alt Hacker News>Ground school comes first at IFT
There is no singular "IFT"... you happened to find one IFT among hundreds across the U.S. that has such a syllabus, great... but it does not come first as requirement mandated either by law/regulation or convention. Here is the syllabus for a different FAA Part 61 and 141 approved IFT program that uses an integrated approach with the following quote:
"Each Module contains both a flight and ground lesson. This presents an integrated flight training process and will promote easier learning and a more efficient flight training program"
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ad1e29b372b96bedc6b1...
>Note that a tree implies it is made of wood. If you find a stick of wood, odds are it came from a tree.
This is false, not all trees are made of wood (palm trees) and there are natural sources of wood that don't come from trees.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_plant
But of course... instead of just admitting you were wrong to make that logical fallacy... free to continue doubling down and making things up.
Replies
> But of course...
You goofed. A palm tree is not pedantically considered a tree. You made that up.
https://texastreesurgeons.com/blog/2025/01/03/palm-trees-are...
> odds are it came from a tree >> there are natural sources of wood that don't come from trees
Confirms I was correct.
> Each Module contains both a flight and ground lesson.
And the ground lesson comes first. I read your link.
The USAF is not subject to (most) FAA regulations. As far as I know this also extends to training: the USAF does not follow either of the FAA’s Part 61 or 141 flight training syllabi. So bringing up parts 61 and 141 doesn’t really refute the parent’s point.
Regardless, as a civilian, you do have to pass a written multiple-choice test on flying theory before you can solo. Any time you spend in the cockpit before passing that test will be under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), in a plane with dual controls, and you are not acting a pilot-in-command.
So, although the parent may be slightly over-focused on the USAF way, I think it is fair to say that for any type of pilot training in the USA, you do have to complete academic ground training (including passing a formal written test) before you are truly “given the controls”.