Video tip: How to takeoff and land from a short runway

Most of your flight training has likely occurred on a long paved runway as you continue improving your normal takeoff and landing skills. The runway length is likely two or three times longer than the performance charts require, providing plenty of extra margin as you build experience.

The next skill you’ll learn is how to achieve the maximum performance from the airplane by operating from shorter runways to achieve the short-field takeoff and landing distances published in your airplane’s performance charts.

Ready to take your flight training, ground school, and test prep to the next level? Check out more great flight training lessons like this one in  Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course

Pilot’s Guide to Special Use Airspace (SUA)

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA).  SUA consists of Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, Military Operation, Alert, and Controlled Firing Areas. All SUA is depicted on aeronautical charts, except for controlled firing areas (CFA), temporary military operations areas (MOA), and temporary restricted areas. Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. The frequency for the controlling agency is tabulated in the margins of the applicable IFR and VFR charts.

fighter aircraft

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA).

Prohibited Areas

Restricted Areas

Warning Areas

Military Operations Areas (MOA)

Alert Areas

Controlled Firing Areas

National Security Areas

Military Training Routes

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

Parachute Jump Areas

VFR Routes

Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

Washing DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)

 

Prohibited Areas

Prohibited Areas specifically prohibit aircraft flight. This is done for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare. As an example, the Prohibited airspace, P-40, protects the Presidential retreat at Camp David in Maryland. Aeronautical charts will provide the altitudes and operating times for Prohibited areas, if applicable. It’s important to check the NOTAMs if you’ll be flying around these areas as some of the dimensions change in size. For example, P-40 expands from its normal diameter of six nautical miles to twenty nautical miles when the President is on the grounds.

prohibited area

Prohibited Area, P-40, surrounding the Presidential retreat, Camp David.

Restricted Areas

Restricted Areas are defined as airspace where aircraft flight is not probhibited, but is subject to restrictions. Restricted Areas may have regular time of operation or be activated with prior notice. Therefore, pilots flying VFR should check with the controlling agency (air route traffic control center) whenever they plan to fly through a Restricted Area to ensure the status. IFR flights will tpyically be routed around active Restricted Areas. If the restricted area is not active and has been released to the controlling agency, the ATC facility will allow the aircraft to operate in the restricted airspace without issuing specific clearance.

Restricted Area

Restricted Areas depicted west of Salt Lake City.

Warning Areas

Warning Areas are similiar to Restricted areas and is designed to warn pilots of potential danger. Warning areas extend from three nautical miles outward from the coast of the US. Warning Areas cannot be designated Restricted Areas because they are over international waters.

Warning area

Warning Area depicted off the coast of the Florida panhandle.

Military Operations Area

Military Operation Areas (MOA), are segments of airspace defined by vertical and lateral limits used to segregate military training activities from aircraft operating under instrument flight rules. Most military training requires abrupt maneuvering and high speed. In an MOA, military pilots are exempted from FAA regulations prohibiting acrobatics in certain airspace and on federal airways. MOA’s identify areas where these activities are conducted. Pilots should check with the ATC facility listed on the chart for real-time information about an MOA’s status. VFR flight is permitted in active MOA’s, but requires extreme caution and vigilance. IFR flights will usually not be cleared to fly through an active MOA.

Military Operations Area

MOAs located near Tyndall Air Force Base for military training activity.

Alert Areas

Alert Areas are depicted on charts to warn pilots of a high volume of pilot training or other unusual aerial activity. Pilots of participating and transit aircraft are equally responsible for collision avoidance.

Alert Area

Alert Area designated for a high volume of flight training.

Controlled Firing Areas

Controlled Firing Areas have activities which, if not controlled, would be hazardous to non-participating aircraft. They are not charted because activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area.

National Security Areas

National Security Areas consist of airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilities. Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through these areas. Pilots are also asked to avoid flight over power plants, dams, refineries, and military facilities even if they are not marked as National Security Areas. When it is necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSAs may be temporarily prohibited.

National Security Area

Pilot are voluntarily asked to participate in National Security Area restrictions.

Military Training Routes

Military Training Routes (MTR) are mutually developed by the FAA and the Department of Defense. They are generally established below 10,000′ MSL for operations at speeds above 250 knots. Terminal and Sectional charts show MTR’s used under VFR as VR and those flown under IFR as IR. MTR’s with segments above 1,500′ AGL are identified by a three-digit number. MTR’s flown entirely below 1,500′ AGL are identified by a four-digit number. Although pilots are not prohibited from flying on a military training route, you should be extremely vigilant when flying on, across, or near an MTR. You can check the status of an MTR by contacting flight service.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) may be imposed to protect persons or property in the air and on the ground. This may be to provide a safe environment for disaster relief aircraft and prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing and other aircraft in the area. TFR’s and limitations are also implemented in areas visited or travelled by the President, Vice President and other public figures. Presidential TFR’s may be stationary during a visit or move along with the president as he travels. Check the NOTAM’s for the latest information. Violation of this airspace could result in the use of deadly force.

Presidential TFR

TFR issued for the President visiting the Milwaukee area.

Parachute Jump Areas

Parachute Jump Areas are listed in the Chart Supplement. The pilot of a jump aircraft should be talking to ATC and should announce his intentions on the local advisory frequency. These communications should include his position, altitude, and the time that the jump will begin and end. Needless to say, alertness in these areas is paramount and the use of good common sense is necessary.

VFR Routes

The FAA has published routes to aid pilots flying under, around, and through complex Class B airspace. These are; VFR Flyways, VFR Corridors, and Class B Airspace Transition Routes. Charted VFR Flyways were created so that pilots could travel safely in areas heavily traversed by large turbine-powered aircraft. These flyways help the pilot plan flights into, out of, through, and near complex terminal airspace, avoiding altogether flying into Class B airspace. Pilot compliance with recommended flyways and associated altitudes is strictly voluntary. VFR Corridors are like a tunnel through Class B. An aircraft can operate in these corridors without a clearance from or communication with ATC. They are similar to VFR flyways except that they have specific vertical and lateral boundaries which must be followed by all participating aircraft. Because of the high volume of traffic in Class B, it is necessary to fly these corridors with extreme caution.

Class B airspace Transition Routes are similar, except that an ATC clearance is required. They are specific flight courses depicted on Terminal Area charts for transiting the Class B airspace. Unlike the former published VFR routes, transition routes include specific ATC assigned altitudes. On your initial contact with ATC, give them your position, altitude, route name desired, and direction of flight.

Class B transition route

Class B transition route depicted through the San Fransicso Class B.

Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

Another type of airspace is the Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA). TRSAs are depicted on VFR charts with grey rings. There are only a few TRSAs left. As the name implies, radar traffic advisory service from ATC is available near a terminal in a TRSA. However, whether you get this service or call ATC within the boundaries of the TRSA is up to you. No ATC communication is required to fly in a TRSA. You’re likely to find class D airspace around the primary airport in a TRSA.

Terminal Radar Service Area

TRSA depited around the Class D, Huntington, West Virginia Airport.

Washington SFRA

For heightened security, the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) was created. It extends from the surface to but not including 18,000′ MSL. Special flight rules provide for general aviation operations within the area. Before entering the airspace, you must file and activate a flight plan and contact ATC for a transponder code. VFR pilots must file a D.C. SFRA flight plan. This is in addition to any traditional flight plan that the pilot would normally file. At the heart of the D.C. SFRA is a Flight Restricted Zone with even more stringent requirements. If you enter the zone without authorization, you will be intercepted.

SFRA

Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area

A National Capitol Region Visual Warning System has been developed to warn pilots that they are violating the D.C. SFRA. The warning system uses low-level laser beams of alternating red and green lights. These lights are safe to look at and can be seen up to fifteen miles away during the day and twenty miles at night. Unfortunately, the light cannot penetrate visible moisture. Multiple laser sites provide coverage to the entire D.C. SFRA. Each site can illuminate and track a particular aircraft. If you see this, you should immediately contact ATC.

If you want to fly within sixty nautical miles of the Washington D.C. VOR, you must complete a special awareness training program and hold a certificate of training completion. You can find this requirement in 14 CFR 91.161. To get this free training, visit www.faasafety.gov. After you complete the program, print out your certificate of completion and keep it with you. If you want to fly in and out of these three Washington D.C. airports, you must apply for and be issued a personal identification number. This requires fingerprinting and a background check. More information on this program is available from the Transportation Security Administration at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/general-aviation.

Ready for the Real-World IFR Experience? Join IFR Focus

ifr focusIf you’ve earned your instrument rating—or you’re working on it—you know the book knowledge is just the beginning. The real learning begins when you start flying IFR in the system, dealing with fast-changing weather, cryptic ATC instructions, and split-second decisions. That’s where IFR Focus comes in.

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IFR Focus is a new online resource from the editors at Flight Training Central and iPad Pilot News, built specifically for pilots who want to stay sharp, stay safe, and stay current under IFR. You’ll find:

  • Short, practical articles on common IFR scenarios
  • Video tips that reinforce key procedures and techniques
  • Interactive quizzes to test your knowledge
  • A monthly deep dive into one real-world IFR topic—Practical IFR from Jeff Van West
  • And a chance to learn from experienced instructors and instrument pilots

Whether you fly IFR every week or you’re shaking off some rust, IFR Focus is your go-to resource for practical tips and training beyond the checkride.

Sign up now for the free monthly email, and we’ll send you the latest IFR tips, videos, and articles right to your inbox: IFRFocus.com.

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VASI & PAPI Explained: Pilot’s Guide to Visual Approach Lighting

Visual approach slope indicators use a combination of white and red lights next to the runway to help pilots verify they are flying the correct approach angle. This week’s video takes a closer look at two types, VASI and PAPI, to show you how they work and what the various indications mean. After watching the video, explore the interactive exercise to experiment with different approach scenarios

The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course

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.

Challenge your weight and balance understanding with this quiz, and answer each question correctly to tip the scales in your favor.

1. Which items are included in the empty weight of an aircraft?
1. Which items are included in the empty weight of an aircraft?
Correct! Wrong!
2. An airplane has been loaded in such a manner that the CG is located aft of the aft CG limit. One undesirable flight characteristic a pilot might experience with this airplane would be
2. An airplane has been loaded in such a manner that the CG is located aft of the aft CG limit. One undesirable flight characteristic a pilot might experience with this airplane would be
Correct! Wrong!
3. Loading an airplane to the most aft CG will cause the airplane to be
3. Loading an airplane to the most aft CG will cause the airplane to be
Correct! Wrong!
4. Calculate the total moment of the airplane given 210 pounds of fuel, 260 pounds of front seat passengers, 210 pounds of rear seat passengers and an empty moment of 50 lb-ins.
4. Calculate the total moment of the airplane given 210 pounds of fuel, 260 pounds of front seat passengers, 210 pounds of rear seat passengers and an empty moment of 50 lb-ins.
Correct! Wrong!
5. An aircraft is loaded 120 pounds over maximum certificated gross weight. If fuel (avgas) is drained to bring the aircraft weight within limits, how much fuel should be drained?
5. An aircraft is loaded 120 pounds over maximum certificated gross weight. If fuel (avgas) is drained to bring the aircraft weight within limits, how much fuel should be drained?
Correct! Wrong!
6. One undesirable condition that may occur if an aircraft is loaded beyond the forward CG limit is
6. One undesirable condition that may occur if an aircraft is loaded beyond the forward CG limit is
Correct! Wrong!
7. If a 2 pound weight is located at point X and 4 pounds at point Y, how much weight must be located at point Z in order to balance the plank?
7. If a 2 pound weight is located at point X and 4 pounds at point Y, how much weight must be located at point Z in order to balance the plank?
Correct! Wrong!
8. What is the maximum amount of fuel that may be aboard the airplane on takeoff if loaded as follows? Empty weight 1,400 lbs. Pilot and front passengers 350 lbs. Rear passengers 200 lbs. Baggage 50 lbs.
8. What is the maximum amount of fuel that may be aboard the airplane on takeoff if loaded as follows? Empty weight 1,400 lbs. Pilot and front passengers 350 lbs. Rear passengers 200 lbs. Baggage 50 lbs.
Correct! Wrong!

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Aircraft Weight and Balance You got out of 8 right!

Still have more answers? Take all our other quizzes.

Want to learn more about airplane engine operations? Check out Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course for more in-depth training on this subject.

 

June 2025 Test Question Update from Sporty’s

Sporty’s recently released its June 2025 written test question update in its 2025 Learn to Fly Course test preparation module. While the FAA does not publish actual test questions, representative test questions are available, and new questions released by Sporty’s represent emphasis areas which you will likely encounter on the test.

The FAA continues to add new questions based on guidance from the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards. Read the complete June 2025 update here.

The November test question update is available here.

The June test question update is available here.

 

And test your knowledge now by taking this quiz, sampling the new questions just released.

A helicopter and an airship are converging. If the airship is left of the helicopter's position, which aircraft has the right-of-way?
A helicopter and an airship are converging. If the airship is left of the helicopter's position, which aircraft has the right-of-way?
Correct! Wrong!
When performing an approach and landing to a soft field, what is the proper approach angle?
When performing an approach and landing to a soft field, what is the proper approach angle?
Correct! Wrong!
Unless each required flight crewmember is using supplemental oxygen, no person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry above a maximum cabin pressure altitude of
Unless each required flight crewmember is using supplemental oxygen, no person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry above a maximum cabin pressure altitude of
Correct! Wrong!
After landing on a runway, where will the direction sign be found for each of the taxiway exits?
After landing on a runway, where will the direction sign be found for each of the taxiway exits?
Correct! Wrong!
Where might information on inflight icing appear if it is not forecast?
Where might information on inflight icing appear if it is not forecast?
Correct! Wrong!

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Just tell us who you are to view your results !

Sporty's New Test Questions—May 2025 You got out of 5 right!