My first solo cross-country

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Heading back to I69 felt like it should be the easiest part of the flight. After all, it’s home. But as any pilot knows, things in aviation are rarely that simple. As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy—really busy. I could hear multiple calls on the radio and saw the traffic stacking up on ForeFlight. There were two planes ahead of me in the pattern.

Video tip – how to use aviation self-serve fuel facilities

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Many airports offer a self-serve fuel option at a cheaper price per gallon, which can offer big savings for large fillups and serve as a plan B for fuel when landing after hours when the FBO is closed. This week's tip takes a look at how to operate a self-serve fuel system to ensure that your first time using one goes smoothly.

Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning

Winds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put…

Flight planning for a weekend getaway

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There is nothing like trying to depart on a Sunday morning and needing assistance when no one is around. The departure date or day of the week can make a difference. Check the FBO operating hours and emergency (after hours) phone number. I always plan for enough fuel to fly to another airport for fuel if something happens and I am not able to fuel up at the destination airport.

Video tip: Cessna 172 electrical system

The electrical system is a critical component of today's modern airplanes, distributing and supplying power to the lights, avionics and digital flight instruments. This week's tip takes a look at the various elements that make up the electrical system in the popular Cessna 172 training airplane.

Apply for the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards

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Instructors and Flight Schools are invited to apply for regional or national awards. Applicants should ask for reviews from students, clients, instructors, and designated pilot examiners who have trained or worked with them during the previous 12 months.