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Airplane aerodynamics: Why do airplanes want to turn to the left?
Airplanes always seem to want to turn left, especially in a climb. But why does this happen? In this three-minute video tip, we dive into the physics in a way that makes sense for pilots. 3D animations and in-flight video show the effects of P-factor, gyroscopic precession and spiraling slipstream.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Turns Around a Point
Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your checkride.

FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches
The FAA recently issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 23004 to highlight operational risks associated with visual approaches. Released on April 2, 2025, this SAFO urges operators, flight departments, and training providers to take proactive steps in mitigating potential hazards during visual approaches—particularly as they relate to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of separation, and unstable approaches.

Video tip: how to calculate takeoff and landing distances
Just about every airplane includes performance data in the Pilot's Operating Handbook to calculate the runway length required for takeoff and landing under various conditions. The FARs require you to determine these distances as part of your preflight responsibilities, but fortunately the charts published for today's modern airplanes make this task a breeze. This week's tip takes a look at how perform this calculation using the common "chase-around" style charts.

Pilot training experience requirements—just do what the regulation says!
The crafty, creative CFI thought it would be a great opportunity for the student to get in some practice at another airport. In this case, he had the student grab another airport (a 4th) along the way. They thought that the student doing another landing at Marion (KMWA) would be some good additional experience for them at a towered airport. They aren’t wrong about that, but in a strict sense, it now means that cross-country solo flight doesn’t count toward the experience requirements for a private pilot certificate.
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