Flight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a knowledge test, sharpening your skills before a checkride, or just trying to fly a little better each lesson, these are the articles that resonated most with fellow students this year.
Here are the 10 most-read Flight Training Central posts of 2025.
I have heard from a couple of different pilot examiner friends that there are a number of basic aerodynamic concepts that are often misunderstood by pilot applicants. At the private pilot level, this is disappointing, but may be understandable. What is not understandable or acceptable is seeing a number of their commercial and CFI applicants having little more than a cursory understanding of some of these key concepts.
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
Talking on the radio can be one of the most intimidating parts of flight training. Whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country to unfamiliar airspace, clear communication with Air Traffic Control is essential for safety and efficiency—but also a skill that takes practice. The good news? Most of the issues student pilots run into are both common and easily corrected.
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.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes—and have the chance to learn from them.
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. This quiz tests your understanding of everyday engine operating decisions that directly affect performance, reliability, and engine longevity.
You received an extensive checkout in a Globe Swift five years ago when you bought the airplane. During the checkout, and as part of your pre-takeoff briefing, you considered scenarios for an engine failure after takeoff at a variety of altitudes. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.
You’ll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/17214637/top-posts-2025-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-29 08:55:052025-12-22 11:11:07Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
The VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops is an innovative online training program designed to enhance the skills and decision-making abilities of pilots flying VFR. It offers real-world scenarios that challenge pilots to think critically and apply their aeronautical knowledge to make safe and informed decisions during flight.
In this sample scenario, MOA or Marathon, you’re in the cockpit with a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance—enough to question whether flying still makes sense—while going direct raises airspace, communication, and risk-management considerations. The scenario challenges pilots to weigh efficiency, compliance, and real-world pressure while making a time-sensitive decision in the air.
Step 1: Watch the VFR Mastery Scenario
Step 2: Make your choice
Now make your choice, and see what other pilots would choose.
Step 3: Learn from an expert then enter for a chance to win a home flight sim
In the expert response video below, instructor Steve Tupper walks through how he would handle this MOA dilemma, drawing on his experience as a flight instructor and professional aviator. He breaks down the practical considerations behind each option and explains how to balance efficiency, safety, and communication. And when the video wraps up, you’ll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a fully equipped, wide-screen home flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s—a perfect way to build and maintain your flying skills at home.
Win a home flight simulator valued at more than $3,500!
Be sure to click the “enter to win” button at the conclusion of the expert video (above) for a chance to win this fully equipped, wide-screen monitor flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s. The sim includes:
High-performance PC optimized for flight simulation
X-Plane version 12 pre-installed
Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator
49″ Super Ultra-Wide Monitor
Honeycomb Alpha Flight Simulator Yoke
Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant
Thrustmaster Flight Rudder Pedals
Flight Simulator Headset from Thrustmaster
Video quick-start guide for setting up and using this sim
The simulator drawing ends December 31, 2025.
VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshop
Subscribers to the VFR Mastery Series can continue to an audio recording of a roundtable discussion where five additional experts offer their opinions on the best choice. And it’s rare that all the experts agree (although one might agree with your choice). The highlights from these roundtables are compiled for each scenario. Subscribers can continue the discussion among themselves along with the experts in a dedicated forum and have access to quizzes as well as all previous scenarios.
If you are interested in learning more or subcribing to VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops, click the banner below and begin your free trial.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22112926/vfr-challenge-moa-or-marathon.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2025-12-26 08:55:422025-12-26 11:38:34VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
In this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload, drawing directly from the methods taught in the course. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately in the cockpit, along with a clearer understanding of why certain techniques work—and when they don’t.
Want to learn more about airplane engine operations? Explore the complete online Airplane Engine Operations Course.
What’s included:
Video lessons, showing techniques in action
Lesson review notes to reinforce key points
Review quiz to test your knowledge and help with retention
Completion certificate to document your learning
Airplane Engine Operations is available with lifetime access for just $99, in the online Sporty’s Pilot Training app or for iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here, we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
Power-off stalls—especially in the landing configuration—are designed to teach recognition, not surprise. In this spotlight, we’ll focus on identifying the cues of an imminent and full stall, maintaining coordination throughout the maneuver, and executing a smooth, prompt recovery with minimal altitude loss. We’ll also highlight common errors instructors see during training and on practical tests, so you can build confidence and consistency long before checkride day.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrate how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22110345/maneuver-spotlight-power-off-stalls-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-22 10:56:342025-12-22 11:03:52Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Power-Off Stalls
Editor’s note: This article was contributed by Skyfarer Academy, a flight training platform designed to connect students and pilots with instructors and schools. Flight Training Central occasionally publishes contributed content from organizations when it provides educational value to pilots and instructors.
For many new pilots, one of the biggest challenges is finding the right flight instructor—someone whose teaching style, availability, and experience match the student’s needs.
In an era where we can instantly book a hotel room, hail a ride, or learn an instrument online, finding the right flight training shouldn’t be the hardest part of becoming a pilot.
A great instructor can break down complex concepts in a way that truly “clicks,”
Why the Right Instructor Matters
A great instructor can break down complex concepts in a way that truly “clicks,” correct small habits before they become big problems, adapt lessons to a student’s learning style, and guide long-term progress rather than focusing only on hour building.
With more flexible learning options—from traditional flight schools to online ground lessons and simulator-based coaching—students today have more ways than ever to get the instruction they need. What’s often missing is a simple, reliable way to connect students with the right instructor.
A New Way for Pilots to Discover the Right Flight Training
Skyfarer Academy was created to help solve this problem by making it easier for students and pilots to discover training services that match their needs. Following the recent acquisition and profile migration from InstructAir, Skyfarer’s network has expanded to include flight instructors and flight schools across all 48 continental U.S. states—and the network continues to grow each week.
Students can explore a broad range of instructor backgrounds and specialties using tools that allow them to browse and compare instructors or flight schools. Clear profile details—including experience, credentials, teaching approach, and location—help students make informed choices. The platform also highlights whether instructors have aircraft access and carry appropriate instructional or liability insurance, providing an additional layer of transparency.
Skyfarer now offers pilot training options across nearly every major category, including Airplane (Single-Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land), Seaplane, Rotorcraft (Helicopter), Glider, and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drone). This breadth of choice gives students and pilots a level of flexibility rarely available on a single platform, allowing them to pursue aviation goals from virtually anywhere in the country.
Beyond discovery, students can communicate directly with instructors, check real-time availability, and handle messaging, booking, and payment seamlessly. Reviews and ratings provide insight into past training experiences, helping students make confident decisions.
Thousands of pilots across the U.S. now use platforms like these to supplement school-based training or to find specialized instruction that may not be available locally.
Bridging the Flight Training Gap
Every pilot learns differently. Some thrive with a structured syllabus, while others prefer a conversational, scenario-driven approach. Some students need visual explanations; others benefit from repeated practice or additional time reviewing written material.
Having more options—and the ability to evaluate them—helps students avoid training delays, maintain momentum between flights, and build confidence more quickly.
Even experienced pilots benefit. Private pilots, instrument-rated pilots, and commercial candidates often seek additional instruction for recurrent training, IPCs, flight reviews, aircraft transitions (G1000, tailwheel, high-performance, complex), and sharpening skills such as crosswind landings or emergency procedures.
The aviation community is full of passionate instructors committed to teaching well. Helping students discover them more easily strengthens the entire training pipeline.
How Flight Schools and Instructors Benefit
Better training matches don’t only support learners—they also strengthen flight schools and instructors. When students connect with the right instructor from the start, both sides see better outcomes. Instructors can fill gaps in their schedules, reach students actively seeking their expertise, reduce cancellations, and build long-term training relationships. Flight schools benefit from increased engagement, improved student progress, and greater visibility for their programs.
As training evolves, digital tools that help students, pilots, and instructors connect efficiently have become essential—not as a replacement for hands-on flying, but as a support system that enhances the learning experience.
A Shared Mission: Grow and Improve General Aviation Training
The aviation community thrives when student pilots succeed, flight instructors are empowered, and training quality continues to rise nationwide. Whether a student trains at a Part 61 school, a Part 141 academy, or with an independent instructor, the core goal remains the same: to become a confident, knowledgeable, and safe pilot.
By making it easier to discover training services, compare instructors, evaluate aircraft access, communicate directly, read reviews, and book sessions seamlessly, Skyfarer Academy reduces friction in the learning journey—and supports the next generation of pilots as they take their first steps into aviation.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/16214907/skyfarer.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-19 08:55:312025-12-16 21:49:55Finding the Right Flight Training: A Smarter Path for Today’s Student and Pilot
Most pilots learn to fly and earn their pilot certificate in a tricycle gear airplane, often referred to as a “nosewheel” airplane, like a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer. After spending some time at just about any airport, however, you’ll also see a variety of tailwheel airplanes, which were designed and built decades before the first nosewheel airplane ever flew. While there aren’t many differences when flying tailwheel and nosewheel airplanes in the air, taking off and landing are a different story.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/18090931/tailwheel-feature-2.jpg10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngBret Koebbe2025-12-17 11:00:432025-12-18 09:09:43Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)
Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
/in News, Tips and technique/by Flight Training Central StaffFlight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a knowledge test, sharpening your skills before a checkride, or just trying to fly a little better each lesson, these are the articles that resonated most with fellow students this year.
Here are the 10 most-read Flight Training Central posts of 2025.
10) The Most Misunderstood Aerodynamic Concepts
I have heard from a couple of different pilot examiner friends that there are a number of basic aerodynamic concepts that are often misunderstood by pilot applicants. At the private pilot level, this is disappointing, but may be understandable. What is not understandable or acceptable is seeing a number of their commercial and CFI applicants having little more than a cursory understanding of some of these key concepts.
Read more.
9) Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
Read more.
8) The ABCs of Emergencies
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
Read more.
7) Avoid These 5 Common ATC Communication Mistakes
Talking on the radio can be one of the most intimidating parts of flight training. Whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country to unfamiliar airspace, clear communication with Air Traffic Control is essential for safety and efficiency—but also a skill that takes practice. The good news? Most of the issues student pilots run into are both common and easily corrected.
Read more.
6) What does that airport sign mean? Take our interactive quiz.
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.
Read more.
5) Sporty’s Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Summer 2025
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes—and have the chance to learn from them.
Read more.
4) 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. This quiz tests your understanding of everyday engine operating decisions that directly affect performance, reliability, and engine longevity.
Read more.
3) Engine Failure After Takeoff—What Would You Do?
You received an extensive checkout in a Globe Swift five years ago when you bought the airplane. During the checkout, and as part of your pre-takeoff briefing, you considered scenarios for an engine failure after takeoff at a variety of altitudes. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.
Read more.
2) Quiz: Airspace Classifications and Rules
You’ll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.
Read more.
1) A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center.
Read more.
VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
/in News, Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeThe VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops is an innovative online training program designed to enhance the skills and decision-making abilities of pilots flying VFR. It offers real-world scenarios that challenge pilots to think critically and apply their aeronautical knowledge to make safe and informed decisions during flight.
In this sample scenario, MOA or Marathon, you’re in the cockpit with a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance—enough to question whether flying still makes sense—while going direct raises airspace, communication, and risk-management considerations. The scenario challenges pilots to weigh efficiency, compliance, and real-world pressure while making a time-sensitive decision in the air.
Step 1: Watch the VFR Mastery Scenario
Step 2: Make your choice
Now make your choice, and see what other pilots would choose.
Step 3: Learn from an expert then enter for a chance to win a home flight sim
In the expert response video below, instructor Steve Tupper walks through how he would handle this MOA dilemma, drawing on his experience as a flight instructor and professional aviator. He breaks down the practical considerations behind each option and explains how to balance efficiency, safety, and communication. And when the video wraps up, you’ll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a fully equipped, wide-screen home flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s—a perfect way to build and maintain your flying skills at home.
Win a home flight simulator valued at more than $3,500!
The simulator drawing ends December 31, 2025.
VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshop
Subscribers to the VFR Mastery Series can continue to an audio recording of a roundtable discussion where five additional experts offer their opinions on the best choice. And it’s rare that all the experts agree (although one might agree with your choice). The highlights from these roundtables are compiled for each scenario. Subscribers can continue the discussion among themselves along with the experts in a dedicated forum and have access to quizzes as well as all previous scenarios.
If you are interested in learning more or subcribing to VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops, click the banner below and begin your free trial.
Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations
/in News, Webinars/by Eric RadtkeIn this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload, drawing directly from the methods taught in the course. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately in the cockpit, along with a clearer understanding of why certain techniques work—and when they don’t.
Want to learn more about airplane engine operations? Explore the complete online Airplane Engine Operations Course.
What’s included:
Video lessons, showing techniques in action
Lesson review notes to reinforce key points
Review quiz to test your knowledge and help with retention
Completion certificate to document your learning
Airplane Engine Operations is available with lifetime access for just $99, in the online Sporty’s Pilot Training app or for iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Power-Off Stalls
/in Flight Maneuvers/by Flight Training Central StaffWelcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here, we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
Power-off stalls—especially in the landing configuration—are designed to teach recognition, not surprise. In this spotlight, we’ll focus on identifying the cues of an imminent and full stall, maintaining coordination throughout the maneuver, and executing a smooth, prompt recovery with minimal altitude loss. We’ll also highlight common errors instructors see during training and on practical tests, so you can build confidence and consistency long before checkride day.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrate how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
Finding the Right Flight Training: A Smarter Path for Today’s Student and Pilot
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffEditor’s note: This article was contributed by Skyfarer Academy, a flight training platform designed to connect students and pilots with instructors and schools. Flight Training Central occasionally publishes contributed content from organizations when it provides educational value to pilots and instructors.
For many new pilots, one of the biggest challenges is finding the right flight instructor—someone whose teaching style, availability, and experience match the student’s needs.
In an era where we can instantly book a hotel room, hail a ride, or learn an instrument online, finding the right flight training shouldn’t be the hardest part of becoming a pilot.
A great instructor can break down complex concepts in a way that truly “clicks,”
Why the Right Instructor Matters
A great instructor can break down complex concepts in a way that truly “clicks,” correct small habits before they become big problems, adapt lessons to a student’s learning style, and guide long-term progress rather than focusing only on hour building.
With more flexible learning options—from traditional flight schools to online ground lessons and simulator-based coaching—students today have more ways than ever to get the instruction they need. What’s often missing is a simple, reliable way to connect students with the right instructor.
A New Way for Pilots to Discover the Right Flight Training
Skyfarer Academy was created to help solve this problem by making it easier for students and pilots to discover training services that match their needs. Following the recent acquisition and profile migration from InstructAir, Skyfarer’s network has expanded to include flight instructors and flight schools across all 48 continental U.S. states—and the network continues to grow each week.
Students can explore a broad range of instructor backgrounds and specialties using tools that allow them to browse and compare instructors or flight schools. Clear profile details—including experience, credentials, teaching approach, and location—help students make informed choices. The platform also highlights whether instructors have aircraft access and carry appropriate instructional or liability insurance, providing an additional layer of transparency.
Skyfarer now offers pilot training options across nearly every major category, including Airplane (Single-Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land), Seaplane, Rotorcraft (Helicopter), Glider, and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drone). This breadth of choice gives students and pilots a level of flexibility rarely available on a single platform, allowing them to pursue aviation goals from virtually anywhere in the country.
Beyond discovery, students can communicate directly with instructors, check real-time availability, and handle messaging, booking, and payment seamlessly. Reviews and ratings provide insight into past training experiences, helping students make confident decisions.
Thousands of pilots across the U.S. now use platforms like these to supplement school-based training or to find specialized instruction that may not be available locally.
Bridging the Flight Training Gap
Every pilot learns differently. Some thrive with a structured syllabus, while others prefer a conversational, scenario-driven approach. Some students need visual explanations; others benefit from repeated practice or additional time reviewing written material.
Having more options—and the ability to evaluate them—helps students avoid training delays, maintain momentum between flights, and build confidence more quickly.
Even experienced pilots benefit. Private pilots, instrument-rated pilots, and commercial candidates often seek additional instruction for recurrent training, IPCs, flight reviews, aircraft transitions (G1000, tailwheel, high-performance, complex), and sharpening skills such as crosswind landings or emergency procedures.
The aviation community is full of passionate instructors committed to teaching well. Helping students discover them more easily strengthens the entire training pipeline.
How Flight Schools and Instructors Benefit
Better training matches don’t only support learners—they also strengthen flight schools and instructors. When students connect with the right instructor from the start, both sides see better outcomes. Instructors can fill gaps in their schedules, reach students actively seeking their expertise, reduce cancellations, and build long-term training relationships. Flight schools benefit from increased engagement, improved student progress, and greater visibility for their programs.
As training evolves, digital tools that help students, pilots, and instructors connect efficiently have become essential—not as a replacement for hands-on flying, but as a support system that enhances the learning experience.
A Shared Mission: Grow and Improve General Aviation Training
The aviation community thrives when student pilots succeed, flight instructors are empowered, and training quality continues to rise nationwide. Whether a student trains at a Part 61 school, a Part 141 academy, or with an independent instructor, the core goal remains the same: to become a confident, knowledgeable, and safe pilot.
By making it easier to discover training services, compare instructors, evaluate aircraft access, communicate directly, read reviews, and book sessions seamlessly, Skyfarer Academy reduces friction in the learning journey—and supports the next generation of pilots as they take their first steps into aviation.
Learn More
To learn more, visit Skyfarer Academy.
Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeMost pilots learn to fly and earn their pilot certificate in a tricycle gear airplane, often referred to as a “nosewheel” airplane, like a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer. After spending some time at just about any airport, however, you’ll also see a variety of tailwheel airplanes, which were designed and built decades before the first nosewheel airplane ever flew. While there aren’t many differences when flying tailwheel and nosewheel airplanes in the air, taking off and landing are a different story.
This week’s tip explains how to land a tailwheel airplane by using the “wheel landing” method. To learn more about how to fly tailwheel airplanes, check out Sporty’s Tailwheel Checkout Course with Patty Wagstaff.