computer test

June 2024 test question update from Sporty’s

Sporty's recently released its June written test question update in its 2024 Learn to Fly Course test preparation module. While the FAA does not publish actual test questions, representative test questions are available, and new questions released by Sporty's represent emphasis areas which you will likely enounter on the test.

How to perform a self-weather briefing for an IFR flight (video tip)

The FAA encourages pilots to use the self-briefing technique when checking the weather before each flight. In this video, we'll highlight various sources of weather products you can use and how to ensure you always get a complete briefing.

Eights on Pylons: Sporty’s Commercial Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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.

Pilot Minute video stresses the importance of rest for pilots

In this recent Pilot Minute video from the FAA, Federal Air Surgeon, Dr. Susan Northrup, discusses the importance of quality rest and physical preparedness for flight.

How to use ForeFlight to plan a cross-country flight around airspace (video tip)

There are many considerations when planning a VFR cross-country flight and a direct course between two airports isn't always an option. This week's tip takes a look at how to use the 2D and 3D planning tools in ForeFlight to evaluate both controlled and special-use airspace that might get in the way and how to choose the optimum route and altitude based on these variables.

VFR Flight Following–a pilots’ 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.
checkride

Ask a CFI: will I be tested on every item found in the ACS?

No, the examiner has some discretion on what elements are evaluated. The…
aerodynamics

Video Tip: Aerodynamics of a Wing Stall

During your flight training you will practice stalling the airplane to better learn the low-speed handling characteristics of the airplane, and how to recover if an unintentional stall occurs. In this video tip we'll look at how the airflow changes over the wing as it nears the critical angle of attack and eventually stalls.

Friday photo: Departure Runway 06 at Gastons (3M0), Lakeview Arkansas

The Ozarks, with the hills, rivers, and lakes, have some of the most beautiful grass strips around.  The long evenings of summer, makes it such a great location for a relaxing flight.

Video tip: 6 rules for VFR cross-country flights

Getting out of the traffic pattern and going on a real trip is a lot of fun. It may even be the reason you’re learning to fly in the first place. But the same reasons these trips are so much fun - new places to see, a goal at the end of the flight - can lead to challenges if you aren’t prepared. Here are six rules to keep in mind when you’re flying VFR cross countries.