FAA issues new SAFO amid multiple runway safety events

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Amid a number of notable and high visibility runway safety events…

Video tip: How to determine the wind direction for takeoff and landing

When departing or approaching an airport, it's important that you choose a runway that allows you to takeoff or land into the wind. This week's tip looks at some common wind direction indicators found on the ground at many airports, along with how to use the radio to tune into automated weather reporting systems.

Lazy Eights: Commercial flight maneuver spotlight

The lazy eight is one of several maneuvers you'll learn to fly during your training towards the Commercial Pilot certificate. It is designed to develop the proper coordination of the flight controls across a wide range of airspeeds and attitudes and will give you a new appreciation for energy management and precise airplane control.

How to recover from an airplane spin, with Patty Wagstaff

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While spin training is only required for new flight instructor candidates, pilots of all skill levels should still know the steps and control inputs to recover from a spin. Join Patty Wagstaff in her Super Decathlon aerobatic airplane, as she first explains what an airplane spin is, and then the proper spin recovery steps to return to straight and level flight.

Flying for youth

As a flight instructor, I am often asked the question, "How old do you have to be to start learning to fly?" The short answer to the question is that there is no minimum age for a child to begin learning to fly. The longer answer is a bit more complicated and I will attempt to discuss that here.
Aircraft Engine - carb heat

Reminder of the dangers associated with carb ice

An instructor and student received a powerful reminder of the dangers of carburetor ice. Carburetor ice occurs due to the effect of fuel vaporization and the decrease in air pressure which causes a sharp temperature drop.

Video Tip: Steep turns in flight

Steep turns are one of those core pilot skills - whether you're a new student pilot or an experienced pro, being able to complete this maneuver safely and smoothly requires coordination and good "seat of the pants" flying. Learn some helpful tips for making better steep turns in our latest video tip.
pitot

Quiz: Understanding the airplane Pitot-Static System

The pitot-static system is the source of valuable flight information…

Busy instrument arrival demands planning, precision and patience

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The secret is out…it is sunny and warm in south Florida. And…

How to brief the weather before an IFR flight (video tip)

The FAA encourages pilots to conduct a self-weather briefing before each flight and no longer considers a Flight Service phone briefing as the primary source for preflight weather. In this video, we'll highlight various sources of weather products you can use and how to ensure you always get a complete briefing.