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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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Usual Compared to What?

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How unusual runway dimensions can distort your visual picture—and why knowing the runway’s length-to-width ratio can help you anticipate landing illusions before they catch you on final. Lee Smith explains what to look for during flight planning and how to cross-check what your eyes are telling you when the runway doesn’t look quite right.
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Sim Challenge: Looks About Right (VFR)

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A simulator is the perfect place to practice judgment, timing, and managing workload when the pressure is on. Our Sim Challenges make it easy to get a good workout—at home—using Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane. Along the way, you’ll answer thought-provoking questions and learn from an expert’s real-world insights.
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Video Tip of the Week

Commercial pilot video tip: Eights on Pylons

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

Video tip: How to determine the wind direction for takeoff and landing

Quizzes

See and Be Seen: Test Your Pilot Traffic Awareness Skills

Quiz: Airspace classifications and rules

Quiz: Flight Planning with Sporty’s E6B

Articles

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

VFR Flight Following: A Pilot’s Guide

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Keeps Getting Better

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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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