Pilots should get in the habit of filing and opening VFR Flight Plans when flying away from the local airport environment. Then, in the unlikely event that you have an emergency or off-airport landing, the authorities know to come look for you along your planned route of flight. This week’s tip takes a look at how to file a VFR Flight Plan in the ForeFlight app for iPad, using the ICAO format, and how to open and close them in the air with Flight Service.
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 2024 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.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s 2024 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.
New safety information products for pilots are now available from the FAA. The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series has published “Pilot Handbooks” for 40 airports across the US with new locations added regularly. The handbooks are developed specifically for pilots to highlight and supplement airport diagrams, hot spots, and other potential surface safety issues. Each pilot handbook contains information local controllers want pilots to know, airport communications, airspace details, general best practices, lost communications tips, and other preflight planning resources.
Use the interactive map below to find the Pilot Handbooks currently available.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/05164225/Taxi-CVG-1.jpg10801620Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2024-04-19 08:55:392024-03-04 12:46:06FAA publishes additional airport safety information for select airports
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. 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 on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.
Every moment in the cockpit is precious, especially given the costs associated with flight training. Making the most out of your training time is vital to become a safe and skilled pilot. Here are four quick tips:
Have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t permit Plan A.
1) Have a Plan A and B
Things like weather play a vital and often unpredictable role in flight training. Discuss with your instructor what might happen in different weather conditions. For instance, if the clouds are below 2,500AGL, would you work on soft field landings in the pattern? If the weather is too bad to fly, what topics might you cover in a ground lesson? Just because Plan A isn’t going to work doesn’t mean a Plan B can’t make a scheduled lesson a productive time slot.
2) Prepare the Facts Beforehand
I often have my students teach me a maneuver on the ground before we get into the airplane. If they can explain it to me, I know they understand the steps and components of the maneuver. Then, if there is an issue in the air, I know it is not from a lack of understanding the steps conceptually, but in the execution of this maneuver. Study ahead of time! If you can teach it back to your instructor, it likely means you have a good understanding of the information.
Prepare beforehand by teaching the maneuver and chair fly to reinforce.
3) Chair Fly
Visualize! Imagine the feel, sight, and sound of the maneuver from a quiet place at home. See your visual landmark in front of you. What does your altimeter say to start the maneuver? Airspeed? Say the steps out loud to yourself, move your hands like you would in the airplane. Make it as vivid and real as possible. From athletes to concert musicians, this is a major technique used to train the brain. Chair flying works.
4) Record it
After each lesson, take notes. Write down what went well and didn’t go well. Audio record your debrief with your instructor on your phone (with their permission) so you can listen back to the important items you need to work on for next time.
Simple tricks like these can be utilized to help make the most of any scheduled lesson. Don’t just do the minimum, putting in just a little more thought can maximize your learning process.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/04123823/182-instruction-scaled.jpg17072560Andrew Fockshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngAndrew Focks2024-04-15 08:55:302024-04-17 17:03:034 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Flight Lesson
Sporty’s instructors share valuable tips and insight
Known as the industry experts in flight education, Sporty’s recently released a new book, Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training. Filled with honest advice from Sporty’s team of flight instructors, this book is the aspiring pilot’s introduction to the fascinating world of aviation and a step-by-step guide to the flight training process. From finding a flight school to dealing with training setbacks to acing an airline interview, readers will learn detailed tips for success.
Learn to Fly is an essential reference for pilot training, whether learning to fly for fun or to launch a career. Written with clarity and expertise, and loaded with color graphics and helpful checklists, this comprehensive guide also includes dozens of helpful links to expand the reader’s knowledge online.
Learn to Fly also explores the personal growth and transformation that accompany the pursuit of flight. Readers will experience the support and camaraderie forged among fellow aviators, the thrill of overcoming self-doubt, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with earning a pilot’s license.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/13100409/LTF_book_Cover-scaled-1.jpg25601701Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-04-13 10:04:242024-04-13 10:04:24Sporty’s introduces new book – Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training
How to use VFR flight plans (video tip)
/in Tips and technique, Video Tips/by Bret KoebbePilots should get in the habit of filing and opening VFR Flight Plans when flying away from the local airport environment. Then, in the unlikely event that you have an emergency or off-airport landing, the authorities know to come look for you along your planned route of flight. This week’s tip takes a look at how to file a VFR Flight Plan in the ForeFlight app for iPad, using the ICAO format, and how to open and close them in the air with Flight Service.
Learn more from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course – Video Training and Test Prep
Emergency Approach and Landing – Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers/by Bret KoebbeWelcome 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 2024 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.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s 2024 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.
FAA publishes additional airport safety information for select airports
/in News/by Eric RadtkeNew safety information products for pilots are now available from the FAA. The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series has published “Pilot Handbooks” for 40 airports across the US with new locations added regularly. The handbooks are developed specifically for pilots to highlight and supplement airport diagrams, hot spots, and other potential surface safety issues. Each pilot handbook contains information local controllers want pilots to know, airport communications, airspace details, general best practices, lost communications tips, and other preflight planning resources.
Use the interactive map below to find the Pilot Handbooks currently available.
Guide to airport taxiway signs and markings (video tip)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeAll 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. 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 on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.
Learn more from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course – Video Training and Test Prep
4 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Flight Lesson
/in Tips and technique/by Andrew FocksEvery moment in the cockpit is precious, especially given the costs associated with flight training. Making the most out of your training time is vital to become a safe and skilled pilot. Here are four quick tips:
Have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t permit Plan A.
1) Have a Plan A and B
Things like weather play a vital and often unpredictable role in flight training. Discuss with your instructor what might happen in different weather conditions. For instance, if the clouds are below 2,500AGL, would you work on soft field landings in the pattern? If the weather is too bad to fly, what topics might you cover in a ground lesson? Just because Plan A isn’t going to work doesn’t mean a Plan B can’t make a scheduled lesson a productive time slot.
2) Prepare the Facts Beforehand
I often have my students teach me a maneuver on the ground before we get into the airplane. If they can explain it to me, I know they understand the steps and components of the maneuver. Then, if there is an issue in the air, I know it is not from a lack of understanding the steps conceptually, but in the execution of this maneuver. Study ahead of time! If you can teach it back to your instructor, it likely means you have a good understanding of the information.
Prepare beforehand by teaching the maneuver and chair fly to reinforce.
3) Chair Fly
Visualize! Imagine the feel, sight, and sound of the maneuver from a quiet place at home. See your visual landmark in front of you. What does your altimeter say to start the maneuver? Airspeed? Say the steps out loud to yourself, move your hands like you would in the airplane. Make it as vivid and real as possible. From athletes to concert musicians, this is a major technique used to train the brain. Chair flying works.
4) Record it
After each lesson, take notes. Write down what went well and didn’t go well. Audio record your debrief with your instructor on your phone (with their permission) so you can listen back to the important items you need to work on for next time.
Simple tricks like these can be utilized to help make the most of any scheduled lesson. Don’t just do the minimum, putting in just a little more thought can maximize your learning process.
Sporty’s introduces new book – Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training
/in News, Pilot Gear/by Flight Training Central StaffSporty’s instructors share valuable tips and insight
Learn to Fly is an essential reference for pilot training, whether learning to fly for fun or to launch a career. Written with clarity and expertise, and loaded with color graphics and helpful checklists, this comprehensive guide also includes dozens of helpful links to expand the reader’s knowledge online.
Read a sample from Sporty’s Learn to Fly book here.
Learn to Fly also explores the personal growth and transformation that accompany the pursuit of flight. Readers will experience the support and camaraderie forged among fellow aviators, the thrill of overcoming self-doubt, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with earning a pilot’s license.
Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training is offered in a convenient digital (ebook) format or in paperback for just $4.99. Already a Sporty’s course user? The digital version is a free resource as part of Sporty’s online Learn to Fly Course; the print version is available at Sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.