Video Tip: VFR communications

Talking on the radio can be intimidating for new pilots, but with a few tips in mind it doesn't have to be hard. In our latest video tip, we give you a few basics to remember so you can sound like a pro when you talk to tower or on the CTAF. If you know what to expect, you'll be a lot more confident.

Quiz: Wake Turbulence Avoidance

Wake turbulence is an invisible hazard that presents an additional challenge for pilots operating light airplanes out of busy airports. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of proper avoidance techniques.

What’s New in Airman Testing: June 2025 Updates You Should Know

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Each quarter, the FAA releases an Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA), summarizing the latest changes and clarifications in testing and training standards. The June 2025 edition might not break any news headlines, but there are several important updates that flight instructors, students, and aviation educators should keep on their radar.

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.

The Most Misunderstood Aerodynamic Concepts

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Having at least a basic understanding of aerodynamics is important for all pilots and it will be evaluated on the practical exam for a certificate or rating. The further along a pilot is in their certificates, the more advanced their understanding of aerodynamics should be. Pilots should take the time to study this information and be prepared for the practical exam along with being prepared for flight situations that will test the application of their understanding.

FAA Pilot Minute Video: Will Prescribed Testosterone Affect My Medical?

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The FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine has released a “Pilot Minute” video that addresses the growing use of testosterone therapy and how it can affect your medical certification. Whether you're currently taking testosterone or considering it, it's important to understand the potential impact on your eligibility to fly. In this short video, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup explains what the FAA looks for and how to stay in compliance.

Video tip: the Cessna 172 fuel system

It's important for pilots to have a good understanding of airplane systems to know how to properly operate their controls and troubleshoot them when things don't work as expected. This week's tip takes a look at the Cessna 172 fuel system to show each component and give you a better understanding of how all the parts work together.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Slow Flight

Flying an airplane just above the stall speed in the slow flight configuration will teach you a lot about the handling characteristics and controllability at low speeds, which is a critical step in the development of your flying skills during flight training.
frequently missed test questions

Sporty’s Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—June 2025

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Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. These commonly missed questions often focus on nuanced regulations, meteorology, flight planning, and airspace rules. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes.

Video tip: How to takeoff and land from a short runway

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An advanced skill you’ll learn during flight training is how to achieve the maximum performance from the airplane by operating from shorter runways.