Video: flying mom and dad to Key West

This week's fun flying video combines two memorable flights in one. The first is taking your parents for their first flight in a small airplane, which is a fun way to show off your hard-earned pilot skills. Even better is making that first flight in a Cessna 172 to Key West, Florida. The scenic flight over the turquoise waters to an island paradise is a great example of the fun you can have in an airplane.

5 steps to ensure a happy family flight

General aviation (GA) created two more days of vacation, relaxation and memories. In my opinion, the only option for making the 600+ mile journey feasible in a week’s time was by air. Yes, GA can be a realistic, cost-effective travel tool and I live it. It begins with a good plan and the right expectations.

Video: sunset flight over Martha’s Vineyard

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Island flying is a lot of fun, but that doesn't have to mean just the Bahamas. In this video, three airplanes take off at sunset for a beautiful flight around Martha's Vineyard, which is just 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. Watch the sun set over the water and hear the communications between the airplanes as they fly down the shoreline.

Flight maneuver spotlight: emergency approach and landing

You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.

Video: Hudson River Corridor flight

It's a flight that almost seems impossible to pilots from outside the US: you can fly a general aviation airplane right down the New York skyline, VFR, with no flight plan. Definitely a bucket list flight for any pilot. In this video, you can see the spectacular views and hear the busy communications as a Cirrus flies down the Hudson River Corridor. It's not as hard as you might think, but some preparation certainly does help.

Webinar video: how to pass your check ride

The check ride is the culmination of months of work, when you get to show an FAA designated examiner all that you've learned - and hopefully end up as a certificated pilot. But the check ride can also be stressful, so preparing for it only makes sense. In this fascinating webinar recording, you'll hear from Jason Blair, an examiner with years of experience conducting check rides. He offers tips about how to prepare for the big day, what the examiner is looking for, and why a few small mistakes doesn't have to ruin your whole day.

Ten Essential Products for the Beginning Student Pilot

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You’ve made the leap and proclaimed “I want to learn to fly.” …

Video tip of the week: airplane engine operation

A great pilot takes care of his or her engine, especially when flying with bigger engines found on more advanced airplanes. This means a lot more than just "keeping the needle in the green." In this week's tip, we offer some time-tested tips for making sure your engine is smooth, cool and happy.

Updated Private and Commercial Airman Certification Standards

Effective June 12, 2017 - Sporty's Learn to Fly Course updated   FAA…

4 options for exercising your freedom to fly

For most people here in the USA, the Fourth of July is a celebration…