3 non-aviation apps every pilot should have

While technology and the availability of flight planning and charting apps have replaced sectional charts and highlighters for most students, there is more information to be gained regarding your destination than what the NOTAMs and weather forecasts will provide.

Video: crop duster ride-along

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There are dozens of unique jobs in aviation, from airline pilot to flight instructor. One of the most interesting jobs, though, is that of the crop duster. These pilots fly just inches above the ground, and fly a precise pattern to deliver just the right amount of spray at just the right time. In this video, you'll sit in the right seat and watch an experienced crop duster at work as he sprays a field in Ohio. Excellent stick and rudder skills are required!

Top 7 iPad accessories for pilots

The iPad makes a great, all-in-one cockpit tool, combining maps, flight planning, in-flight weather, documents and so much more. That doesn't mean it stands on its own, though. A few carefully chosen accessories can make it so much more powerful and easy-to-use. Here's our list of the accessories you should consider, and our top recommendations.

6 tips for pilot proficiency and development

As you’re already aware, earning a pilot certificate is a…

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Soft-field takeoff

The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.

Video: Getting over Mic Fright

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What's the hardest part about learning to fly? Right after learning how to land, most pilots would say learning to talk on the radio. In the latest episode of AOPA's "Behind the Logbook" series, you'll fly along with two student pilots as they learn how to keep up with rapid fire ATC instructions. Step one: know what to expect!

Video: Flying a Cessna from Greenland to Iceland

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Crossing the Atlantic Ocean seems like an impossible task in a small airplane, but it really isn't. This week's fun flying video takes us to Greenland, to join three friends for a flight from remote Nuuk to Iceland. The scenery is incredible, the planning is intense, and the sense of accomplishment is hard to beat. And it's all done in a Cessna 210.
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7 little safety habits to consider

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Some aviation tips are in the "commandments" category: never run out of airspeed and ideas at the same time, never take off over gross weight, never fly below minimums on an instrument approach. Those are all true, but that doesn't mean there aren't other, smaller tips that can reduce risk. Here are five I try follow in the cockpit.

Video: Amazing helicopter landing spots

Why fly a helicopter if you're only going to land on an airport? In this incredible video, you'll get to fly around British Columbia with an experienced helicopter pilot as he visits some unusual helipads. From downtown, waterfront helipads to remote, mountaintop locations, the views are incredible and the freedom is unmatched.

Weather Video Tip: Microbursts and wind shear

Microbursts are one of aviation's top weather hazards, and the intensity of the wind shear can spell trouble for even the most powerful airplanes. In this tip we'll look at the weather variables that can cause a microburst, how to look for the warning signs and what to do should you encounter one.