Top 5 taxiing mistakes

Learning to move the aircraft around on the ground can be just…

Friday photo: autumn sunset over Kentucky

The moment: picturesque autumn sunset The place: northern…

Ask a CFI: Tips for Checkride Success from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

Today we're talking with Todd Ritchey, a senior CFI at Sporty's Academy and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. Todd shares his tips for how to prepare for the oral exam and practical flight test during the checkride and how to ensure you walk away with a successful outcome.

Video tip: types of training airplanes

While you can technically learn to fly and earn your private pilot certificate in just about any type of airplane, you'll quickly learn that certain models are better suited for flight training than others. Here we'll take a look at the most common airplanes used for pilot training and some of the differences among them.
Grass runway

Why taildraggers improve your flying skills – and how to do it in a 172

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3 Comments
I know when I checked out in a Citabria about 15 years ago, it changed how I thought about the landing process and it recalibrated my “seat of your pants” flight instrument (that we all have). My landings weren’t always pretty, but the experience taught me to focus on three things in particular.

Video: flying LSAs in New Zealand

Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) provide an excellent platform for new student pilots and are often less expensive to operate. Join JP on a scenic flight around New Zealand to learn what these airplanes have to offer and what's different about flying an LSA.