Video tip: secrets of VFR sectional charts

VFR sectional charts contain a wealth of information and are considered essential equipment for pilots of all skill levels. This week's tip dives into the symbols and markings used on these charts to help you get more out of the aviation data on your next flight.

Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

Airplane performance can be defined as the capability of an airplane to operate effectively while serving a specific purpose.  Among the elements of performance are takeoff and landing distances, rate of climb, ceiling, speed, payload, and fuel economy.  Answer these questions and see if you can correctly determine all the factors required for adequate aircraft performance.
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New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast

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Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from world famous airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. No news or fluff, just thought-provoking conversations.

How to avoid wake turbulence from large airplanes (video tip)

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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.
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How to Interpret your FAA Written Test Report

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Congratulations on passing your FAA Knowledge Test! You are further…

Instructor Endorsement Now Required for Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test

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FAA’s third-party knowledge test provider, PSI Services, recently provided notice that, effective September 1, 2024, applicants taking the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test, will be required to receive an instructor endorsement before taking the exam.

How to read a METAR aviation weather report (video tip)

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One of the first aviation-specific weather products you’ll learn to use is called an Aviation Routine Weather Report, or METAR for short, which is an observation of weather conditions at an airport.

Women in Aviation International Launches 2025 Scholarship Program

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The 2025 Women in Aviation (WAI) scholarship program is open. Scholarships are being offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatcher, and professional development for individuals in all stages of life. The deadline to apply is October 11, 2024.

Chandelles – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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The Chandelle is a Commercial pilot maneuver in which the pilot combines a 180° turn with a climb. This segment is from Sporty’s 2024 Commercial Pilot Training Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. 
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Chart Smart: Instrument Approach Chart Profile

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What is the significance of the fix located 1.9NM to RW17 on the RNAV (GPS) RWY17 approach procedure depicted below?