Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Flight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a knowledge test, sharpening your skills before a checkride, or just trying to fly a little better each lesson, these are the articles that resonated most with fellow students this year.
Here are the 10 most-read Flight Training Central posts of 2025.
10) The Most Misunderstood Aerodynamic Concepts
I have heard from a couple of different pilot examiner friends that there are a number of basic aerodynamic concepts that are often misunderstood by pilot applicants. At the private pilot level, this is disappointing, but may be understandable. What is not understandable or acceptable is seeing a number of their commercial and CFI applicants having little more than a cursory understanding of some of these key concepts.
9) Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
8) The ABCs of Emergencies
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
7) Avoid These 5 Common ATC Communication Mistakes
Talking on the radio can be one of the most intimidating parts of flight training. Whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country to unfamiliar airspace, clear communication with Air Traffic Control is essential for safety and efficiency—but also a skill that takes practice. The good news? Most of the issues student pilots run into are both common and easily corrected.
6) What does that airport sign mean? Take our interactive quiz.
All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. Test your knowledge of their location and meaning in this interactive exercise so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.
5) Sporty’s Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Summer 2025
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes—and have the chance to learn from them.
4) Test Your Knowledge on Airplane 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. This quiz tests your understanding of everyday engine operating decisions that directly affect performance, reliability, and engine longevity.
3) Engine Failure After Takeoff—What Would You Do?
You received an extensive checkout in a Globe Swift five years ago when you bought the airplane. During the checkout, and as part of your pre-takeoff briefing, you considered scenarios for an engine failure after takeoff at a variety of altitudes. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.
2) Quiz: Airspace Classifications and Rules
You’ll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.
1) A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center.
- Video Tip: How Airplane Pressurization Systems Work - February 25, 2026
- Quiz: How Solid Are Your Radio Skills? - February 9, 2026
- AIM Update Effective January 22: Circling Guidance Clarified - January 23, 2026
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!