Lazy Eights—Sporty’s Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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The Lazy Eight maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2025 Commercial Pilot Training Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in

How weight loss drugs may affect your medical

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As a pilot, your medical certification is essential not only for your career but also for ensuring the safety of everyone on board. With the growing prevalence of weight management medications, it's important to understand how these drugs can affect your medical status and what steps you need to take to remain in compliance.

Video tip: How to handle crosswinds during takeoff

When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.

How Many Hours is Average to Earn a Pilot Certificate?

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I went back through a bunch of practical tests I had given and came up with some averages of how many hours people had when they completed practical tests. The goal was to answer the question, how many hours does a pilot typically have when they complete a private or commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating? So, I compiled hours for each event from each practical test I have given through the end of 2023 and this is what I found.

Most frequently missed instrument test questions—November 2024

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These commonly missed questions often relate to IFR regulations, ATC clearances, meteorology, and complex instrument procedures. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from November 2024.

Video tip: how do VORs work?

In the age of GPS and iPad it can be tempting to look past the traditional forms of ground-based radio navigation like VOR in favor of direct-to navigation and moving map displays. It's important you still take the time to understand how to use these systems since VORs serve an important role in the national airspace system and can provide a reliable source of backup navigation.

Quiz: BasicMed

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BasicMed underwent a significant expansion in November 2024, increasing the number of allowable passengers in a covered aircraft to six (up from five); increasing the allowable number of seats to seven (up from six); and increasing the maxium certificated takeoff weight to 12,500 pounds (up from 6,000 pounds). Test your knowledge of BasicMed in this quiz.

New options available to reinstate flight instructor privileges

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The FAA introduced major changes for certified flight instructors on December 1, 2024. CFIs will no longer have an expiration date associated with their certificate under the new rules; however, CFIs are required to maintain recent flight instruction activity or participate in a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) at least every 24 months. Failure to document and apply for recency via IACRA have the same effect as a CFI expiring—meaning a reinstatement is required.

Video tip: Flying airplanes with retractable landing gear

Many high-performance airplanes feature retractable landing gear that allows them to fly at higher speeds thanks to the reduced drag (and they look cool too). There are new operational considerations to learn when transitioning to this type of airplane, including the best time to raise the gear after takeoff and lower the gear before landing. 

Top 10 student pilot gifts

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The best value in aviation today is Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. It will give you all the knowledge you need to become a proficient aviator and help you ace your FAA tests. Home study is an essential part of your training and Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course will save you time and money. It works on all your devices and it never expires, so you can buy it once and use it for the rest of your flying career.