Definition
A method of instruction delivered over the internet, allowing students to access lessons, training materials, and assessments remotely through a computer or mobile device rather than in a physical classroom.
Plain English
Learning that takes place through the internet instead of in a face-to-face classroom. The student studies at their own location, using a computer or phone, working through lessons provided by the instructor or training organization.
Context Anchor
Seen in ground school, instructor training, recurrent training, and course descriptions that explain how aviation instruction is delivered.
Derivation
"Online" originally meant "connected to a system" in early computing, and came to mean "connected to the internet." Combined with "training," it simply describes instruction delivered through that connection.
Why Pilots Care
Provides scheduling flexibility for students with work or family commitments while still allowing progress toward certificates when the course meets FAA standards.
Intuition Check
Do not assume online training means the entire pilot course happens on the internet. It means the instruction is delivered through the internet; some pilot skills still require in-person practice and evaluation.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school offered online training for the private pilot knowledge test, allowing students to study from home before attending in-person flight lessons.
Example Sentence 2
Many pilots complete their required ground instruction through FAA-approved online training providers before scheduling an in-person checkride.