Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning

Winds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put all the puzzle pieces together and plan a successful cross-country flight?

Surviving VFR Into IMC: A Private Pilot Training Syllabus You Need

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VFR into IMC is one of the deadliest scenarios a private pilot can face. In fact, VFR into IMC accidents are three times more likely to be fatal than engine failures. Yet the FAA’s mandatory 3 hours of simulated instrument training for students often becomes just a “check in the box,” with little scenario-based practice or clear objective. That’s why we’re excited to share a new syllabus designed specifically to give private pilots the skills to avoid, survive, and escape IMC safely.

Video Tip: Starting the Airplane Engine

Starting the airplane engine is one of the first hands-on procedures you'll learn when starting your flight training. In our latest video tip, we'll show you step-by-step the procedure for starting the Cessna 172S fuel-injected engine.

The FAA is Conducting a Ramp Check. Now What?

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You’ve just shut down, tied down, and are grabbing your flight bag when a neatly dressed individual flashes a badge and says, “Hi, I’m with the FAA.” That sound you just heard? It’s your stomach dropping. But before panic sets in, take a breath. Ramp inspections—yes, those dreaded “ramp checks”—are a normal part of the FAA’s safety oversight system. They’re not necessarily a sign that you’ve done anything wrong.

Sporty’s Debuts Its 2025 Pilot Gift Guide: Great Ideas for Pilots in Training

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Finding the right holiday gift for a pilot can be challenging—especially for those just starting their flying journey. To make things easier, Sporty’s has released its 2025 Pilot Gift Guide, a curated collection of gear, tools, and aviation-themed items that pilots actually use.

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.