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

  • Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List

  • Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

  • Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

  • What’s Wrong: A Subtle Warning at 5,500 Feet

  • AIM Update Effective January 22: Circling Guidance Clarified

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Latest posts

Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List

January 30, 2026
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Seaplane flying challenges pilots to think differently—about wind, water, and judgment. It’s a rewarding blend of skill, awareness, and freedom that belongs on every pilot’s bucket list.
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Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

January 28, 2026
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Flying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success.
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Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

January 27, 2026
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With winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.
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AIM Update Effective January 22: Circling Guidance Clarified

January 23, 2026
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The FAA’s latest update to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) took effect January 22, 2026. While most changes are editorial, the FAA clarified guidance on approach and landing minimums—specifically reinforcing pilot responsibilities and published restrictions during circling approaches. Pilots are encouraged to review the updated AIM language carefully.
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Video tip: Flying internationally (FARs, flight planning, eAPIS and US Customs)

January 21, 2026
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One of the most rewarding trips you can take after earning your pilot certificate is leaving the U.S. and heading to new destinations in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. This week's video tip takes a look at what it takes to fly internationally, including flight planning, extra equipment requirements and how to file the required paperwork with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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FAA Wants Your Checkride Feedback

January 16, 2026
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The FAA has announced plans to roll out a new post-checkride survey for pilots, designed to collect feedback on checkride experiences with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Before the survey becomes official, the agency is asking for public comment, and pilots have a chance to shape how this works.
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Video Tip of the Week

Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

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Video tip: Flying internationally (FARs, flight planning, eAPIS and US Customs)

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Pilot’s guide to reading VFR sectional charts

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Quizzes

Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

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Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning

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Quiz: Understanding the airplane Pitot-Static System

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Articles

Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List

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Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

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AIM Update Effective January 22: Circling Guidance Clarified

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Webinar Videos

Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations

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Webinar Video: Aviation Law 101 for Pilots

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Webinar Video: Q&A With ATC

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Getting Started Tips

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

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5 Smart Ways to Cut the Cost of Becoming a Pilot

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

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Getting Started Videos

Video: choosing a flight school

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Video: why learn to fly?

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Video: how do you learn to fly?

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Pilot Gear

The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s

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Product Pilot Report: Flight Bags By Pilots

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Top 10 student pilot gifts

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Resources

A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test

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Browse our Free Scholarship Directory

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2020 courses

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course

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Recent Articles

  • Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for Private Pilots?
  • Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List
  • Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport
  • Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

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