Preflight Like It Matters

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A thorough preflight is critical. When you learn to fly, one of the first things that your flight instructor will teach you is what to look for on the airplane before your go fly. Performing a preflight inspection of the aircraft is often one of the first things that your instructor will "solo" you on as well.

Friday photo: Matt Crossty private pilot checkride

From a young age my Dad taught me the joys of flying. My Dad and I would watch the flight operations at CVG. Ever since then I knew becoming a pilot was something I wanted to do. Now it’s a dream come true.

Video: flying low over the sand dunes of Africa

During training, it's easy to get bogged down in the mechanics of flying: weight and balance calculations, flight plan forms, emergency checklists. This stunning video shows the restorative power of flying just for the sake of flying. It's all about freedom, stunning African vistas, sharing an experience with friends, and the unique places only an airplane can take you. As JP says, "I hate being a pilot, but I love flying."

My 4-day airline trip offers routine and adventure

Author Alan Nguyen is a Sporty’s Academy flight instructor and first officer at a regional air carrier on the Bombardier Regional Jet series of aircraft. Please enjoy this latest installment of this multi-part series taking you inside the life of an airline pilot.

Friday photo: Joan Manuel De La Cruz private pilot checkride

The moment: Private pilot checkride The pilot: Joan Manuel…

Student Pilot News print edition

Student Pilot News is the best place for articles, videos, quizzes, and special offers for new pilots. But in addition to our weekly online updates, we also publish a print version once a year. You can flip through a PDF version of the 2019 edition here.

Quiz: Brush Up On Communications

How much do you know about communications, ATC clearances and non-towered airports? Take our quiz to find out.

Video: what it takes to fly in a Red Bull Air Race

If you ever dreamed of flying in a Red Bull Air Race, unfortunately it's too late. After 12 seasons, the combination air race/aerobatics competition has flown its last event. But you can still fly along with some of the world's greatest pilots in this video. Hear what it takes to fly the demanding course, from the Gs the pull to the roll rate of the airplane.