Apply now for 2024 AOPA flight training scholarships

The application window is open for more than $1 million in awards from the AOPA Foundation. The awards, ranging from $2,500 to $14,000, can help significantly reduce training costs and accelerate your training.

January test question update from Sporty’s

Sporty's recently released its January written test question…

Interactive video tip: Flying with a constant-speed propeller

Airplanes with a high-performance engine typically contain a constant-speed propeller for greater efficiency. Learn all about their operation with our latest tip, including how to properly use the throttle, prop control, manifold pressure gauge and tachometer in each phase of flight.

How to fly the perfect short field takeoff and climb

Takeoff power should be applied smoothly while holding the brakes until the maximum obtainable engine power. Once the brakes are released, adjust the airplane’s pitch to attain minimum drag and maximum acceleration. As we reach the recommended roation speed, apply back-elevator pressure until reaching the appropriate Vx attitude.

Student Pilot and FAA Medical Certificates

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As a student pilot, you will need a Student Pilot Certificate at some point during flight training program. When you will need it and how you can obtain it will vary based upon the type of training that you are doing. You may also need an FAA Medical Certificate. The type of certificate you should obtain, if you should obtain one at all, depends on your flight training goals.

Video Tip: How to use a mechanical E6B flight computer

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Most students today prefer to use an electronic E6B flight computer when planning a flight or preparing for the FAA knowledge test.  The electronic E6B is actually the evolution of a mechanical E6B flight computer, often referred to as a whiz wheel. While the mechanical E6B may take a little longer to learn compared to its electronic counterpart, the learning process is a fun challenge.
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Quiz: Aircraft Engine Operations

Aircraft engines can provide thousands of hours of reliable service, provided that they are maintained and operated properly. From the pilot's perspective, this involves learning the best practices for power control, leaning procedures, cooling, and other operational considerations.
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Binge out on these top podcast episodes

Sporty's Pilot's Discretion has grown to be one of the top five aviation podcasts on Apple's charts, with devoted subscribers who listen every two weeks as Sporty's John Zimmerman interviews some of aviation's most interesting people.

New Year’s Resolutions

We read about the accident “chain” - a series of events and decisions that had to occur in the correct order for the resulting accident to have taken place. If a different decision is made anywhere along the sequence, the chain is broken and thankfully, the result is just another interesting flight.
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Top posts from 2023 at Flight Training Central

Flight Training Central published more than 200 content pieces in 2023 and hosted several monthly themes throughout the year including IFR month in February and Learn to Fly month in May.