Video tip: flying by the instruments

During your private pilot training, you'll need to log at least 3 hours with your instructor flying the airplane solely by reference to the instruments, typically while wearing a hood or view-limiting device. The goal isn't to make you proficient in instrument flying, but rather to help you develop the basic flying skills to return to VFR weather should you accidentally fly into a cloud or low visibility conditions.

Student pilot flight bag survey

Help us design the next generation of flight bags for student pilots, by taking our short survey.

Video: first solo aerobatics flight

Learning to fly aerobatics is a lot of fun, but it also makes your everyday flying skills sharper. Ride along with an experienced pilot as he flies his very first aerobatics routine solo, including loops and rolls. Besides the fun view out the window, you'll hear his pre-maneuver checklist and learn what he's focusing on as he flies each one.

Fun flights for a new pilot

So you’re getting comfortable as pilot in command and you’ve completed those first big milestones: solo and private pilot certification. Now what? Well you’re probably working toward an advanced rating, maybe eventually a career in aviation, or just having fun. With flight training, consistency is the name of the game, but I’d recommend you stop and smell the roses.

Friday photo: Jerry Gay solo cross-country

The moment: First solo cross-country The pilot: Jerry Gay The…

Video: how a drone pilot became a bush pilot

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Trent Palmer makes some of the most amazing flying videos anywhere, usually involving bush planes with big tires - and rarely involving paved runways. What most people don't know is that Trent was initially terrified of flying. Watch this video to learn how he conquered his fears, and of course see some great backcountry flying.

Sporty’s webinar – surviving the checkride – an examiner panel discussion

Preparing can be stressful, but taking a checkride doesn’t…

Friday photo: Steve Hicks first solo

  The moment: Private pilot checkride The pilot: Steve…

The virtues of competition and a challenging flight home

The competition I had the distinct pleasure of representing…

Video: checking out in a T-6

It's one of the most popular trainers of the World War II era, and it has a well-deserved reputation for being the "pilot maker." Join FlightChops as he checks out in the T-6. You'll see the demanding tailwheel airplane from the pilot's view, and see why a good T-6 pilot is always on his toes.