Advanced Ground Trainingfor Serious Pilots.
Master the systems, performance, and decision-making behind high-performance and complex aircraft through focused, in-person ground school led by experienced CFIs at Wiley Post Airport.
Essential Skills Groundschool serves professional, returning, and experienced pilots who want structured, instructor-led ground training — not another self-paced video course. From high-performance and complex endorsements to advanced refreshers, we help you fly more capable aircraft with real confidence.
Why Step Up with ESG?
Built for pilots ready to fly more capable airplanes.
You already know why you fly. Now you want to fly more capable airplanes — without guessing about systems, performance, or procedures. Essential Skills Groundschool is built for pilots who value clarity, depth, and real discussion. We connect what's in the POH and ACS to what actually happens in the cockpit, so your endorsement represents more than a signature in your logbook.
Why Experienced Pilots Choose ESG
Serious ground school, designed for the way you already fly.
Our focus is the pilots video courses overlook — the professionals, the returning aviators, and the experienced flyers stepping into more capable aircraft.
- Instructor-led, in-person ground school designed for mature learners
- CFI / CFI-I / MEI instructors with real-world experience in complex operations
- Scenario-based training that mirrors the decisions you'll make in busy airspace
- Targeted endorsement prep for high-performance, complex, and advanced operations
- Ongoing support when questions come up after your endorsement
Advanced & Endorsement Training
Focused training for high-performance, complex, and advanced operations.
High Performance & Complex Endorsements
Endorsement training focused on power management, systems, and workload in real-world scenarios — starting at $900.
Learn moreRusty Pilot Seminars
Structured, confidence-building ground and flight refreshers for pilots returning to the cockpit after a break.
Learn moreAdvanced Ground Refreshers
Tailored reviews of regulations, airspace, weather, and risk management for experienced pilots stepping up to more capable aircraft.
Learn moreAdditional Training
Ratings & foundational ground school.
Private Pilot Ground School
Foundational in-person ground school for new pilots starting their journey toward the private certificate.
Learn moreInstrument Rating
In-depth ground, IFR procedures, and decision-making for pilots ready to fly seriously in the system.
Learn moreCommercial Pilot
Advanced knowledge for commercial maneuvers, oral prep, and checkride readiness.
Learn moreSport Pilot
Streamlined ground training for the Sport Pilot certificate — a practical, lower-cost path into recreational flying.
Learn moreWritten Exam Prep
Focused preparation for FAA knowledge tests — Private, Instrument, and Commercial — built around your weak areas.
Learn moreCheckride Prep
Two-hour in-person mock orals and focused review to get you confident and ready for the practical test.
Learn moreOur Approach
Serious Ground for Serious Flying
Aviation training shouldn't feel like a rushed checklist or a dry textbook lecture. We focus on understanding, not memorization, so when you move into a high-performance or complex cockpit, you know why you're doing what you're doing.
Programs & Pricing
Training that matches your goals.
From a single focused session to full endorsement prep, choose the level of training that matches your experience and goals. Free 15-minute consultation for every new student.
High Performance & Complex Endorsements
Endorsement training for high-performance & complex aircraft.
Rusty Pilot Seminar
Held monthly — get current, get confident.
Advanced Ground Refresher
Targeted 1-on-1 refresher sessions for experienced pilots.
Full Course
Complete prep, start to checkride.
Checkride Prep
Two-hour in-person mock orals & focused review.
Certified Sim Training
Logged sim time on certified devices.
Single Lesson
Pay-as-you-go instruction.
5-Lesson Pack
Save $30 — best for steady learners.
Group Session
Per person, 2+ students.
Discovery Flight
Take the controls — your first flight.
Discovery Flight
We also offer a $249 Discovery Flight for those just starting their aviation journey. It's a great way to experience flight from the left seat before committing to training — but our primary focus remains advanced ground school and endorsement work for experienced pilots.
Call 405.550.0452 to BookMeet Your Instructors
FAA-certified. Student-focused.
Patrick Saxton — CFI, CFI-I, AGI, IGI
Senior Flight & Ground Instructor
Patrick specializes in helping experienced pilots step up to more capable aircraft. His scenario-based teaching style works especially well with professionals and returning aviators — connecting POH and ACS material to the decisions you actually make in the cockpit.
J. Saxton — CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Multi-Engine & Instrument Instructor
J. Saxton focuses on multi-engine, complex, and instrument operations — the systems, procedures, and advanced decision-making that separate basic pilots from capable ones. Ideal for endorsement candidates and pilots preparing for instrument or multi-engine checkrides.
Our Community
A community of aviators.
ESG is a laid-back yet professional environment where career pilots, business owners, and returning aviators can study, ask questions, and refine their skills. Students and friends are always welcome to hang out, talk shop, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being around people who are serious about flying.
Inside ESG
Where training takes shape.
From the classroom and simulator to the ramp and cockpit — a look at the people, tools, and moments that build confident, capable pilots.
Pilot Stories
Trusted by aviators in OKC and beyond.
Passed my written with a 95 on the first try. Patrick's plain-English explanations made even the toughest weather topics click.
The IFR course is gold. Approach plates finally made sense after years of confusion.
Hadn't flown in 12 years. After ESG's seminar I felt sharp and safe in the left seat again.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in Touch
Ready to Step Into a More Capable Airplane?
Call today for a free 15-minute consultation about your high-performance, complex, or advanced training goals. We'll discuss where you are now, what you want to fly, and the clearest path to get there — without wasting your time or money.
Call TodayRequest Booking
Send Us a Booking Request
Tell us a little about your goals. We'll reply within one business day to confirm a time and answer questions. Submissions are emailed directly to info@esgsoar.com.