Definition
A general-purpose computer designed for use by one person at a time, used in aviation training to run computer-assisted learning (CAL) programs, simulations, ground school courseware, flight planning software, and electronic study materials.
Plain English
A regular desktop or laptop computer — the kind a student uses at home or in a classroom — used here as a tool for studying aviation material and practicing skills outside the cockpit.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook discussion of computer-assisted learning, where training may be delivered or supported through a personal computer.
Derivation
Personal' comes from Latin persona, meaning an individual. 'Computer' comes from Latin computare, 'to calculate.' The term 'personal computer' was coined in the 1970s to distinguish small, single-user machines from the large mainframes shared by many users. The 'personal' part is what matters for training: each student can work at their own pace on their own machine.
Why Pilots Care
Much of modern flight training — ground school courses, weather briefings, flight planning, simulator software, and FAA test prep — is delivered through a personal computer. Knowing the term simply ensures the student understands references to PC-based training in handbooks and course materials.
Intuition Check
Here, PC means personal computer. Do not read it as a cockpit control, aircraft part, or pilot qualification shorthand.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school's ground school course is delivered through a CAL program that students complete on a PC at home.
Example Sentence 2
Student pilots often review the handbook and practice tests on their PC before the next lesson.