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Video tip: Get to Know Your Altimeter

The altimeter is a flight instrument that provides accurate altitude information to pilots and relies solely on outside air pressure. This week's tip explores how the altimeter works, the various types of altitudes you need to know about and potential errors you may encounter while referencing the altimeter.
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Webinar: Checkride Insights with Catherine Cavagnaro

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Join Catherine Cavagnaro, prominent DPE and longtime CFI, for an inside look at the checkride from the examiner's perspective. She'll share practical advice on preparing for the practical test, making a positive impression, and avoiding common pitfalls that can compromise a successful outcome.
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You Know How to Use Your Autopilot. But Do You Understand It?

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A good autopilot workflow doesn't mean pressing a button and looking away. It means selecting the appropriate mode, verifying that the autopilot is doing what you expect, and continuing to monitor the airplane. It also means learning to anticipate the automation.
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Commercial pilot video tip: Eights on Pylons

There are several new flight maneuvers to learn during Commercial Pilot Training. One of the new ground reference maneuvers is called Eights on Pylons, which involves flying a figure 8 pattern over the ground while varying the aircraft’s altitude in order to maintain a defined visual reference to preselected reference points, called pivot points, or pylons.
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VFR Flight Following: A Pilot’s Guide

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ATC will serve as another set of eyes in the sky to keep you apprised of other traffic targets that could be a threat. You also gain the benefit of safety alerts from ATC and perhaps even weather advisories.
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Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Keeps Getting Better

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Sporty’s continues to add new lessons, test-prep questions, and training features to its Learn to Fly Course. Here’s a look at what’s new in 2026—and why lifetime access means your course keeps getting better.
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Video Tip of the Week

Video tip: Get to Know Your Altimeter

Commercial pilot video tip: Eights on Pylons

How to fly in and out of airports in Class C and D airspace

Quizzes

See and Be Seen: Test Your Pilot Traffic Awareness Skills

Quiz: Airspace classifications and rules

Quiz: Flight Planning with Sporty’s E6B

Articles

Webinar: Checkride Insights with Catherine Cavagnaro

You Know How to Use Your Autopilot. But Do You Understand It?

VFR Flight Following: A Pilot’s Guide

Webinar Videos

Webinar Video: Tools and Resources to Help Your Flight School Thrive

Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations

Webinar Video: Aviation Law 101 for Pilots

Getting Started Tips

How to Become a Pilot: Your Complete Guide to Learning to Fly

It’s Learn to Fly Week at Sporty’s and Flight Training Central

Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for Private Pilots?

Getting Started Videos

Video: choosing a flight school

Video: why learn to fly?

Video: how do you learn to fly?

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The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s

Product Pilot Report: Flight Bags By Pilots

Top 10 student pilot gifts

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A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test

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