Video tip – Runway markings and symbols

Not all sections of the runway are created equal, and the FAA uses various symbols and markings painted directly on the pavement to indicate each segment's purpose. This week's tip takes a closer look at displaced thresholds, blastpads, EMAS and closed runway signage so you'll be well-prepared on what to do when you see them in person at the airport.

Video: landing a helicopter next to a BBQ restaurant

Airplane pilots are familiar with the concept of the $100 hamburger, a flight to a nearby airport for lunch or dinner that combines food, friends and flying. These missions are a lot of fun, but in a helicopter they are even better. In this video, watch as a student pilot flies a Robinson R22 helicopter to one of the world's best barbecue restaurants and lands in the grass right next door. You'll learn some of the finer points of off-airport landings, plus see how much fun you can have with a pilot certificate.

5 flight planning resources you should be using

Flight planning today has never been easier for pilots, thanks to all the sophisticated mobile apps and wealth of up-to-date weather data available at our fingertips. Here are 5 flight planning resources outside of your favorite aviation app to consider while preparing for your next flight.

Video: flying to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Oshkosh - one word means so much to pilots. But one of the best parts of EAA's AirVenture show is getting there. Flying into KOSH requires pilots to fly a very specific procedure and often land on a runway with two other airplanes. It's challenging and different, but also a lot of fun. In this video, fly along in a Citabria as it lands on runway 27 at Oshkosh, and listen to the rapid-fire controllers.

Flight maneuver spotlight: power-off stalls

You'll learn how to intentionally stall the airplane during your flight training so that you can recognize the sights, sounds and how the controls feel as you approach critically slow airspeeds. Equally as important, you'll learn how to quickly recover in the event you inadvertently reach a stalled condition in flight.

Video: flying around the Bahamas in a Bonanza

There's a reason the islands of the Bahamas are on so many pilots' wish lists: it's an easy flight from the southeast US, the scenery is amazing, airports are everywhere, and the people are friendly. Fly with Matt Guthmiller in this video, as he takes his Beech Bonanza to a number of islands, including Bimini, Eleuthera, Norman's Cay and more. This is fun flying at its very best.

My first passenger flight experience

After you earn your license, there’s a feeling of freedom.…

Video: bush pilot picnic in Alaska

When the weather is good, it's hard to beat flying in Alaska. In this week's fun flying video, ride along with Chris Palmer from Angle of Attack to see just how much fun you can have with a Cessna 170, a gravel runway and a group of pilots. They enjoy a "bush pilot picnic" before fly over some gorgeous glaciers on the way back. And all of this with just a Private Pilot license and a Cessna.

Video: flying mom and dad to Key West

This week's fun flying video combines two memorable flights in one. The first is taking your parents for their first flight in a small airplane, which is a fun way to show off your hard-earned pilot skills. Even better is making that first flight in a Cessna 172 to Key West, Florida. The scenic flight over the turquoise waters to an island paradise is a great example of the fun you can have in an airplane.

5 steps to ensure a happy family flight

General aviation (GA) created two more days of vacation, relaxation and memories. In my opinion, the only option for making the 600+ mile journey feasible in a week’s time was by air. Yes, GA can be a realistic, cost-effective travel tool and I live it. It begins with a good plan and the right expectations.