Chart Smart: VFR sectional symbols

What does the flag symbol indicate above the Burlington Alamance Regional Airport (KBUY)?

Read the explanation.

FAA releases updated Airplane Flying Handbook

FAA recently released the 2021 edition of the Airplane Flying Handbook. Updates include:

  • Chapter 1 (Introduction to Flight Training) – Added information on the FAA Wings Program.
  • Chapter 4 (Energy Management) – All new chapter/material.
  • Chapter 9 (Approaches and Landings) – Added information concerning a forward slip to a landing. Changed description associated with Crosswind Final Approach. Removed material on 360 degree power-off landing as this maneuver is not part of testing standard.
  • Chapter 10 (Performance Maneuvers) – Added information on lazy eights.
  • Chapter 13 (Transition to Multiengine Airplanes) – Accelerated approach to stall minimum altitude revised to match the ACS. The 14 CFR part 23 certification standard used for many multiengine airplanes is now referred to a historical standard, since many of the previous requirements will not apply to newly certificated aircraft.
  • Chapter 18 (Emergency Procedures) – Revised information regarding the safety of turning back after an engine failure after takeoff. Added a section on emergency response systems to include ballistic parachutes and autoland systems.

The updated Airplane Flying Handbook is available here and within Sporty’s online courses at www.sportys.com/mycourses.

Video: why learn to fly?

For over 20 years, Sporty’s has produced the finest flight training videos. Our course is much more than just ground school – we put you in the cockpit to see what flying is all about, with dynamic in-flight video and incredible 3D animations. To purchase any Sporty’s video, click here.

Here, we offer our introductory series on taking the first step in your flight training. First, why you should learn to fly?

Ready to take the next step? Watch our second video tip for a look at the steps to earn a pilot’s license.

550x225 LTF course

Video: how do you learn to fly?

For over 20 years, Sporty’s has produced the finest flight training videos. Our course is much more than just ground school – we put you in the cockpit to see what flying is all about, with dynamic in-flight video and incredible 3D animations. To purchase any Sporty’s video, click here.

Here, we offer our introductory series on taking the first step in your flight training. In the second video in our series, we explore the steps involved to earn a pilot’s license.

Ready to take the next step? Watch our third video tip for a preview of your first flight lesson.

550x225 LTF course

Video: your first flight lesson

For over 20 years, Sporty’s has produced the finest flight training videos. Our course is much more than just ground school – we put you in the cockpit to see what flying is all about, with dynamic in-flight video and incredible 3D animations. To purchase any Sporty’s video, click here.

Here, we offer our introductory series on taking the first step in your flight training. In part three, we give you a preview of what your first flight lesson will be like (hint: you’ll do the flying!).

Ready to take the next step? Watch our final video tip for some tips on choosing the right flight school.

550x225 LTF course

What is an Airworthiness Directive (AD)?

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are issued by the FAA to correct an unsafe condition in a product (an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance). They are considered regulatory. You can search ADs applicable to your aircraft at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/

Learn more in this safety moment video from FAA.