Plain English Meaning
Learning that happens through a screen instead of, or in addition to, a classroom. It covers anything from online ground school courses to training videos and computer-based simulations.
Full Definition
Instruction delivered through electronic media such as computers, tablets, the internet, CD-ROMs, video, and interactive software, used either as a standalone training method or to supplement traditional classroom and flight instruction.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook when discussing ways instructors can present training material and support student learning outside or alongside in-person instruction.
Derivation
The 'e-' prefix is short for 'electronic,' a usage that spread in the 1990s alongside terms like 'email' and 'e-commerce.' It signals that the activity — in this case, learning — is carried out through electronic means rather than in person.
Why Pilots Care
Many pilots complete portions of their ground training through e-learning courses, including FAA knowledge test prep and recurrent training. Knowing what qualifies helps pilots choose programs that meet regulatory and personal learning needs.
Intuition Check
E-learning does not mean only a fully online course. In this context, it includes many electronic ways to teach or support aviation learning, including videos, computer lessons, and interactive training tools.
Example Sentence 1
The student completed the private pilot ground school through an e-learning course before starting flight lessons.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors track student progress through the e-learning platform to identify which topics need extra classroom time.