Interested in uncovering facts about the world of aerospace? From air traffic to commercial space transportation to drones, check out our new interactive FAA Fact Book, a one-stop shop for data, facts & visualizations. For example, did you know that Florida has the most certificated pilots in the U.S. with more than 75,000? Or that there are more than 6,000 heliports in the U.S. and 13 balloon ports?
Sporty’s courses are the ideal pilot training companion – everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your certificate or rating, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training all in one easy-to-use system. New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty’s 2023 course editions. And better yet, your training content is accessible anywhere, on any device.
Students enrolled in Sporty’s courses enjoy free lifetime updates to both content and features available across all online, mobile app and TV platforms. Here’s a quick rundown covering the latest set of updates added this month.
New 4K video training segments
The heart of Sporty’s training courses is dynamic HD and 4K video, focused on real-world flight training, ground school and test preparation. Here are the new sections to check out from the most recent update:
Training Airplanes (Chapter 1) – learn about the different types of training airplanes available today
Airport Signs and Markings (Chapter 3) – 3D graphics and visualizations bring the airport environment to life and show where you’ll find each taxiway and runway sign and pavement marking
Aviation Charts (Chapter 4) – explore the purpose of VFR Sectionals, TACs and Flyway charts, and how to make use of the modern digital versions with these charts
NOTAMs (Chapter 4) – review the latest types of Notices to Air Missions and where to find them when planning a flight
Time Zones (Chapter 4) – learn all about how time zones came to be and how to convert from GMT/Zulu to local time
New smart FAR features
Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course added a new interactive version of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Like all of the other content in Sporty’s courses, this digital version of the FARs is always up to date. And it also includes a powerful search feature, so you can quickly jump to the section you’re looking for.
The latest update adds two powerful new features to the FAR feature included in the iPhone/iPad version of the course, in Sporty’s Pilot Training app. The first is a bookmarking feature, which allows you to save individual FARs in a custom library for later reference, using the flag button at the top right of the screen.
The second new feature is an FAR filter that will show only the regulations applicable to Private, Instrument or Commercial operations, allowing for more focused studying. You can enable these FAR filters or view just your bookmarked FARs using the filter button at the top of the main FAR menu:
Updated training documents
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes two comprehensive reference libraries to supplement the video training and test prep component. The FAA Handbooks section includes the latest versions of all the pertinent training guides, like the AIM, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and more, presented in a powerful PDF reader.
This recent update includes the latest version of the Aeronautical Information Manual (Change 3) released a few weeks ago. It also includes the latest version of Advisory Circular 90-48, titled Pilot’s Role in Collision Avoidance. This helpful AC contains a wealth of practical information to help see and avoid potential traffic conflicts when flying in congested areas.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/15164241/Screen-Shot-2022-11-15-at-3.42.21-PM.png18422790Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2022-11-15 18:42:342022-11-15 18:44:35Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course adds new videos and training guides
The FAA Safety Team is hosting a discussion on GA surface safety on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10am eastern. During this event, FAA, pilots, and industry experts will discuss safety and operational concerns associated with GA with a focus on flight training. Topics will include wrong surface alignment risk, surface event trends, phraseology, and surface safety in the primary flight training environment.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05162534/runwaysigns-1.jpg10801920Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2022-11-05 09:17:232022-11-05 09:17:23Surface Safety Symposium for GA – Monday, November 7
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas by-product of internal combustion engines and is found in exhaust gases. Sufficiently high levels of CO in your bloodstream will lead to oxygen starvation and the onset of symptoms (such as headaches, drowsiness, nausea, or shortness of breath).
Many internal combustion engine airplanes are heated by air that has been warmed by circulating air around the exhaust system using a heater shroud. A defect or leak in the exhaust pipes or muffler can introduce CO into the cockpit.
Pilots often overlook or dismiss the onset of symptoms and don’t connect them with the possibility of exposure to CO. Continued exposure increases risks to pilots, including impaired judgment and decreased ability to control the airplane and, eventually, incapacitation and even death.
AIM and Pilot/Controller Glossary Updates Effective November 3
AIM Update
AIM change 3 ,effective November 3, 2022, includes the following revisions:
7-6-7. MOUNTAIN FLYING This change provides pilots guidance on the use of visual flight rules (VFR) waypoints for mountain pass entry points.
3-5-2. MILITARY TRAINING ROUTES This change to subparagraph 3-5-2e clarifies that Military Training Route (MTR) information from the Flight Information Publication (FLIP) is available through Flight Service. This change also adds a new subparagraph f that provides specific information for accessing MTR route information from the FAA. In addition, the former subparagraph f was re-lettered g and “while inflight” was added for clarification.
4-1-9. TRAFFIC ADVISORY PRACTICES AT AIRPORTS WITHOUT OPERATING CONTROL This change updates the AIM to incorporate the changes to the FAA Advisory Circular, AC90-66B, that address pilot recommended self-announce broadcasts along with recommendations for pilots conducting straight-in landings to non-towered airports. This change also adds the reference to the AC 90-66, Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations.
4-1-18. TERMINAL RADAR SERVICES FOR VFR AIRCRAFT This change adds the word “participating” and “and other participating VFR” in subparagraph 4-1-18b6 to clarify that the guidance only applies to participating visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft.
4-4-15. USE OF VISUAL CLEARING PROCEDURES This change expands the language in AIM paragraphs 4-1-20 and 4-4-15 to include the limitations inherent in visual scans for traffic and the benefits and best practices of using cockpit displays of traffic information to supplement visual scans to help overcome these limitations.
4-5-1. RADAR This change adds information to raise awareness regarding potential limitations on Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar for aircraft flying in the vicinity of wind turbine farms and expands the knowledge of pilots regarding the effects on aviation safety.
5-5-11. VISUAL APPROACH This change adds content to address go-around responsibilities after conducting a visual approach for aircraft either instructed to remain within the traffic pattern or proceed as otherwise directed by air traffic control (ATC). This change also addresses the difference in approach clearances for locations with or without an operating control tower.
7-1-10. WEATHER OBSERVING PROGRAMS This change clarifies that wind direction is reported relative to magnetic north in the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) as well as the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) and the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) broadcasts.
The AIM is updated every 180 days with the next revision scheduled for April 2023.
Pilot/Controller Glossary Update
The Pilot Controller Glossary was also updated for change 3. The Glossary is compiled to promote a common understanding of the terms used in the Air Traffic Control system. It includes those terms which are intended for pilot/controller communications.
Change 3 adds the following terms:
CALIBRATED AIRSPEED (CAS) – The indicated airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for position and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed is equal to true airspeed in standard atmosphere at sea level.
NATIONAL SECURITY AREA (NSA) – Airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security of ground facilities. Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA. When a greater level of security is required, flight through an NSA may be temporarily prohibited by establishing a TFR…
REDUCED VERTICAL SEPARATION MINIMUM (RVSM) AIRSPACE – RVSM airspace is defined as any airspace between FL 290 and FL 410 inclusive, where eligible aircraft are separated vertically by 1,000 feet. Authorization guidance for operations in this airspace is provided in Advisory Circular AC 91−85.
No, there is not a standard width for Military Training Routes (MTRs).
MTRs are developed for use by the military for low-altitude, high-speed training. The routes above 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) are developed to be flown under IFR. The routes at 1,500 feet AGL and below are generally developed to be flown under VFR.
Operations on “IR” routes are conducted in accordance with IFR rules regardless of weather conditions while operations on “VR” routes are conducted under VFR rules except flight visibility must be 5 miles or more and flights must not be conducted below a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet AGL.
MTRs will be identified and charted as follows:
MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL must be identified by four number characters; e.g., IR1206, VR1207.
MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 feet AGL must be identified by three number characters; e.g., IR206, VR207.
There is not a standard width for MTRs which is why you don’t see the information published in the AIM. According to military documents, they can be as narrow as 3nm either side of centerline or as wide as 8nm wide from centerline and widths can vary along the airway itself.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/05154958/fighter.webp10801619Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2022-10-28 10:00:542022-09-30 12:06:43Ask a CFI: Are military training routes 8 miles wide like victor airways?
FAA launches interactive Fact Book
/in News/by Eric RadtkeInterested in uncovering facts about the world of aerospace? From air traffic to commercial space transportation to drones, check out our new interactive FAA Fact Book, a one-stop shop for data, facts & visualizations. For example, did you know that Florida has the most certificated pilots in the U.S. with more than 75,000? Or that there are more than 6,000 heliports in the U.S. and 13 balloon ports?
Read more about the FAA Fact Book here: faa.gov/newsroom/faa-fact-book
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course adds new videos and training guides
/in News/by Bret KoebbeSporty’s courses are the ideal pilot training companion – everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your certificate or rating, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training all in one easy-to-use system. New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty’s 2023 course editions. And better yet, your training content is accessible anywhere, on any device.
Students enrolled in Sporty’s courses enjoy free lifetime updates to both content and features available across all online, mobile app and TV platforms. Here’s a quick rundown covering the latest set of updates added this month.
New 4K video training segments
New smart FAR features
Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course added a new interactive version of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Like all of the other content in Sporty’s courses, this digital version of the FARs is always up to date. And it also includes a powerful search feature, so you can quickly jump to the section you’re looking for.
The latest update adds two powerful new features to the FAR feature included in the iPhone/iPad version of the course, in Sporty’s Pilot Training app. The first is a bookmarking feature, which allows you to save individual FARs in a custom library for later reference, using the flag button at the top right of the screen.
The second new feature is an FAR filter that will show only the regulations applicable to Private, Instrument or Commercial operations, allowing for more focused studying. You can enable these FAR filters or view just your bookmarked FARs using the filter button at the top of the main FAR menu:
Updated training documents
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes two comprehensive reference libraries to supplement the video training and test prep component. The FAA Handbooks section includes the latest versions of all the pertinent training guides, like the AIM, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and more, presented in a powerful PDF reader.
This recent update includes the latest version of the Aeronautical Information Manual (Change 3) released a few weeks ago. It also includes the latest version of Advisory Circular 90-48, titled Pilot’s Role in Collision Avoidance. This helpful AC contains a wealth of practical information to help see and avoid potential traffic conflicts when flying in congested areas.
Want to learn more about Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course? Check out the first 6 video lessons free here.
Surface Safety Symposium for GA – Monday, November 7
/in News/by Eric RadtkeView the agenda.
The event is accepted for FAA WINGS credit.
Pilots: prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
/in News/by Eric RadtkeCarbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas by-product of internal combustion engines and is found in exhaust gases. Sufficiently high levels of CO in your bloodstream will lead to oxygen starvation and the onset of symptoms (such as headaches, drowsiness, nausea, or shortness of breath).
Many internal combustion engine airplanes are heated by air that has been warmed by circulating air around the exhaust system using a heater shroud. A defect or leak in the exhaust pipes or muffler can introduce CO into the cockpit.
Pilots often overlook or dismiss the onset of symptoms and don’t connect them with the possibility of exposure to CO. Continued exposure increases risks to pilots, including impaired judgment and decreased ability to control the airplane and, eventually, incapacitation and even death.
Read more in this NTSB Safety Alert and view the video below for a better understanding of the dangers that lurk.
FAA publications updated: AIM and Pilot/Controller Glossary
/in News, Regulations/by Eric RadtkeAIM and Pilot/Controller Glossary Updates Effective November 3
AIM Update
AIM change 3 ,effective November 3, 2022, includes the following revisions:
3-5-2. MILITARY TRAINING ROUTES This change to subparagraph 3-5-2e clarifies that Military Training Route (MTR) information from the Flight Information Publication (FLIP) is available through Flight Service. This change also adds a new subparagraph f that provides specific information for accessing MTR route information from the FAA. In addition, the former subparagraph f was re-lettered g and “while inflight” was added for clarification.
4-1-9. TRAFFIC ADVISORY PRACTICES AT AIRPORTS WITHOUT OPERATING CONTROL This change updates the AIM to incorporate the changes to the FAA Advisory Circular, AC90-66B, that address pilot recommended self-announce broadcasts along with recommendations for pilots conducting straight-in landings to non-towered airports. This change also adds the reference to the AC 90-66, Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations.
4-4-15. USE OF VISUAL CLEARING PROCEDURES This change expands the language in AIM paragraphs 4-1-20 and 4-4-15 to include the limitations inherent in visual scans for traffic and the benefits and best practices of using cockpit displays of traffic information to supplement visual scans to help overcome these limitations.
4-5-1. RADAR This change adds information to raise awareness regarding potential limitations on Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar for aircraft flying in the vicinity of wind turbine farms and expands the knowledge of pilots regarding the effects on aviation safety.
5-5-11. VISUAL APPROACH This change adds content to address go-around responsibilities after conducting a visual approach for aircraft either instructed to remain within the traffic pattern or proceed as otherwise directed by air traffic control (ATC). This change also addresses the difference in approach clearances for locations with or without an operating control tower.
7-1-10. WEATHER OBSERVING PROGRAMS This change clarifies that wind direction is reported relative to magnetic north in the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) as well as the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) and the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) broadcasts.
The AIM is updated every 180 days with the next revision scheduled for April 2023.
Pilot/Controller Glossary Update
The Pilot Controller Glossary was also updated for change 3. The Glossary is compiled to promote a common understanding of the terms used in the Air Traffic Control system. It includes those terms which are intended for pilot/controller communications.
To access the latest Pilot/Controller Glossary, visit the library within your Sporty’s course or visit https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/pcg_change_3_dtd_11-3-22.pdf.
Ask a CFI: Are military training routes 8 miles wide like victor airways?
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeNo, there is not a standard width for Military Training Routes (MTRs).
Operations on “IR” routes are conducted in accordance with IFR rules regardless of weather conditions while operations on “VR” routes are conducted under VFR rules except flight visibility must be 5 miles or more and flights must not be conducted below a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet AGL.
MTRs will be identified and charted as follows:
MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL must be identified by four number characters; e.g., IR1206, VR1207.
MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 feet AGL must be identified by three number characters; e.g., IR206, VR207.
There is not a standard width for MTRs which is why you don’t see the information published in the AIM. According to military documents, they can be as narrow as 3nm either side of centerline or as wide as 8nm wide from centerline and widths can vary along the airway itself.