Video Tip: Operations at Class C and D Airports

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Class C and D airspace will surround airports that can handle a moderate amount of air traffic. This means there are some important restrictions to remember any time you're operating within - or underneath this airspace. In this week's video tip, we review how Class C and D airspace works, what you need to do to fly legally in it and how to stay safe.

Test your knowledge on airplane engine operations

Aircraft engines can provide thousands of hours of reliable service, provided that they are maintained and operated properly. From the pilot's perspective, this involves learning the best practices for power control, leaning procedures, cooling, and other operational considerations.

AIM Change 1 Update Clarifies Upwind Leg at Towered Airports

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A new revision to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is now in effect, and it includes an important clarification for pilots operating at towered airports. The FAA has updated paragraph 4-3-3 to realign the definition and depiction of the upwind leg with how it's used by air traffic control (ATC) in practice.

How to preflight a Cessna 172 airplane

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The airplane preflight inspection is performed before each flight to ensure that all the required paperwork is on board, that the airplane systems are working properly and that the correct amount of fuel and oil are in the tanks. It's your chance to really look the airplane over inside and out to assure yourself that it's ready to fly, because once you're airborne, you just can't pull over in case something goes wrong.

Why Every Approach Should Be a Go-Around—Until It’s Not

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Most pilots learn to fly a go-around early in training, usually in calm conditions with a CFI ready to coach them through the steps. Power up, pitch up, clean up, go-around. It’s one of the standard maneuvers on the checkride, and it’s often treated like just that—a maneuver.

Product Pilot Report: Flight Bags By Pilots

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Flight bags are like logbooks—every pilot has one, and every pilot has opinions about them. After years of using the original Flight Gear bags, I was curious (and a little skeptical) when I heard Sporty’s had completely redesigned the line. But after flying with a few of the new models over the past month, I can confidently say this is more than a refresh—it’s a total reimagination.