There’s nothing like your first solo flight—fear, excitement, and pride all mix together to create an experience you’ll never forget. In this video, you’ll see what it’s like, as you ride along with Annalynn on her first solo. If you’ve soloed, you’ll recognize the feeling. If you haven’t soloed yet, here’s what you can look forward to: that solo smile!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/05170401/First-solo.jpg8981600John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2020-11-13 09:11:372021-08-19 13:59:15Video: first solo smile
There are nearly endless opportunities after earning a private pilot certificate to build and advance your stick and rudder skills. Many pilots go on to specialized flight schools to learn new flying techniques, like how to fly a loop or a roll in a high-performance airplane. Our favorite spot for this type of hands-on aerobatics training is at Patty Wagstaff’s flight school in St. Augustine, Florida.
Join Patty in a segment from Sporty’s Basic Aerobatics Course and see how much fun flying inverted can be, as she demonstrates how to fly an aileron roll in a Super Decathlon over the beaches of St. Augustine.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/05170348/basicaerobatics_aileronroll_1.png10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-11 12:27:382021-06-08 19:22:44Video tip: How to fly an Aileron Roll with Patty Wagstaff
The place: Cincinnati Municipal Airport – Lunken Field (KLUK), Cincinnati, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172
The pilot: Nick Keene
The memory: One positive outcome of the recent time change and early sunset is more time to enjoy the crisp, calm air and spectacular sights of local night flights as I did on this recent flight over the downtown Cincinnati, Ohio area.
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/2020/11/05170354/night-flight-scaled-1.jpg19202560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-06 10:07:302021-06-08 19:22:44Friday photo: night flight
A big part of the go/no-go decision relates to your health and well-being as a pilot. This week’s tip takes a look at various personal factors, including illness, fatigue and the effects that medication and alcohol can have on your decision-making before and during a flight.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/05181122/Fit-for-Flight-Thumbnail-2.jpg7201280studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-04 12:40:542021-06-08 19:22:44Video tip: Fit for Flight
Learning to communicate with ground, tower, and approach can be intimidating for many student pilots. There’s a lot to remember and sometimes when you push the button to start talking, the mind goes blank. Fortunately, there’s a new app that can help prevent mic fright.
ARSim works on iOS and Android devices.
ARSim Radio Simulator by Plane English is a unique app that uses voice recognition to help pilots improve their communication skills. What’s most helpful is the interactive nature of the app, which means that you can speak to your device and get graded on simulated transmissions, instead of just listening to recordings. The app works on iOS and Android devices, and a one-year subscription unlocks all the learning tools.
ARSim starts with a review of the basics of communications, including the familiar “who you’re talking to, who you are, where you are, what you want” sequence. The real meat can be found in the 100+ scenarios, which simulate both VFR and IFR flights. These cover:
Requesting and copying a clearance from clearance delivery
Reading back a taxi clearance
Takeoff and working with tower
Departure control and climb-out
Enroute communications with Center, including pilot requests
Approach vectors, clearances, and requests
Non-towered airport operations and UNICOM
ARSim includes multiple airports, so you can try scenarios at complicated Class B airports and quieter Class D airports alike. The app shows the relevant airport diagram or charts, so you can visualize your position. Tap the speaker button to hear the simulated ATC call, and tap the microphone button to speak your response. If you’re unsure, you can tap the eye button for a transcript.
This is good practice, but the best feature is that the app listens to your radio calls and offers scoring and suggestions. It will point out which words you got wrong and offer a score in four different areas. You can repeat a scenario from the results screen with the tap of a button. Once you’ve completed the scenarios, you can take a quiz to test your knowledge.
The app does a pretty good job of understanding human speech, and it seems to improve over time—the latest version is better than it was a year ago when we last tried it. If you talk really fast, you can confuse it, but then again, you shouldn’t do that with ATC in real life.
Overall, we like ARSim. It won’t teach you everything you need to know about communications (you still need a video course or textbook for that, plus some time listening to real world radio frequencies), but it’s ideal for practicing varied scenarios once you know the basics. Next time approach tells you, “turn left heading 240, maintain 3,000, follow the Boeing 737 at three o’clock,” you can be ready to reply confidently.
ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator by Plane English offers two subscription levels: the VFR subscription costs $59.99, and the IFR subscription costs $79.99. You can buy both the VFR and IFR subscriptions as a bundle and save—the package price is $95.99, making it by far the best value. One subscription is valid for iOS or Android devices.
To see the app in action, check out the following video:
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/05170411/Plane-English-all-devices.jpg10001000John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2020-11-03 10:14:272021-08-19 14:20:15ARSim app helps pilots learn radio communications
According to the Aeronautical Information Manual, “Line up and wait is an air traffic control (ATC) procedure designed to position an aircraft onto the runway for an imminent departure. The ATC instruction ‘LINE UP AND WAIT’ is used to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway and line up and wait.” In earlier aviation days, not that many years ago, this was known as “position and hold” but the phrase was updated to provide additional clarity.
An ATC Procedure
As is indicated by the definition above, line up and wait is an ATC procedure. It is conducted at tower controlled airports where the tower controller knows what he or she has instructed the previous aircraft to do. The reason for a line up and wait instruction is often due to a prior aircraft still being on the current runway or a crossing runway and the controller wanting to expedite the takeoff of the line up and wait aircraft. The reason for expediting this takeoff may be that there is another aircraft on final or in the pattern that will soon be ready to land. The controller is in a position to see all three aircraft and make modifications if the timing is off or there is a delay due to a pilot error in one of the aircraft.
You should be aware, that a line up and wait instruction from ATC is not an authorization to takeoff. You should expect an authorization to takeoff shortly after the controller is satisfied that the condition that delayed you is now safe. If you do not receive a takeoff clearance within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the controller and remind him or her that you are there. Accidents have occurred after a controller forgot an aircraft waiting on the runway and cleared another airplane to land on that same runway.
A note in the Aeronautical Information Manual indicates, “FAA analysis of accidents and incidents involving aircraft holding in position indicate that two minutes or more elapsed between the time the instruction was issued to line up and wait and the resulting event (for example, land−over or go−around). Pilots should consider the length of time that they have been holding in position whenever they HAVE NOT been advised of any expected delay to determine when it is appropriate to query the controller.”
Even when following line up and wait instructions at tower controlled airport, it is important for you as the pilot in command to remain vigilant and situationally aware. Listen to the instructions and clearances that the tower is giving to other aircraft in the area. If you hear a clearance to land where you are currently waiting, be alert and ready to call the tower if necessary. You might also consider lining up at a slight angle that affords a better view of landing aircraft approaching behind you.
You should be especially vigilant at night, during reduced visibility, and when the airport is using line up and wait operations on more than one runway. Listen carefully for your call sign and the runway that you are using. Be alert for similar sounding call signs and avoid following the instructions for a different aircraft than yours. When in doubt, contact ATC for clarification. If you are unable to raise ATC, have an escape plan for getting you and your aircraft to a safe location if you are concerned about another aircraft landing in your location.
If you are the landing aircraft and you hear ATC give line up and wait instructions to an aircraft on the runway to which you have been cleared to land, be extra vigilant to ensure that the aircraft has departed before you land. Even if you haven’t heard a line up and wait clearance, be sure that runway is clear before landing. Do not hesitate to ask ATC about any traffic that you see on the runway where you are landing.
Line Up and Wait Is Not for Non-Towered Airports
Line up and wait procedures were never intended for use at non-towered airports despite being common practice with some pilots. As indicated, it is an ATC procedure. Without the additional eyes of the controller and his or her knowledge of the instructions issued to other aircraft, it is simply not a safe procedure to perform.
As the pilot in command of an aircraft that is ready to takeoff, you have no real idea of the intentions of the aircraft that is temporarily blocking your takeoff runway. Will she make the intersection? Will he roll the full length of the runway? How fast will she taxi to the runway exit? Is he oblivious to his surroundings and unsure where to turn? Will her takeoff follow a standard pattern departure? Will he abort the takeoff? You may think that you know but you really do not know when the runway will be clear.
Once you are positioned for takeoff, your ability to see the runway’s approach is seriously limited. How close is that final traffic getting? Is there another aircraft approach that is not using a radio? Does the approaching pilot see or hear you?
Is your life and the life of your passengers really not worth waiting until the runway is clear?
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05161559/Cirrus-KSMO-Line-Up-and-Wait-1.jpg8831570studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-11-02 09:22:422021-06-08 19:22:45Things to Know about Line Up and Wait
Video: first solo smile
/in Fun Flying Videos/by John ZimmermanThere’s nothing like your first solo flight—fear, excitement, and pride all mix together to create an experience you’ll never forget. In this video, you’ll see what it’s like, as you ride along with Annalynn on her first solo. If you’ve soloed, you’ll recognize the feeling. If you haven’t soloed yet, here’s what you can look forward to: that solo smile!
Video courtesy of Angle of Attack.
Video tip: How to fly an Aileron Roll with Patty Wagstaff
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsThere are nearly endless opportunities after earning a private pilot certificate to build and advance your stick and rudder skills. Many pilots go on to specialized flight schools to learn new flying techniques, like how to fly a loop or a roll in a high-performance airplane. Our favorite spot for this type of hands-on aerobatics training is at Patty Wagstaff’s flight school in St. Augustine, Florida.
Join Patty in a segment from Sporty’s Basic Aerobatics Course and see how much fun flying inverted can be, as she demonstrates how to fly an aileron roll in a Super Decathlon over the beaches of St. Augustine.
Friday photo: night flight
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: first night flight of the season
The place: Cincinnati Municipal Airport – Lunken Field (KLUK), Cincinnati, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172
The pilot: Nick Keene
The memory: One positive outcome of the recent time change and early sunset is more time to enjoy the crisp, calm air and spectacular sights of local night flights as I did on this recent flight over the downtown Cincinnati, Ohio area.
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: Fit for Flight
/in Video Tips/by studentpltnewsA big part of the go/no-go decision relates to your health and well-being as a pilot. This week’s tip takes a look at various personal factors, including illness, fatigue and the effects that medication and alcohol can have on your decision-making before and during a flight.
https://youtu.be/MOz-A_IpIMM
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course
ARSim app helps pilots learn radio communications
/in Pilot Gear/by John ZimmermanLearning to communicate with ground, tower, and approach can be intimidating for many student pilots. There’s a lot to remember and sometimes when you push the button to start talking, the mind goes blank. Fortunately, there’s a new app that can help prevent mic fright.
ARSim works on iOS and Android devices.
ARSim Radio Simulator by Plane English is a unique app that uses voice recognition to help pilots improve their communication skills. What’s most helpful is the interactive nature of the app, which means that you can speak to your device and get graded on simulated transmissions, instead of just listening to recordings. The app works on iOS and Android devices, and a one-year subscription unlocks all the learning tools.
ARSim starts with a review of the basics of communications, including the familiar “who you’re talking to, who you are, where you are, what you want” sequence. The real meat can be found in the 100+ scenarios, which simulate both VFR and IFR flights. These cover:
ARSim includes multiple airports, so you can try scenarios at complicated Class B airports and quieter Class D airports alike. The app shows the relevant airport diagram or charts, so you can visualize your position. Tap the speaker button to hear the simulated ATC call, and tap the microphone button to speak your response. If you’re unsure, you can tap the eye button for a transcript.
This is good practice, but the best feature is that the app listens to your radio calls and offers scoring and suggestions. It will point out which words you got wrong and offer a score in four different areas. You can repeat a scenario from the results screen with the tap of a button. Once you’ve completed the scenarios, you can take a quiz to test your knowledge.
The app does a pretty good job of understanding human speech, and it seems to improve over time—the latest version is better than it was a year ago when we last tried it. If you talk really fast, you can confuse it, but then again, you shouldn’t do that with ATC in real life.
Overall, we like ARSim. It won’t teach you everything you need to know about communications (you still need a video course or textbook for that, plus some time listening to real world radio frequencies), but it’s ideal for practicing varied scenarios once you know the basics. Next time approach tells you, “turn left heading 240, maintain 3,000, follow the Boeing 737 at three o’clock,” you can be ready to reply confidently.
ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator by Plane English offers two subscription levels: the VFR subscription costs $59.99, and the IFR subscription costs $79.99. You can buy both the VFR and IFR subscriptions as a bundle and save—the package price is $95.99, making it by far the best value. One subscription is valid for iOS or Android devices.
To see the app in action, check out the following video:
Things to Know about Line Up and Wait
/in Regulations, Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsAn ATC Procedure
As is indicated by the definition above, line up and wait is an ATC procedure. It is conducted at tower controlled airports where the tower controller knows what he or she has instructed the previous aircraft to do. The reason for a line up and wait instruction is often due to a prior aircraft still being on the current runway or a crossing runway and the controller wanting to expedite the takeoff of the line up and wait aircraft. The reason for expediting this takeoff may be that there is another aircraft on final or in the pattern that will soon be ready to land. The controller is in a position to see all three aircraft and make modifications if the timing is off or there is a delay due to a pilot error in one of the aircraft.
You should be aware, that a line up and wait instruction from ATC is not an authorization to takeoff. You should expect an authorization to takeoff shortly after the controller is satisfied that the condition that delayed you is now safe. If you do not receive a takeoff clearance within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the controller and remind him or her that you are there. Accidents have occurred after a controller forgot an aircraft waiting on the runway and cleared another airplane to land on that same runway.
A note in the Aeronautical Information Manual indicates, “FAA analysis of accidents and incidents involving aircraft holding in position indicate that two minutes or more elapsed between the time the instruction was issued to line up and wait and the resulting event (for example, land−over or go−around). Pilots should consider the length of time that they have been holding in position whenever they HAVE NOT been advised of any expected delay to determine when it is appropriate to query the controller.”
Even when following line up and wait instructions at tower controlled airport, it is important for you as the pilot in command to remain vigilant and situationally aware. Listen to the instructions and clearances that the tower is giving to other aircraft in the area. If you hear a clearance to land where you are currently waiting, be alert and ready to call the tower if necessary. You might also consider lining up at a slight angle that affords a better view of landing aircraft approaching behind you.
You should be especially vigilant at night, during reduced visibility, and when the airport is using line up and wait operations on more than one runway. Listen carefully for your call sign and the runway that you are using. Be alert for similar sounding call signs and avoid following the instructions for a different aircraft than yours. When in doubt, contact ATC for clarification. If you are unable to raise ATC, have an escape plan for getting you and your aircraft to a safe location if you are concerned about another aircraft landing in your location.
If you are the landing aircraft and you hear ATC give line up and wait instructions to an aircraft on the runway to which you have been cleared to land, be extra vigilant to ensure that the aircraft has departed before you land. Even if you haven’t heard a line up and wait clearance, be sure that runway is clear before landing. Do not hesitate to ask ATC about any traffic that you see on the runway where you are landing.
Line Up and Wait Is Not for Non-Towered Airports
As the pilot in command of an aircraft that is ready to takeoff, you have no real idea of the intentions of the aircraft that is temporarily blocking your takeoff runway. Will she make the intersection? Will he roll the full length of the runway? How fast will she taxi to the runway exit? Is he oblivious to his surroundings and unsure where to turn? Will her takeoff follow a standard pattern departure? Will he abort the takeoff? You may think that you know but you really do not know when the runway will be clear.
Once you are positioned for takeoff, your ability to see the runway’s approach is seriously limited. How close is that final traffic getting? Is there another aircraft approach that is not using a radio? Does the approaching pilot see or hear you?
Is your life and the life of your passengers really not worth waiting until the runway is clear?