VFR sectional charts contain a wealth of information and are considered essential equipment for pilots of all skill levels. This week's tip dives into the symbols and markings used on these charts to help you get more out of the aviation data on your next flight.
Airplane performance can be defined as the capability of an airplane to operate effectively while serving a specific purpose. Among the elements of performance are takeoff and landing distances, rate of climb, ceiling, speed, payload, and fuel economy. Answer these questions and see if you can correctly determine all the factors required for adequate aircraft performance.
Redbird Flight recently launched its annual State of Flight Training Survey. The survey allows all stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts on the key opportunities and challenges facing flight training businesses and flight instructors. The information you share helps the flight training community identify trends, priorities, strengths, and challenges to build a brighter future for aviation.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/09131049/Copy-of-flight-training-survey.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2026-01-09 08:55:022026-01-13 10:47:24Share Your Thoughts on the State of Flight Training
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.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/06132612/video-tip-aerodynamics-of-a-stall-1.png10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngBret Koebbe2026-01-07 08:55:072026-01-06 13:26:34Video Tip: Aerodynamics of a Wing Stall
“Fuel gauges are only accurate when empty”—or are they? This post takes a closer look at fuel-related myths, what the FARs really say about fuel gauge accuracy, and why smart fuel management requires more than just trusting the needle.
Every year, hundreds of new products make their way into the cockpit—but only a few stand out as must-haves. Sporty’s Gear of the Year winners are selected by both pilots and our team of expert staff. These are the tools and gadgets that actually get used, get talked about, and make flying easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30120851/gear-of-the-year-2025.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2026-01-02 08:55:522025-12-30 12:09:53The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s
During your flight training you'll learn all about the four forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week's tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29142954/video-tip-induced-and-parasite-drag.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-31 08:55:142025-12-29 14:30:34Video Tip: The Aerodynamics of Induced and Parasite Drag
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.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/17214637/top-posts-2025-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-29 08:55:052025-12-22 11:11:07Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
In this sample VFR Mastery Scenario, MOA or Marathon puts you in the cockpit of a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22112926/vfr-challenge-moa-or-marathon.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2025-12-26 08:55:422025-12-26 11:38:34VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
In this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload.
Pilot’s guide to reading VFR sectional charts
Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance
Share Your Thoughts on the State of Flight Training
Video Tip: Aerodynamics of a Wing Stall
Common Aircraft Fuel Myths
The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s
Video Tip: The Aerodynamics of Induced and Parasite Drag
Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations