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
Nearly every airplane has an airspeed indicator and it’s arguably the most important flight instrument in the panel. This week’s tip takes a look at how it works, the various types of airspeeds you need to be familiar with as a pilot and what the markings mean on the face of the instrument.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/05175930/The-AIrspeed-Indicator-2.jpg10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-02-19 12:33:262021-06-08 19:23:07Video tip: it’s all about airspeed
Editor’s Note: A special congratulations on behalf of Sporty’s and Student Pilot News to Frankie Fremont who celebrated a memorable 16th birthday by soloing a helicopter (R22), airplane (C172) AND earning his Private pilot glider all in the same day. Congratulations Frankie on an amazing feat!
The moment: Soloing Rotary, Soloing Fixed Wing, and Passing the Glider Private Pilot Check Ride — all within a 24 hour period starting on my 16th birthday.
The pilot: Frankie Fremont
The place: North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) and Southern California Soaring Academy (46CN), Las Vegas, NV
The aircraft: R22, C172, and ASK-21
The memory: After months of preparation, the day had finally arrived, and the fact that it was actually my birthday was almost a forgotten item. So many people had played a part in helping to prepare me for this goal, and I felt like I wanted to avoid any mistakes as the best way to thank them for all of their efforts. My family was never able to find any other documented instances of someone accomplishing all three of these events on their 16th birthday, so if this is a first, I’m humbled and grateful to all of those who helped overcome so many obstacles.
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/2020/01/05171428/Frankie-Fremont.jpg10801080studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-02-14 09:55:452021-06-08 19:23:07Friday photo: helicopter solo, airplane solo and Private Glider all in the same day
Taking the time to thoroughly brief the weather before every flight will significantly decrease the odds that you’ll inadvertently fly into instrument conditions as a VFR pilot. This week’s tip takes a look at the actions to take though if you do stumble into the clouds or an area of reduced visibility, to help you safely return to VFR conditions.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/05175754/Flying-out-of-Trouble-YT-Thumbnail-2.png10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2020-02-12 12:15:252021-06-08 19:23:07Video tip: inadvertent flight into instrument conditions (and how to get out)
Starting the airplane engine is one of the first hands-on procedures you’ll learn during your flight training. In our latest video tip, we’ll show you step-by-step the procedure for starting the Cessna 172S fuel-injected engine.
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.
Video tip: it’s all about airspeed
/in Video Tips/by studentpltnewsNearly every airplane has an airspeed indicator and it’s arguably the most important flight instrument in the panel. This week’s tip takes a look at how it works, the various types of airspeeds you need to be familiar with as a pilot and what the markings mean on the face of the instrument.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
Friday photo: helicopter solo, airplane solo and Private Glider all in the same day
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsEditor’s Note: A special congratulations on behalf of Sporty’s and Student Pilot News to Frankie Fremont who celebrated a memorable 16th birthday by soloing a helicopter (R22), airplane (C172) AND earning his Private pilot glider all in the same day. Congratulations Frankie on an amazing feat!
The moment: Soloing Rotary, Soloing Fixed Wing, and Passing the Glider Private Pilot Check Ride — all within a 24 hour period starting on my 16th birthday.
The pilot: Frankie Fremont
The place: North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) and Southern California Soaring Academy (46CN), Las Vegas, NV
The aircraft: R22, C172, and ASK-21
The memory: After months of preparation, the day had finally arrived, and the fact that it was actually my birthday was almost a forgotten item. So many people had played a part in helping to prepare me for this goal, and I felt like I wanted to avoid any mistakes as the best way to thank them for all of their efforts. My family was never able to find any other documented instances of someone accomplishing all three of these events on their 16th birthday, so if this is a first, I’m humbled and grateful to all of those who helped overcome so many obstacles.
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: inadvertent flight into instrument conditions (and how to get out)
/in Tips and technique, Video Tips/by studentpltnewsTaking the time to thoroughly brief the weather before every flight will significantly decrease the odds that you’ll inadvertently fly into instrument conditions as a VFR pilot. This week’s tip takes a look at the actions to take though if you do stumble into the clouds or an area of reduced visibility, to help you safely return to VFR conditions.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course
Video Tip: Starting the airplane engine
/in Video Tips/by studentpltnewsStarting the airplane engine is one of the first hands-on procedures you’ll learn during your flight training. In our latest video tip, we’ll show you step-by-step the procedure for starting the Cessna 172S fuel-injected engine.
https://youtu.be/Yz8Tn6ReV4c
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course