Redbird’s 2025 Flight Training Survey: Costs and Completion Time Hold Steady

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Each year, the Redbird State of Flight Training Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of flight training, and the 2025 report brings some welcome stability. Despite ongoing discussions about the cost and time required to earn a pilot certificate, this year's data shows that both remain largely unchanged from previous years.

How pilots can use Convective Outlook weather charts to avoid thunderstorms

The week's tip looks at the Convective Outlook chart, which provides both short and long-term planning guidance for determining the location and intensity of thunderstorm activity.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Traffic Pattern Entry Procedures

Standard traffic patterns are established at nontowered airports to provide a smooth flow of traffic from the arrival phase of flight through approach and landing. Here are the steps to follow to safely and efficiently join the pattern and get established on the final approach leg for landing.

Engine Failure After Takeoff—What Would You Do?

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A pre-takeoff briefing exists to remove hesitation and doubt from split-second emergency decisions after takeoff. The problem is that most real-world departures present several opportunities to go off script. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.

How to calculate airplane weight and balance: Pilot video tutorial

Take the time to compute the total weight of the airplane and center of gravity (CG) before every flight, based on the number of occupants, baggage and fuel and where each item is positioned in the airplane. This week's tip takes a look at how to compute a typical weight and balance calculation and how to verify the results are within limits.

Instant FAA Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis–Free from Sporty’s

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Sporty’s has deployed a free Knowledge Test Code Analysis function among its suite of Aviation Intelligence (AI) tools that provides a detailed report of your deficient knowledge areas in a matter of seconds. Simply drop a photo of your written test report into the analysis tool, and AI will retrieve the applicable ACS codes and a description of the deficient topics.

AOPA Names Nation’s Best Flight Schools and Instructors

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Every year, AOPA holds the Flight Training Experience Awards to recognize CFIs and flight schools who have gone above and beyond in providing student pilots with exceptional learning experiences. Instructors and schools were invited to apply and to request reviews from their clients to support their nomination.

Airplane turbochargers explained for pilots (video lesson)

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Many high-performance airplanes take advantage of turbocharged engines, which allow for cruise operations at higher altitudes into the flight levels. This video shows how these systems work, including the compressor and turbine components, intercooler, wastegate, and engine flight instruments.

Quiz: Airspace classifications and rules

You'll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it's your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.

Regional Airline Association Opens Application Window for 2025 Scholarship Program

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The Regional Airline Association (RAA) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, which offers financial support to students pursuing careers in aviation. The RAA Scholarship aims to help the next generation of aviation professionals achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening, expanding, and diversifying the aviation industry's future workforce.