During your preflight briefing, you observe that the air is clear and there are no storms in sight – does this mean you’re in store for a smooth, enjoyable flight? Possibly, but you should also consider another weather factor that can have a big impact on the comfort of the flight on VFR days: turbulence. This week’s tip discusses ways to avoid rough air and find a smoother ride on your next flight.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/08101305/avoid-turbulence.jpg10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2025-01-08 09:08:112025-01-08 10:14:43Video tip: How to avoid turbulence and find a smoother ride
As winter sets in, it’s more important than ever to understand how the cold weather will not only affect the aircraft performance but also your preflight and weather planning. Use this quiz to test your cold-weather flying knowledge.
In which environment is aircraft structural ice most likely to have the highest accumulation rate?
Correct!Wrong!
When is aircraft performance at its peak?
Correct!Wrong!
Which conditions result in the formation of frost?
Correct!Wrong!
Frequent inspections should be made of aircraft exhaust manifold-type heating systems to minimize the possibility of:
Correct!Wrong!
What type of weather is forecast for the area to the northeast of area D?
Correct!Wrong!
During preflight in cold weather, crankcase breather lines should receive special attention because they are susceptible to being clogged by:
Correct!Wrong!
An aircraft cabin should be preheated in cold weather operations to:
Correct!Wrong!
How will frost on the wings of an airplane affect takeoff performance?
Correct!Wrong!
If necessary to take off from a slushy runway, the freezing of landing gear mechanisms can be minimized by:
Correct!Wrong!
Carburetor ice is most likely to occur when temperatures are:
“LINE UP AND WAIT” is used to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway and line up and wait, but NOT depart. While it may seem straightforward on the surface, there are numerous examples in which the instructions were not followed creating a dangerous risk of collision. A variety of human factors can explain why a pilot may mistakenly initiate a takeoff in this situation. An awareness and understanding of these factors along with strategies to mitigate those risks, will help you avoid a costly error. Learn more in this From the Flight Deck video from the FAA.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18120410/flight-deck-line-up-and-wait.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-01-03 08:55:212024-12-18 12:04:58From the Flight Deck Video Series: Line Up and Wait
This week we go flying to see what power-on stalls are all about. Some pilots are nervous about this maneuver, which can require a nose-high attitude. But with a good understanding of the aerodynamics and a preview from outside the airplane, you’ll have the confidence to perform these stalls smoothly – and hopefully avoid an inadvertent one on takeoff.
Flight Training Central published more than 200 content pieces in 2024 and hosted several monthly themes throughout the year including IFR month in February and Learn to Fly month in May. Throughout the year, readers enjoyed articles, video tips, quizzes, industry news, and webinars and took advantage of Flight Training Central’s updated Flight School Directory to locate nearby training facilities. Quizzes proved to be the most popular category with several appearing in our top 10 list as pilots are always testing their knowledge.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest from Flight Training Central and gain access to the popular ebook, Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training, by signing up for the free email newsletter.
Enjoy these top 10 posts from 2024 and safe flying in the New Year!
9. Pilot’s Guide to VFR Flight Following—If “flight following” is a new term, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly a staple in many Private pilot training programs although many pilots may be receiving the servce and not even realize. Bottom line is that it’s a service that every VFR pilot should take advantage of and it could even be a lifesaver.
8. Understanding and Executing IFR Holding Procedures—Maximum holding speeds in knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) have been designated for specific altitude ranges. Often pilots can avoid flying a holding pattern or reduce the length of time spent in the holding pattern, by slowing down on the way to the holding fix.
7. Video Tip: Airport Runway Signs and Markings—All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.
6. Quiz: Flying the Traffic Pattern—A firm understanding of the proper terminal area procedures is essential for staying safe as you depart or approach the airport. Use this quiz to test your flying knowledge of airport traffic patterns, landing directions and appropriate techniques for operating around the airport.
5. Pilot’s Guide to Airspace—The purpose of the different airspace rules is safety. Some areas of the US have more flights than others. Therefore, the FAA has implemented classes of airspace to reflect this activity. The level of control goes from zero in some areas to considerable control around congested, big city, airports that serve considerable airline traffic.
4. The Five Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from August 2024 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
2. Quiz: Airplane Weight and Balance—Calculating the airplane’s weight and balance is a mandatory task you must complete before every flight. Many of an airplane’s performance, handling, and structural characteristics are a function of weight and balance, not to mention the safety risks associated with operating an overloaded or out-of-balance airplane.
1. How to Schedule Your FAA Knowledge Test: A Step-By-Step Guide—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all FAA written tests. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Many local flight schools or FBOs host testing centers so you may not have to travel very far.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06134651/top-posts-2024.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-12-30 08:55:342024-12-06 13:47:33Top posts from 2024 at Flight Training Central
The Permit is only required for international flying—it is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios.
If your future aviation plans include international travel, or you’re pursuing a professional aviation track, take the time to obtain your Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR).
In the U.S., the FCC issues a RR for pilots, but it is only required for international flying—it is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios. RR holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required.
While it is not likely you’ll be asked to present your RR when traveling abroad or entering the U.S., the requirement to possess the license remains. And if you’re an aspiring professional pilot, airlines and other professional pilot employment opportunities will likely require that applicants possess the Permit regardless of your flying responsibilities. You can apply electronically with the FCC by completing form #605 – https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/forms#605.
The license is a one-time acquisition with no expiration. The permit fee is $35.
To obtain your Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Permit:
Video tip: How to avoid turbulence and find a smoother ride
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeDuring your preflight briefing, you observe that the air is clear and there are no storms in sight – does this mean you’re in store for a smooth, enjoyable flight? Possibly, but you should also consider another weather factor that can have a big impact on the comfort of the flight on VFR days: turbulence. This week’s tip discusses ways to avoid rough air and find a smoother ride on your next flight.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
Quiz: Cold Weather Operations
/in Quiz/by Chris ClarkeAs winter sets in, it’s more important than ever to understand how the cold weather will not only affect the aircraft performance but also your preflight and weather planning. Use this quiz to test your cold-weather flying knowledge.
Share the quiz to show your results !
Facebook
Facebook
Share your results :
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
From the Flight Deck Video Series: Line Up and Wait
/in Video Tips/by Flight Training Central Staff“LINE UP AND WAIT” is used to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway and line up and wait, but NOT depart. While it may seem straightforward on the surface, there are numerous examples in which the instructions were not followed creating a dangerous risk of collision. A variety of human factors can explain why a pilot may mistakenly initiate a takeoff in this situation. An awareness and understanding of these factors along with strategies to mitigate those risks, will help you avoid a costly error. Learn more in this From the Flight Deck video from the FAA.
How to practice power-on stall recoveries (video tip)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThis week we go flying to see what power-on stalls are all about. Some pilots are nervous about this maneuver, which can require a nose-high attitude. But with a good understanding of the aerodynamics and a preview from outside the airplane, you’ll have the confidence to perform these stalls smoothly – and hopefully avoid an inadvertent one on takeoff.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
Top posts from 2024 at Flight Training Central
/in News, Tips and technique/by Flight Training Central StaffSign-up for our free newsletter.
Flight Training Central published more than 200 content pieces in 2024 and hosted several monthly themes throughout the year including IFR month in February and Learn to Fly month in May. Throughout the year, readers enjoyed articles, video tips, quizzes, industry news, and webinars and took advantage of Flight Training Central’s updated Flight School Directory to locate nearby training facilities. Quizzes proved to be the most popular category with several appearing in our top 10 list as pilots are always testing their knowledge.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest from Flight Training Central and gain access to the popular ebook, Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training, by signing up for the free email newsletter.
Enjoy these top 10 posts from 2024 and safe flying in the New Year!
10. Video tip: how to recover from a spin with Patty Wagstaff – Join Patty Wagstaff in her Super Decathlon aerobatic airplane, as she explains how it’s possible to enter a spin, and then the proper recovery.
9. Pilot’s Guide to VFR Flight Following—If “flight following” is a new term, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly a staple in many Private pilot training programs although many pilots may be receiving the servce and not even realize. Bottom line is that it’s a service that every VFR pilot should take advantage of and it could even be a lifesaver.
8. Understanding and Executing IFR Holding Procedures—Maximum holding speeds in knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) have been designated for specific altitude ranges. Often pilots can avoid flying a holding pattern or reduce the length of time spent in the holding pattern, by slowing down on the way to the holding fix.
7. Video Tip: Airport Runway Signs and Markings—All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.
6. Quiz: Flying the Traffic Pattern—A firm understanding of the proper terminal area procedures is essential for staying safe as you depart or approach the airport. Use this quiz to test your flying knowledge of airport traffic patterns, landing directions and appropriate techniques for operating around the airport.
5. Pilot’s Guide to Airspace—The purpose of the different airspace rules is safety. Some areas of the US have more flights than others. Therefore, the FAA has implemented classes of airspace to reflect this activity. The level of control goes from zero in some areas to considerable control around congested, big city, airports that serve considerable airline traffic.
4. The Five Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from August 2024 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
3. Pilot’s Guide to BasicMed: Expansion Allows for Six Passengers —The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), amends BasicMed by increasing the number of allowable passengers in a covered aircraft to six (up from five); increases the allowable number of seats to seven (up from six); and increases the maxium certificated takeoff weight to 12,500 pounds (up from 6,000 pounds).
2. Quiz: Airplane Weight and Balance—Calculating the airplane’s weight and balance is a mandatory task you must complete before every flight. Many of an airplane’s performance, handling, and structural characteristics are a function of weight and balance, not to mention the safety risks associated with operating an overloaded or out-of-balance airplane.
1. How to Schedule Your FAA Knowledge Test: A Step-By-Step Guide—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all FAA written tests. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Many local flight schools or FBOs host testing centers so you may not have to travel very far.
How To Obtain Your FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
/in Career/by Eric RadtkeThe Permit is only required for international flying—it is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios.
If your future aviation plans include international travel, or you’re pursuing a professional aviation track, take the time to obtain your Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR).
In the U.S., the FCC issues a RR for pilots, but it is only required for international flying—it is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios. RR holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required.
While it is not likely you’ll be asked to present your RR when traveling abroad or entering the U.S., the requirement to possess the license remains. And if you’re an aspiring professional pilot, airlines and other professional pilot employment opportunities will likely require that applicants possess the Permit regardless of your flying responsibilities. You can apply electronically with the FCC by completing form #605 – https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/forms#605.
The license is a one-time acquisition with no expiration. The permit fee is $35.
To obtain your Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Permit: