Changes to written testing coming April 24 and PHAK addendum published

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Beginning Monday, April 24, the Private Pilot Airplane test time will be reduced from 150 minutes to 120 minutes (2 hours), and the Commercial Pilot Airplane test time will be reduced from 180 minutes to 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)

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While flying a tailwheel airplane is not much different than a traditional nosewheel airplane in the air, taking off and landing are a different story. This week's tip takes a look at what it takes to properly land a tailwheel airplane using the "wheel method".

What’s in my flight bag?

Every pilot has their preferred carry items - some ranging from simply a sectional chart and a headset to others carrying every piece of aviation technology they could possibly get their hands on. I find it best to travel somewhere in the middle.

FAA issues new SAFO amid multiple runway safety events

Amid a number of notable and high visibility runway safety events…

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

When departing or approaching an airport, it's important that you choose a runway that allows you to takeoff or land into the wind. This week's tip looks at some common wind direction indicators found on the ground at many airports, along with how to use the radio to tune into automated weather reporting systems.

Lazy Eights: Commercial flight maneuver spotlight

The lazy eight is one of several maneuvers you'll learn to fly during your training towards the Commercial Pilot certificate. It is designed to develop the proper coordination of the flight controls across a wide range of airspeeds and attitudes and will give you a new appreciation for energy management and precise airplane control.

How to recover from an airplane spin, with Patty Wagstaff

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While spin training is only required for new flight instructor candidates, pilots of all skill levels should still know the steps and control inputs to recover from a spin. Join Patty Wagstaff in her Super Decathlon aerobatic airplane, as she first explains what an airplane spin is, and then the proper spin recovery steps to return to straight and level flight.

Flying for youth

As a flight instructor, I am often asked the question, "How old do you have to be to start learning to fly?" The short answer to the question is that there is no minimum age for a child to begin learning to fly. The longer answer is a bit more complicated and I will attempt to discuss that here.
Aircraft Engine - carb heat

Reminder of the dangers associated with carb ice

An instructor and student received a powerful reminder of the dangers of carburetor ice. Carburetor ice occurs due to the effect of fuel vaporization and the decrease in air pressure which causes a sharp temperature drop.

Video Tip: Steep turns in flight

Steep turns are one of those core pilot skills - whether you're a new student pilot or an experienced pro, being able to complete this maneuver safely and smoothly requires coordination and good "seat of the pants" flying. Learn some helpful tips for making better steep turns in our latest video tip.