FAA issues new SAFO amid multiple runway safety events

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.

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.

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…

Quiz: Preflight Planning an IFR Flight

There are many details to consider when planning a flight under Instrument Flight Rules. Mix in some inclement weather, and the workload increases exponentially. Answer all these questions correctly and prove you have the keys to unlock a successful IFR flight.

FAA adds airport testing Arrival Alert Notice System and new symbols for hotspots

An Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) helps bring attention to higher risk airports and creates situational awareness for pilots by providing a visual graphic of a wrong-surface landing hot spot at airports with a misalignment history.
collision avoidance quiz

What’s in an approach category?

Aircraft fall into one of five approach categories (A-E) based on the aircraft's target final approach speed, or reference speed (Vref). If this speed is not published for the aircraft, then a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed.