When you hear “grass runway” you probably think of a short farm strip. Triple Tree Aerodrome in South Carolina is something entirely different: a 7,000-foot long stretch of grass that looks like it’s a golf course fairway. Ride along in a Cirrus SR20 as a family visits the scenic airport and enjoys the warm hospitality of fellow pilots. It’s everything that’s right about general aviation.
There are 2 unusual attitude maneuvers you’ll practice during your private pilot training, simulating the scenario of inadvertently flying into IFR conditions and ending up in a nose low descending or nose high climbing pitch attitude. This week’s tip shows how to recognize either condition and use the flight instruments to recover to straight and level flight.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/05175945/Unusual-Attitudes-YT-Thumbnail.jpg10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-03-04 09:10:032021-06-08 19:23:07Video tip: how to recover from unusual flight attitudes
The moment: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride
The pilot: Sam Stauss
The place: Clermont County Airport, (I69), Batavia, OH.
The aircraft: C172
The memory: This occasion is fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams to be able to teach others of the knowledge I have gained, so that others may be able to pursue their own dreams.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05171235/Sam-Stauss-CFI-1-scaled-1.jpg25462560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-02-28 11:33:562021-06-08 19:23:07Friday photo: Sam Stauss CFI checkride
Night is simply one of the best times to fly–the air is smooth, the airport isn’t as busy and the view out the window is incredible. This week’s video takes a closer look at night flying and some best practices to follow to ensure your next flight in the dark is as safe as it enjoyable.
Aeronautical Information Manual Change 1 was recently published with updates taking effect January 30. Updates include:
1−1−12. NAVAIDS with Voice 4−2−14. Communications for VFR Flights 7−1−10. Inflight Weather Broadcasts Appendix 3. Abbreviations/Acronyms
This change deletes Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS), as this continuous broadcast service is no longer provided by Flight Service. However, Flight Service is still responsible to advise pilots of hazardous weather that will impact operation.
3−2−3. Class B Airspace This change reflects the statutory authority of 14 CFR 61.325 allowing light−sport aircraft to operate within Class B airspace by sport pilot certificate holders.
5−1−3. Notice to Airman (NOTAM) System This change provides NAS users of updates to the U.S. NOTAM System and governance, reflecting a more accurate view of NOTAM information. It also removes references to sections that are no longer published in the Notices to Airmen Publication.
5−2−8. Departure Control This change clarifies what pilots should expect prior to takeoff when a departure procedure was included in the departure clearance, but an initial heading to fly is assigned.
5−4−5. Instrument approach Procedure (IAP) Charts This change removes any references to VOR/DME RNAV. p. 5−4−7. Instrument Approach Procedures This change provides pilots with additional options when it is necessary to conduct an instrument approach at an airspeed higher than the maximum airspeed of its certificated aircraft approach category. It explains the flexibility provided in 14 CFR and emphasizes the primary safety issue of staying within protected areas.
The Mach Loop is a stretch of valleys in Wales that is famous for its low-level training flights. Photographers can stand on a ridge and watch airplanes flying below them. That’s a great view, but even better is this video: you’ll ride in the back seat of a Typhoon flying at 500 knots and pulling over 5 Gs, all while staying below the tops of the hills. It’s thrilling stuff, but requires intense concentration and serious training.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05171416/Screen-Shot-2020-02-03-at-4.13.14-PM.png444796studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-02-21 09:21:192021-06-08 19:23:07Video: flying the Mach Loop at 250 feet
Video: Triple Tree’s incredible 7,000-foot grass runway
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsWhen you hear “grass runway” you probably think of a short farm strip. Triple Tree Aerodrome in South Carolina is something entirely different: a 7,000-foot long stretch of grass that looks like it’s a golf course fairway. Ride along in a Cirrus SR20 as a family visits the scenic airport and enjoys the warm hospitality of fellow pilots. It’s everything that’s right about general aviation.
Video courtesy of There by Air.
Video tip: how to recover from unusual flight attitudes
/in Video Tips/by studentpltnewsThere are 2 unusual attitude maneuvers you’ll practice during your private pilot training, simulating the scenario of inadvertently flying into IFR conditions and ending up in a nose low descending or nose high climbing pitch attitude. This week’s tip shows how to recognize either condition and use the flight instruments to recover to straight and level flight.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
Friday photo: Sam Stauss CFI checkride
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride
The pilot: Sam Stauss
The place: Clermont County Airport, (I69), Batavia, OH.
The aircraft: C172
The memory: This occasion is fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams to be able to teach others of the knowledge I have gained, so that others may be able to pursue their own dreams.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Video Tip: Night Flying
/in Video Tips/by studentpltnewsNight is simply one of the best times to fly–the air is smooth, the airport isn’t as busy and the view out the window is incredible. This week’s video takes a closer look at night flying and some best practices to follow to ensure your next flight in the dark is as safe as it enjoyable.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
AIM updated – summary of Change 1
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsAeronautical Information Manual Change 1 was recently published with updates taking effect January 30. Updates include:
4−2−14. Communications for VFR Flights
7−1−10. Inflight Weather Broadcasts Appendix 3. Abbreviations/Acronyms
This change deletes Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS), as this continuous broadcast service is no longer provided by Flight Service. However, Flight Service is still responsible to advise pilots of hazardous weather that will impact operation.
3−2−3. Class B Airspace This change reflects the statutory authority of 14 CFR 61.325 allowing light−sport aircraft to operate within Class B airspace by sport pilot certificate holders.
5−1−3. Notice to Airman (NOTAM) System This change provides NAS users of updates to the U.S. NOTAM System and governance, reflecting a more accurate view of NOTAM information. It also removes references to sections that are no longer published in the Notices to Airmen Publication.
5−2−8. Departure Control This change clarifies what pilots should expect prior to takeoff when a departure procedure was included in the departure clearance, but an initial heading to fly is assigned.
5−4−5. Instrument approach Procedure (IAP) Charts This change removes any references to VOR/DME RNAV. p. 5−4−7. Instrument Approach Procedures This change provides pilots with additional options when it is necessary to conduct an instrument approach at an airspeed higher than the maximum airspeed of its certificated aircraft approach category. It explains the flexibility provided in 14 CFR and emphasizes the primary safety issue of staying within protected areas.
5−4−23. Visual Approach
5−4−24. Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP)
This change encourages pilots to use other available navigational aids to assist in positive lateral and vertical alignment with the runway.
FMI:
Access the complete Change 1 summary here.
Explore the full descriptions in the most recent AIM here.
Video: flying the Mach Loop at 250 feet
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsThe Mach Loop is a stretch of valleys in Wales that is famous for its low-level training flights. Photographers can stand on a ridge and watch airplanes flying below them. That’s a great view, but even better is this video: you’ll ride in the back seat of a Typhoon flying at 500 knots and pulling over 5 Gs, all while staying below the tops of the hills. It’s thrilling stuff, but requires intense concentration and serious training.
Video courtesy of Antony Loveless.