Flight Training Central publishes original content for pilots and students, including articles, video tips, quizzes, industry news, and webinars. We also maintain a comprehensive Scholarship Directory, connecting you to hundreds of awards. Stay informed with our free email newsletter featuring the latest posts and updates.
Sporty’s 2026 pilot training courses introduce a suite of AI-powered learning tools designed specifically for pilots. These aren’t generic chatbots—they’re built on a vetted, aviation-specific AI engine, tested and refined by flight instructors to help students learn smarter, faster, and more confidently.
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.
CFI and aviation attorney, Mark Kolber , takes a practical look at the legal issues every pilot should know. From everyday cockpit decisions to the essentials of Aviation Law 101, you’ll gain real-world knowledge to help keep your flying safe and compliant.
You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week’s tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.
The AOPA Foundation is offering over $1 million in scholarships to help members achieve their aviation goals—from earning a private pilot certificate to pursuing advanced ratings or aviation careers.
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.
Thinking about learning to fly? Fall is a fantastic season to start planning your flight training journey. Cooler temperatures and calmer skies make for some of the most enjoyable flying conditions, and there’s no better time to explore your options.
Whether you’re just starting out or have logged hundreds of hours, mastering steep turns is all about precision, coordination, and feel. In our latest video tip, we break down practical strategies to help you fly steeper, smoother, and safer turns every time.
All pilots look forward to learning how to master the approach and landing since it is one of the most dynamic moments of every flight. Follow along with our 3D flight maneuver video to see how it’s done.
Checking the weather is one of the few constants in aviation. All pilots do it, whether it’s a trip around the pattern in a Cub or a trip across the Atlantic in a Gulfstream. But merely getting a weather briefing isn’t enough; it has to be a good weather briefing to make the flight safer. So what exactly does a “good briefing” involve?
