Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Emergency Approach and Landing

You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.

AOPA Flight Training Scholarship Applications Now Open

/
0 Comments
The AOPA Foundation is offering over $1 million in scholarships to help members achieve their aviation goals—from earning a private pilot certificate to pursuing advanced ratings or aviation careers.

Video tip: Flying airplanes with retractable landing gear

Many high-performance airplanes feature retractable landing gear that allows them to fly at higher speeds thanks to the reduced drag (and they look cool too). There are new operational considerations to learn when transitioning to this type of airplane, including the best time to raise the gear after takeoff and lower the gear before landing. 

From the DPE: The Lost Art of Calling for a Weather Briefing

/
12 Comments
The reluctance to call for a phone briefing not only limits their understanding of weather contexts but also fosters a superficial approach to flight safety. It's time we revive this "lost art" by encouraging Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to integrate traditional briefings into training operations.

Video tip: How to handle crosswinds during takeoff

When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.

What does that airport sign mean? Take our interactive quiz for pilots

/
2 Comments
All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. Test your knowledge of their location and meaning in this interactive exercise so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.