A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test

The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all written exams. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online.
View of landing runway with reduced visibility.

Arrival Alert Notices now part of Chart Supplement (A/FD)

The Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) became effective January 25 in the FAA Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD). These Arrival Alert Notices are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of aircraft misalignment.

Soft Field Takeoff – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.

Apply now for 2024 AOPA flight training scholarships

The application window is open for more than $1 million in awards from the AOPA Foundation. The awards, ranging from $2,500 to $14,000, can help significantly reduce training costs and accelerate your training.

January test question update from Sporty’s

Sporty's recently released its January written test question…

How to fly the perfect short field takeoff and climb

Takeoff power should be applied smoothly while holding the brakes until the maximum obtainable engine power. Once the brakes are released, adjust the airplane’s pitch to attain minimum drag and maximum acceleration. As we reach the recommended roation speed, apply back-elevator pressure until reaching the appropriate Vx attitude.

Student Pilot and FAA Medical Certificates

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As a student pilot, you will need a Student Pilot Certificate at some point during flight training program. When you will need it and how you can obtain it will vary based upon the type of training that you are doing. You may also need an FAA Medical Certificate. The type of certificate you should obtain, if you should obtain one at all, depends on your flight training goals.
Aircraft Engine - Feature

Quiz: Aircraft Engine Operations

Aircraft engines can provide thousands of hours of reliable service, provided that they are maintained and operated properly. From the pilot's perspective, this involves learning the best practices for power control, leaning procedures, cooling, and other operational considerations.
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Binge out on these top podcast episodes

Sporty's Pilot's Discretion has grown to be one of the top five aviation podcasts on Apple's charts, with devoted subscribers who listen every two weeks as Sporty's John Zimmerman interviews some of aviation's most interesting people.

New Year’s Resolutions

We read about the accident “chain” - a series of events and decisions that had to occur in the correct order for the resulting accident to have taken place. If a different decision is made anywhere along the sequence, the chain is broken and thankfully, the result is just another interesting flight.