Video: two first flight lessons

Do you remember your first flight lesson? For most pilots, it's a blur - a mix of wonder, nervousness and excitement. In this video, you can see it all, from the expectations to the moment of liftoff, as you ride along with two student pilots on their first flight lessons. If you're already a pilot, you'll enjoy reliving the big day. If you're not yet a pilot, this is a great preview, one that shows just how much flying you'll do on that first lesson.

Video tip – Runway markings and symbols

Not all sections of the runway are created equal, and the FAA uses various symbols and markings painted directly on the pavement to indicate each segment's purpose. This week's tip takes a closer look at displaced thresholds, blastpads, EMAS and closed runway signage so you'll be well-prepared on what to do when you see them in person at the airport.

Video: landing a helicopter next to a BBQ restaurant

Airplane pilots are familiar with the concept of the $100 hamburger, a flight to a nearby airport for lunch or dinner that combines food, friends and flying. These missions are a lot of fun, but in a helicopter they are even better. In this video, watch as a student pilot flies a Robinson R22 helicopter to one of the world's best barbecue restaurants and lands in the grass right next door. You'll learn some of the finer points of off-airport landings, plus see how much fun you can have with a pilot certificate.

5 flight planning resources you should be using

Flight planning today has never been easier for pilots, thanks to all the sophisticated mobile apps and wealth of up-to-date weather data available at our fingertips. Here are 5 flight planning resources outside of your favorite aviation app to consider while preparing for your next flight.

Video: flying to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Oshkosh - one word means so much to pilots. But one of the best parts of EAA's AirVenture show is getting there. Flying into KOSH requires pilots to fly a very specific procedure and often land on a runway with two other airplanes. It's challenging and different, but also a lot of fun. In this video, fly along in a Citabria as it lands on runway 27 at Oshkosh, and listen to the rapid-fire controllers.

Flight maneuver spotlight: power-off stalls

You'll learn how to intentionally stall the airplane during your flight training so that you can recognize the sights, sounds and how the controls feel as you approach critically slow airspeeds. Equally as important, you'll learn how to quickly recover in the event you inadvertently reach a stalled condition in flight.