Future Takes Flight Scholarship Program Offering $30,000 in Awards

Six $5,000 scholarships split between three categories

avfuel sheltairSheltair and Avfuel are investing in the aviation community by providing meaningful financial support to aviators pursuing a greater commitment to aviation.

The Sheltair and Avfuel Future Takes Flight Scholarships provide $30,000 in educational funds annually. This year the program will award six, $5,000 scholarships across three categories: two for learning to fly or advanced pilot ratings; two for aviation technicians; and two for continuing education.

Scholarships in the learning to fly or advanced pilot ratings category can be used for coursework or flight lessons for students pursuing their private pilot certificate, adding a rating (instrument, multiengine, or others), adding to their certificate with a Commercial or ATP, and more.

Complete applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 31, 2025. For more information, visit AvFuel.com.

Commercial pilot video tip: Eights on Pylons

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.

This segment appears in Sporty’s Commercial Pilot Training course, which features over 13 hours of HD video training and VR/360 flight maneuvers.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FAA Knowledge Test

written test

The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all FAA written exams.

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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partners with PSI Services to administer these exams, offering flexible scheduling options at numerous locations. 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. Let’s simplify the path to your test day and help you focus on what matters most—acing the exam!

PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Many local flight schools or FBOs host testing centers so you may not have to travel very far. Locating a written testing center is accomplished as part of the test registration process. The cost is $175 and which is paid online with a credit card before you complete the exam scheduling process.

Scheduling your exam

The first step to scheduling your FAA written exam is to visit https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login. First time users will be required to create an account and set up two-factor authentication. This can be done with an app such as Google Authenticator for iOS or Google Authenticator for Android. You may also review exam eligibility requirements from the link on the homepage.

After signing in, you’ll be asked to verify your eligibility which includes entering your unique FAA Tracking number (FTN). If you’ve not already obtained an FTN, you may choose the IACRA link, register for an online account via IACRA, and receive your FTN.

 

After verifying eligibility, you’ll be asked to select the written exam you wish to take. If you are a Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course user, likely you’ll be choosing the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam.

Choose Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)

Once you’ve selected the appropriate exam, you’ll be asked to verify the number of times you’ve attempted the test. If this is your first time signing in, the exam attempts should default to 1 or you may correct the number of attempts in the editable field. You’ll then be asked to select your authorization category.

School Or Experience selection will be “Other” and Authorization Category from the drop-down will be “Other Statement or Endorsement of Eligibility”

Please note, if you are a Sporty’s online course user, your “school or experience” selection will be “other” and your authorization category from the drop-down menu will be “other statement or endorsement of eligibility” if you intend to utilize your certificate of completion from the Sporty’s course.

Next you’ll be asked to select the testing center you intend to utilize. Before moving on to the selection screen, you will be asked to agree to the “scheduling procedures” which includes proper identification for your exam, the requirement to be at your appointment no more than 30 minutes beyond the scheduled time, permitted materials, and what actions would be considered cheating on the exam.

scheduling procedures

Once you’ve reached the scheduling page, you may search by country, postal code, and distance from your location. You’ll also be asked to choose a date range for completing the exam to display a list of available testing locations. You’ll be able to select a testing location and time for your exam from the search results.

 

test scheduling

After selecting your location, date and time for the exam, you’ll be taken to the payment page to complete the final transaction. If you later cancel or postpone your exam, you’ll have up to 12 months to complete. The cost for the exam is $175 which can be paid online via credit card.

A final confirmation of your transaction will be provided and a receipt emailed.

It’s advisable to bring a copy (or have digital access) to your test confirmation when you arrive at the testing center. Be sure to have your certificate of completion in the case of completing the Sporty’s online course or your logbook endorsement from your instructor. A government-issued photo ID will also be required.

What materials are permitted for the FAA Knowledge Test?

written test supplementAll models of aviation-oriented calculators may be used, including small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Simple programmable memories (which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one number from the memory) are permissible. Also, simple functions, such as square root and percent keys, are permissible. Applicants may use scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, blank logsheets, holding pattern entry aids, and electronic or mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test.

The testing center will provide you with a test supplement which will contain any charts and/or figures you may need to reference during the test. You may review the test supplements in advance. They are available at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements.

FAA knowledge test taking tips

Familiarize Yourself with the Format—the Private Pilot written test FAA test contains 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 2 hours to complete it. Any of the written tests may also include validation questions, which are questions used to accumulate data for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are non-scored questions, and do NOT count for or against your final test score. The posted number of questions does NOT include validation questions.

A description of each test, allotted times, and total questions are available via the Airman Knowldge Testing Matrix.

Take Practice Tests— you have an unlimited number of practice tests available in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. Aim to consistently score 90% or higher on practice exams before taking the real test. New questions representing emphasis areas are also routinely added. See the most recent additions here and check back regularly at FlightTrainingCentral.com.

Focus on Weak Areas— Identify topics where you struggle and revisit those sections in your study materials. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course allows you to create study and testing sessions based on weak subject areas.

Bring the Essentials

  • Government-issued photo ID.
  • Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
  • A basic calculator, E6B, plotter.
  • The appropriate testing authorization or endorsement.

Pace Yourself—Allocate about two minutes per question. Flag difficult ones and return to them later.

Read Carefully—Pay close attention to each question and all answer choices. Look for distractors like “always” or “never.”

Use Process of Elimination—Narrow down choices to two, then choose the best answer.

Mark Questions to Review Later—If unsure, mark the question and revisit it after answering easier ones.

Stay Calm and Confident—Take deep breaths if you feel stressed. Trust your preparation. You got this!

 

Congratulations on this important milestone and best wishes on your exam!

Descent Planning: Strategies for Safe and Smooth Arrivals

Descent planning is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of managing your flight. And if not planned properly, a poorly executed descent can present challenges and unnecessary risks when transitioning to an approach or the traffic pattern. Pilots must consider a variety of factors including terrain, weather, airspace constraints, and aircraft performance, to ensure a smooth and safe descent.

A well-executed descent plan not only enhances safety but also improves passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. For example, descending too late can lead to steep approaches, excessive speed, strain on the aircraft, or even discomfort for the passengers. Conversely, descending too early can waste fuel and time and may result in a bumpy ride.

Let’s explore a number of strategies to plan your next arrival.

Use Your Existing GPS Navigator

Most modern GPS navigators include a vertical calculation and/or navigation function that will allow you to plan your descent with precision. As an example, the Garmin GTN series offers a vertical calculation (VCALC) function that includes the ability to set a desired rate of descent to calculate the appropriate point to begin your descent based on your aircraft’s current groundspeed.

You can further choose to arrive at a waypoint at a predetermined altitude or set a mileage offset to create a buffer or to allow for space to enter the traffic pattern.

To use the VCALC function, simply enter a target altitude (pattern altitude for example) and be sure the altitude type matches what you have intended (MSL vs. AGL). Then select a comfortable vertical descent rate (VS Profile), any mileage offset (perhaps three-four miles before the target altitude if you are entering the traffic pattern) and the target waypoint (arrival airport).

garmin gtn vcalc

Finally, you can enable messages to alert you as to when to begin the descent. Consult the flight manual supplement or pilot’s guide for your GPS navigator for additional details on utilizing the vertical navigation functions.

Flight Planning Apps

Make use of the powererful features of your favorite flight planning app to make your descent planning easier. In ForeFlight, for example, the Basic Navlog includes waypoints for the top of climb (TOC) and top of descent (TOD). These waypoints are calculated automatically using the latest weather forecasts and selected aircraft performance profile.

You can view your TOD within on the Flights tab in the Navlog. In our example flight from the Clermont County Airport (I69) the Ohio State Airport (OSU) in a Cessna 182 Skylane at 7,500’, you can see that our TOD has been calculated at 35nm (13 minutes) from our destination airport.

TOD navlog

You can also view your TOD from the flight plan profile view on the Maps tab. Long press in the profile view and then move the vertical slider to the left until it intersects with your cruise altitude of 7,500’. As you can see, this point is 45nm from our departure point which is 35nm from our destination as was calculated in the Navlog.

profile view

To quickly insert your TOD into your flight plan, go to the Edit view, select your destination waypoint, OSU, then Along-Track Offset. Enter 35 and the TOD waypoint of 35nm from our destination is now entered in your flight plan.

The Rule of Three

The “rule of three” involves calculating the altitude to lose in thousands of feet and multiplying it by three to determine the distance from the destination to begin your descent, essentially creating a 3-degree descent angle.

  • Determine altitude to lose:

7,500’ (cruise altitude) – 900’ (OSU airport elevation) = 6,600’

  • Apply the “rule of three”:

Multiply the altitude to lose (in thousands of feet, 6,600/1000 (6.6)) by three to find the distance from the destination to start your descent.

                6.6 x 3 = 19.8nm

  • Determine the descent rate

As a rule of thumb, to determine the appropriate descent rate, divide your groundspeed (the anticipated groundspeed in your desent) by two and then multiply by 10.

In our example:

167kts / 2 = 83.5 x 10 = 835fpm

Use a Standard Descent Rate

Many pilots utilize a standard descent rate that is comfortable for their aircraft and passengers. Using our same example flight from I69 to OSU and a 500fpm descent rate:

  • Determine altitude to lose:

7,500’ (cruise altitude) – 900’ (OSU airport elevation) = 6,600’

  • Determine descent point in minutes from destination:

Divide the altitude to lose by the desired descent rate to calculate how many minutes from your destination you will need to initiate the descent.

6,600’ / 500fpm = 13.2 minutes from the destination.

  • Convert to mileage from destination if desired:

To convert 13.2 minutes into mileage from the airport, you will need to determine how many miles per minute you are traveling by dividing your groundspeed by 60.

167kts / 60 = 2.8 miles per minute

Traveling at 2.8 miles per minute, you will need to initiate a descent 37nm from the airport (2.8 mpm x 13.2 minutes).

Other factors to consider

Terrain and obstacle considerations, airspace constraints, and ATC limitations can all influence your descent planning. Passenger comfort can also come into play. If you are dealing with sensitive ears, you may wish to opt for a shallower descent rate; however, in the warmer months, the lower altitudes may be more turbulent and you may wish to delay your descent in favor of smoother and cooler air.

If you are approaching a non-towered airport, you may wish to reach pattern altitude several miles from the airport to position yourself onto an appropriate entry leg and get appropriately configured.

As you can see, there are multiple methods for determining an appropriate descent profile. The most important takeaway is to have a plan and stay ahead of the aircraft.

Share Your Thoughts on the State of Flight Training and Enter for a Chance to Win

Survey open through February 3, 2025

redbirdAdvances in flight training start with your feedback. Redbird Flight recently launched its fifth annual State of Flight Training Survey to help the flight training community identify and analyze trends, priorities, strengths, and challenges to build a brighter future for aviation. The survey allows all stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts on the key opportunities and challenges facing flight training businesses and flight instructors. Flight training providers, flight instructors, designated pilot examiners, prospective student pilots, student pilots, and pilots are encouraged to respond.

Results will be released at Redbird Migration in early March 2025. Participants will have the option to receive the survey results directly and be eligible to win a $100 Sporty’s Gift Card.

take survey

Video tip: How to avoid turbulence and find a smoother ride

During your preflight briefing, you observe that the air is clear and there are no storms in sight – does this mean you’re in store for a smooth, enjoyable flight? Possibly, but you should also consider another weather factor that can have a big impact on the comfort of the flight on VFR days: turbulence. This week’s tip discusses ways to avoid rough air and find a smoother ride on your next flight.

The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course