold Seal is that is not lifetime. When I went back to review/brush things up my subscription expired. So I needed to buy the whole thing again. For me, Flightinsight is the one I liked a lot. Not everyone is going to click with the ground school they pick. But I can always go back and review certain lessons because is lifetime. I used it along with ASA prepware. I think it's a good combination of both. Been scoring 95s. I'm ready to take that written 😃
They didn't start offering lifetime subscriptions until recently. For me, I never went back to my ground school. I look for information now. I actually don't want to go back and watch a video or work through a section to get the knowledge back. Everyone is different though!
I have a membership with a gold seal for PPL ground school and there are a few things that I didn't like, the first one is that is no lifetime access which seems rare and the second thing is the lack of foundation for the real-world flying section, especially in the Cross-Country Flight Planning a need to reach for more information online. My conclusion is that is a great platform just for past the written test, if I got the possibility to get my money back I would like to purchase the sportys or king to have lifetime access.
I've never actually gone back and used my sportys content, even for flight reviews. Quick question though, when did you go the GS program. I know they update their content all the time.
When I come to the USA to have my ifr come across I need to do a knowledge test for 61.75 foreign license. Might use gold seal. From what I’ve heard Australian exams are savage compared to FAA ones at least from friends who have done both.
@@DaleEicher Yea, I used Kings for IFR... I struggled with it even more. I'm more of a short and to the point kind of guy. A lot of the videos over explain topics for me.
I've forgotten there a thing. I know a lot of 141 flight schools use their program though. Just remember, in the end everyone learns the same content and takes the same test. If it works for you, its the best one for you. I just recommend this one because I felt like it was one of the best ground schools out there. Good luck on your journy!
Can you do an online ground school then go to a local flight school to do the flying portion? I have a flight school near me but if I can knock out the ground potion online at my own pace then just go fly I think that would be better for me. I'm assuming there's a record that the flight school will recognize or do you just test out before beginning the flight portion?
just to be clear, completing this ground school counts as the legal requirement to log and receive 20 hours of ground instruction for a ppl? if yes, in what format do I prove this completion to the FAA, does the ground school email me a certificate that I print or something like that? thanks
Correct. Once you complete the course, you'll received a certificate of completion, which you'll need to take to the testing center. Without the certificate, or logbook entry from your instructor, they wont let you take the written test.
Using Gold Seal for Private Pilot, and I will not be using it for anything else in the future. Not a fan of Russ's "teaching". I was told prior to purchasing Gold Seal, by several people actually and CFI's, that Gold Seal is not very good, should have listened to them. Now I am just trying to make it to the end. I am very disappointed in the Gold Seal ground school, but unfortunately, I'm stuck with it for now, is what it is. I would NOT recommend this school for anyone starting out in aviation.
Thanks for the feedback! To be honest, I felt the same way about Sporty's and Kings. Got some of the same feedback from CFIs and friends about both. Not everyone is going to click with the ground school they pick. I recommended this one because I found it to be a better then a lot of the stuff I was seeing and it's always being reworked and updated. BTW, by the end of sportys I was just clicking through the videos so it would let me take the tests. I wanted to end it as quickly as possible....
I have my opinions, of which I found Gold Seal to be more interactive with a better user interface, better explanations, and implemented teaching techniques that promote actual learning. The Pilot Institute also spends a HORRENDOUS amount of money on marketing, bosting numbers that don't seem to add up when you look at them. That aside, no matter what product you choose everyone takes the same test in the end. Pick what you think will work for you! Make sure to use the free trials if they're offered.
Everyone learns differently. I believe they have a trial as well, check it out for yourself. They spend A LOT of money on marketing, and I really do mean A LOT of money.
@@wlewis8336 That sounds like a different issue, possibly browser. They have great customer service and if you ever have an issues you can always contact them. They're happy to help.
Cant tell you the last time I logged into the ground school I used.... Once I got my certificate of completion, I was OUT. But it is a valid point for some people!
Let’s be honest How much did Gold Seal pay you to make this video ? And you should compare the price range for all the schools out there. So far I have found Gleim is the cheapest. $164 for the ground school.
Nothing. The thing is I get asked all the time about ground schools and flight schools. I originally made a policy against recommending either until I could take a look at a bunch of them. I was finally able to go through a bunch of ground school options and recommended the one I thought would work best for most people. But everyone learns different and no one product fits everyone. I didn’t compare price, so you’re right about that one. It’s a big factor when choosing!
@@flywiththeguys I hope so, so many people get paid to promote things that now you don’t know who is telling the truth or lying. 🤥. I was going to go with pilot institute but decide to go with Gold Seal only for the simple fact that they give military discount and its cheaper then the others. I fully support companies who take care of the soldiers. Going to go as cheap as I can and see if I can finish all this under my budget.
@@ede4345 I hear you on the cheap thing. It's how I went about it. But serioudly, I've done Sportys, Gleim, kings, and gold seal. I've dug into pilot institute and something seems off about their umbers. He spends a LOT on marketing though. Same with MZeroA. I almost went with them in the beginning. Glad I didn't looking back and learning more about their ground school. It can be intimidating looking at all the options though. And to perfectly honest I am affiliated with them now but it took a while. I became friends with the owner when they were developing their instrument stuff. Did a bunch of beta testing and really liked how it was built. Eventually was able to go through the Private course and realized how good it really was in comparison to the other big 3. All My opinion of course. Eventually I setup an affiliate account and just put it in my description and eventually made this video because it was my real opinion and a link to give people when they ask me what ground school I recommend. They didn't pay me to say nice things. If they ever tried, I would cut ties with them. I've turned down several opportunities where people just wanted me to day nice things about their products.. I don't like selling my soul, even with my airplane build. All the companies working with us on the red rocket were products I was going to purchase anyways, they just jumped on board to join in the fun. Long explanation.... Sorry about that.
@@flywiththeguys I agree that’s the way it should be. Don’t ever sell your soul over green paper. What did you honestly think about Glemi comparing it to gold seal ?
@@ede4345 I'm a Visual learner, but I'm also good with books and studying on my own. With Gleim it was the latter. No videos or audio. They do a good job at condensing complicated topics, but it was hard to stay engaged in the program because of all the reading. I could have just as easily read the two FAA published manuals. And I hated their testing software at the time. Multiple clicks to get through study questions. I believe they've changed that now though. In the end their studying style wasn't for me, but I got through my course. Gleim has a free trial you can go through as well to see what it's all about. Compared to Gold seal it feels rudimentary. Again, my opinions and what works for me isn't always what works for others.
Have Gold Seal, PI and Sportys. All have their pros and cons. Sportys is beautifully produced but the videos are primarily overviews leaving you to interpret the FAA material on your own. The weather portion while informative was overkill. PI is by far the most informative but lacks finesse and is very dry. It's difficult to stay engaged for long periods. Greg prepares you for more than just the test. I find Gold Seal to be the more engaging of the three though its becoming a bit outdated. Information is clear and understandable. Sections are just the right length. Unlike PI, it's really just test prep. Russ is great to listen to for long stretches. My only disappointment was toward the end with some sections being merely "here's a single slide, go study the material." It's like they gave up. Gold Seal's quizzes and section tests were really helpful especially when your answer is incorrect. All in all, each was helpful in its own way. It's all in how each individual learns. For me, it was Gold Seal for the final stretch.
Good analysis. I agree with it. One thing about Gold Seal is they do update their information and are constantly rebuilding their content to make it better. Like if you did their PPL course and tried their recently released Instrument course you would see a huge difference. Kings feels really outdated as well. It's hard to watch a lot of their videos and the often take a topic that can be explained well in 60 seconds and make a 6 minute video out of it.
I did Gold Seal and Sporty's for my Private. LOVE Russ Still's teaching style. So much so that now that I'm going for my instrument, I bought their new instrument ground school. Totally agree with your recommendation.
I tested the Instrument course and it was amazing! Good luck with your training BTW!
I am just beginning to look into obtaining a private pilot certificate and have been doing a lot of research. Your channel is very informative and helpful. It was great to see you recommended one of the ground schools I was looking into. As a matter of fact, I was already using their free trial lessons, quizzes, and tests. Thank you for the recommendation and great help in this new endeavor of mine.
YES! I joined Gold Seal Private Pilot Ground School. Got a 97 on my FAA Written Test!!! Just wish it was lifetime access so at a later time I can brush up.
I can honestly say that I have never gone back to the one I used to brush up on anything. Just my experience though. I can see the value in it.
@@flywiththeguys Thx so much for the reply. Yea I’ll probably be the same. There’s so much info and content online, as well as the FFA’s AFH and PHAK.
How similar was the FAA exam to the gold seal practice tests?
Thank you so much for the video. I was all confused and I didn’t even start my training. I always been enthusiastic about aviation, finally at 48 I decided to move forward with the PPL. Great RUclips channel.
No problem! Hopefully it helped. Also check out the channel page for a video on picking a flight school. Good info in that one if you head that route.
@@flywiththeguys I did. Thank you. Keep it up. You’re doing a phenomenal job
My son and I both currently use gold seal. The one thing I liked was how responsive they are to questions if you message them in. The content is solid, not perfect, but has definitely provided us with what we need to know.
Thanks for the input!
@flywiththeguys you should take this video down. I paid for and started this course off of your recommendation. I like the school but they have major technical issues! I’m not getting credit for my courses. Call Gold Seal and this is a common problem. The developers not done a good job. I’ll be requesting a refund on Monday!! What a bummer!
This is very helpful. I tried 3 different ground schools. I ended up memorizing most of the test questions. Some I couldn't memorize I just took the hit on the test. Not recommended! I wish this was available when I was studying.
Exactly what I did in the end too. Really wish I had know about this when I was studying.
It WAS available when you started, Pulsar. Gold Seal has been online longer than any other ground school.
@@GoldSealFlight That is impressive considering how many online courses have come and gone.
@@pulsarpilot7501 Thanks. Yep, Gold Seal has been online for 17 years.
Wow! This helps a lot! I definitely will sign up for the free trial. As a non-native speaker, Gold Seal's course seems very helpful with the 3d examples.
The free trial is great! GOOD LUCK!
Boom Boom!! 💥 I was able to view online all of the ones that I was considering... Not telling who I bought. With lifetime access, with updates...
👍☑ LOL!!!!!
I thought about the lifetime access thing... I've never once went back and logged into that system. Even when preparing for flight reviews.
I really wanted to go with Gold Seal, but no lifetime access--deal breaker. I want to refer back to my training and even bookmarks as my flying progresses. Went with the most popular, Kings and Sportys.
Getting back into flying again and definitely going to check this out. Thanks a bunch ☺️
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Sounds like a great place to start! Excellent timing for me, as well. Thanks for the tip!
You bet! Let me know what you think of the trial.
I just purchased Gold Seal for my instrument training. Man, I wish I had heard of this program when I was doing my private training. Just started my instrument training last week and this program is helping so much. And to think I almost purchased King's School again for my instrument training.... lol
Oh man... I purchased Kings for my Instrument rating. Full of regret! GS is a lot better. I was a test pilot for the program and it was amazing!
+1 for Gold Seal. Do the free trials and see which resonates best with your learning style.
i used gold seal and passed the written with a 90% so I would also recommend them.
How similar was the FAA exam to the gold seal practice tests?
@@seanbeckett4641 Majority of the questions were literally word for word.
I gave Gold Seal a shot. It was ok. I guess the only downside about Gold Seal is that is not lifetime. When I went back to review/brush things up my subscription expired. So I needed to buy the whole thing again. For me, Flightinsight is the one I liked a lot. Not everyone is going to click with the ground school they pick. But I can always go back and review certain lessons because is lifetime. I used it along with ASA prepware. I think it's a good combination of both. Been scoring 95s. I'm ready to take that written 😃
They didn't start offering lifetime subscriptions until recently. For me, I never went back to my ground school.
I look for information now. I actually don't want to go back and watch a video or work through a section to get the knowledge back. Everyone is different though!
Good point. I might just look for info instead. Maybe that might work also for me instead of going thru it again. Thanks for your reply.
I used gold seal and loved it. Unfortunately they don’t have a commercial program so now I’m searching for the best one.
I heard Shepperd Air is good. Spelling?
I have a membership with a gold seal for PPL ground school and there are a few things that I didn't like, the first one is that is no lifetime access which seems rare and the second thing is the lack of foundation for the real-world flying section, especially in the Cross-Country Flight Planning a need to reach for more information online. My conclusion is that is a great platform just for past the written test, if I got the possibility to get my money back I would like to purchase the sportys or king to have lifetime access.
I've never actually gone back and used my sportys content, even for flight reviews. Quick question though, when did you go the GS program. I know they update their content all the time.
They actually offer lifetime access as of now. Not sure what happened 4 months ago.
Come on. Are you even learning if nobody calls you "Super Pilot"?
Excellent interactive features from the Gold Seal stuff!
I would say I'm an average pilot. Super means I'm not learning anything every flight. =)
@@flywiththeguys I'm happy in the "Meets or Exceeds Expectations" category.
When I come to the USA to have my ifr come across I need to do a knowledge test for 61.75 foreign license. Might use gold seal. From what I’ve heard Australian exams are savage compared to FAA ones at least from friends who have done both.
I wish I had more time to dig into difference between countries. It could make for some interesting worldwide content.
Good recommendation but I disagree. SPORTY’s is definitely the best.
That’s the one I did! 😂 I wish this was around then.
I loved Sporty’s for Private. Not so much for IFR
@@DaleEicher Yea, I used Kings for IFR... I struggled with it even more. I'm more of a short and to the point kind of guy. A lot of the videos over explain topics for me.
@@flywiththeguys I agree Sporty’s can be wordy and talking around the bush instead of getting to the point.
Gold Seal does look great. I'd recommend the trail version. Too bad I can't use it, as it isn't EASA. You should get a GS shirt tho!
I have one. I didn't wear it in the video because I didn't want to seem like a sell out.
@@flywiththeguys Aaah! There comes the monkey out of the sleeve!!
(That is a Dutch saying... Just saying LOL)
I’m thinking to try this ground school for ifr. Was thinking to get Sheppard air or this. Thinking to try this out
Shepard air doesn't give an endorsement in the end. I believe their stuff is purely test questions.
Im looking for a ground school that works on andriod and will prepare me for the tests, knowledge and be able to do the check ride
I did all mine in a web browser on my tablet. =) No app needed. Load up Gold Seal there and see how it works for ya.
Would anyone recommend Jeppesen for ground school?
Just looking into this. Truly appreciate all the information you have provided in your videos.
I've forgotten there a thing. I know a lot of 141 flight schools use their program though. Just remember, in the end everyone learns the same content and takes the same test. If it works for you, its the best one for you. I just recommend this one because I felt like it was one of the best ground schools out there. Good luck on your journy!
I think your first sentence said it all.
I truly appreciate your efforts and comment.
Please keep it up. Aviation has a long future!
Whats a ground school? I have only heard of flight schools and one of them im looking into.
It's the knowledge side of flying. Rules, o, practical stuff. Checkout your countries requirements for it for sure. Most my info is for the US.
Can you do an online ground school then go to a local flight school to do the flying portion? I have a flight school near me but if I can knock out the ground potion online at my own pace then just go fly I think that would be better for me.
I'm assuming there's a record that the flight school will recognize or do you just test out before beginning the flight portion?
Depending on the school, they want you to do that. Some programs, like 141, you have to use their curriculum.
just to be clear, completing this ground school counts as the legal requirement to log and receive 20 hours of ground instruction for a ppl? if yes, in what format do I prove this completion to the FAA, does the ground school email me a certificate that I print or something like that? thanks
Correct. Once you complete the course, you'll received a certificate of completion, which you'll need to take to the testing center. Without the certificate, or logbook entry from your instructor, they wont let you take the written test.
@@flywiththeguys 👍🏻👍🏻
HI Thank you again for the videos. I would like to know the price for the ground school with TRY GOLD SEA. Thanks in
They have their pricing on the website, but it's $229.
Using Gold Seal for Private Pilot, and I will not be using it for anything else in the future. Not a fan of Russ's "teaching". I was told prior to purchasing Gold Seal, by several people actually and CFI's, that Gold Seal is not very good, should have listened to them. Now I am just trying to make it to the end. I am very disappointed in the Gold Seal ground school, but unfortunately, I'm stuck with it for now, is what it is. I would NOT recommend this school for anyone starting out in aviation.
Thanks for the feedback! To be honest, I felt the same way about Sporty's and Kings. Got some of the same feedback from CFIs and friends about both. Not everyone is going to click with the ground school they pick. I recommended this one because I found it to be a better then a lot of the stuff I was seeing and it's always being reworked and updated.
BTW, by the end of sportys I was just clicking through the videos so it would let me take the tests. I wanted to end it as quickly as possible....
Awesome thanks 👍👍👍👍
No problem!
How does this compare to Pilot Institute?
I have my opinions, of which I found Gold Seal to be more interactive with a better user interface, better explanations, and implemented teaching techniques that promote actual learning.
The Pilot Institute also spends a HORRENDOUS amount of money on marketing, bosting numbers that don't seem to add up when you look at them. That aside, no matter what product you choose everyone takes the same test in the end. Pick what you think will work for you! Make sure to use the free trials if they're offered.
So you skipped all the videos and felt like you didn’t get any knowledge from the course. Makes sense 🤦♂️
Yep. Totally agree. I just couldn’t take videos any longer.
I knew it was gonna be Gold Seal without even watching the vid!
lol. I like their product to be honest. Real opinions here.
So when I go to the website it doesn't tell me the cost of it any know the cost?
Think I found it 300 bucks no bad 🤔
229-299 depending on if you want lifetime access. To be honest, I've never logged back into mine.
Is there a way to take the FAA written knowledge test with an endorsement from a CFI?
Thats how you actually do it. You have to have an endorsement from the CFI to take the written and to go to the checkride.
is the PPL ground school good for canada too?
US Ground doesn't qualify for Canada ground as far as I know. Sorry.
Thanks alot dear 💙💙💙💙💙
Thanks
Would anyone recommend Pilot Institute? I want to turn over every stone but make sure I’m not wasting money
Everyone learns differently. I believe they have a trial as well, check it out for yourself. They spend A LOT of money on marketing, and I really do mean A LOT of money.
👍☑ Good job Carl! If someone signs up do they win a free best tug?
That would be cool. I need to get more of my own shirts. LOL
@@flywiththeguys 👍☑why do that, keep plugging for other people, who knows I may send you a shirt to wear on your videos!
Checked out gold seal (THUMBS DOWN)
Please tell us why? Truly interested.
@@wlewis8336 That sounds like a different issue, possibly browser. They have great customer service and if you ever have an issues you can always contact them. They're happy to help.
Goldseal forces you to renew your subscription, not good, it should be lifetime!
Cant tell you the last time I logged into the ground school I used.... Once I got my certificate of completion, I was OUT. But it is a valid point for some people!
@@flywiththeguys Goldseal is nowhere close to FlightInsight.....do the research!
Let’s be honest How much did Gold Seal pay you to make this video ? And you should compare the price range for all the schools out there. So far I have found Gleim is the cheapest. $164 for the ground school.
Nothing. The thing is I get asked all the time about ground schools and flight schools. I originally made a policy against recommending either until I could take a look at a bunch of them. I was finally able to go through a bunch of ground school options and recommended the one I thought would work best for most people. But everyone learns different and no one product fits everyone. I didn’t compare price, so you’re right about that one. It’s a big factor when choosing!
@@flywiththeguys I hope so, so many people get paid to promote things that now you don’t know who is telling the truth or lying. 🤥. I was going to go with pilot institute but decide to go with Gold Seal only for the simple fact that they give military discount and its cheaper then the others. I fully support companies who take care of the soldiers. Going to go as cheap as I can and see if I can finish all this under my budget.
@@ede4345 I hear you on the cheap thing. It's how I went about it. But serioudly, I've done Sportys, Gleim, kings, and gold seal. I've dug into pilot institute and something seems off about their umbers. He spends a LOT on marketing though. Same with MZeroA. I almost went with them in the beginning. Glad I didn't looking back and learning more about their ground school. It can be intimidating looking at all the options though.
And to perfectly honest I am affiliated with them now but it took a while. I became friends with the owner when they were developing their instrument stuff. Did a bunch of beta testing and really liked how it was built. Eventually was able to go through the Private course and realized how good it really was in comparison to the other big 3. All My opinion of course. Eventually I setup an affiliate account and just put it in my description and eventually made this video because it was my real opinion and a link to give people when they ask me what ground school I recommend. They didn't pay me to say nice things. If they ever tried, I would cut ties with them. I've turned down several opportunities where people just wanted me to day nice things about their products.. I don't like selling my soul, even with my airplane build. All the companies working with us on the red rocket were products I was going to purchase anyways, they just jumped on board to join in the fun.
Long explanation.... Sorry about that.
@@flywiththeguys I agree that’s the way it should be. Don’t ever sell your soul over green paper. What did you honestly think about Glemi comparing it to gold seal ?
@@ede4345 I'm a Visual learner, but I'm also good with books and studying on my own. With Gleim it was the latter. No videos or audio. They do a good job at condensing complicated topics, but it was hard to stay engaged in the program because of all the reading. I could have just as easily read the two FAA published manuals. And I hated their testing software at the time. Multiple clicks to get through study questions. I believe they've changed that now though. In the end their studying style wasn't for me, but I got through my course. Gleim has a free trial you can go through as well to see what it's all about. Compared to Gold seal it feels rudimentary. Again, my opinions and what works for me isn't always what works for others.
Have Gold Seal, PI and Sportys. All have their pros and cons. Sportys is beautifully produced but the videos are primarily overviews leaving you to interpret the FAA material on your own. The weather portion while informative was overkill.
PI is by far the most informative but lacks finesse and is very dry. It's difficult to stay engaged for long periods. Greg prepares you for more than just the test.
I find Gold Seal to be the more engaging of the three though its becoming a bit outdated. Information is clear and understandable. Sections are just the right length. Unlike PI, it's really just test prep. Russ is great to listen to for long stretches. My only disappointment was toward the end with some sections being merely "here's a single slide, go study the material." It's like they gave up. Gold Seal's quizzes and section tests were really helpful especially when your answer is incorrect.
All in all, each was helpful in its own way. It's all in how each individual learns. For me, it was Gold Seal for the final stretch.
Good analysis. I agree with it. One thing about Gold Seal is they do update their information and are constantly rebuilding their content to make it better. Like if you did their PPL course and tried their recently released Instrument course you would see a huge difference.
Kings feels really outdated as well. It's hard to watch a lot of their videos and the often take a topic that can be explained well in 60 seconds and make a 6 minute video out of it.