Sporty’s Launches 2026 Learn to Fly Course with Advanced AI Tools and New Flight Maneuver Training

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Sporty’s has released its all-new 2026 Learn to Fly Course, packed with major upgrades that make pilot training more immersive, efficient, and personalized than ever before. The latest edition introduces new 4K flight maneuver videos, a powerful aviation-specific AI study tool, and expanded resources for Sport Pilot training under the new MOSAIC rules.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Emergency Approach and Landing

You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.

AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Applications Now Open

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The AOPA Foundation is offering over $1 million in scholarships to help members achieve their aviation goals—from earning a private pilot certificate to pursuing advanced ratings or aviation careers.

Video Tip: Flying Airplanes With Retractable Landing Gear

Many high-performance airplanes feature retractable landing gear that allows them to fly at higher speeds thanks to the reduced drag (and they look cool too). There are new operational considerations to learn when transitioning to this type of airplane, including the best time to raise the gear after takeoff and lower the gear before landing. 

From the DPE: The Lost Art of Calling for a Weather Briefing

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The reluctance to call for a phone briefing not only limits their understanding of weather contexts but also fosters a superficial approach to flight safety. It's time we revive this "lost art" by encouraging Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to integrate traditional briefings into training operations.

Video Tip: How to Handle Crosswinds During Takeoff

When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.

What does that airport sign mean? Take our interactive quiz for pilots

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All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. Test your knowledge of their location and meaning in this interactive exercise so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Find Your Flight School

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Thinking about learning to fly? Fall is a fantastic season to start planning your flight training journey. Cooler temperatures and calmer skies make for some of the most enjoyable flying conditions, and there’s no better time to explore your options.

Video Tip: How to Avoid Wake Turbulence From Large Airplanes

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A hazardous phenomenon that all pilots learn to avoid when operating at airports is wake turbulence. This invisible turbulence is caused by a pair of counterrotating vortices behind an airplane's wingtips, generated whenever a wing develops lift.

MOSAIC Rule Explained: New Sport Pilot Privileges and LSA Standards

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The 1320-pound limitation was removed from the definition of LSAs (July, 2026) and Sport Pilot eligible (October, 2025) aircraft. The new rule shifts to a performance-based standard for both LSAs and Sport Pilots, though the criteria for both are not the same.