Masonry Blog : Flight Training Central

Video Tip: Get a “Big Picture” Weather Briefing

Checking the weather is one of the few constants in aviation. All pilots do it, whether it’s a trip around the pattern in a Cub or a trip across the Atlantic in a Gulfstream. But merely getting a weather briefing isn’t enough; it has to be a good weather briefing to make the flight safer. So what exactly does a “good briefing” involve?

September 17, 2025/by Flight Training Central Staff

Often Overlooked Regulations

As pilots, we are required to understand the regulations that apply to our flight and ground operations. While most of us learned the appropriate rules during flight training, it’s easy to forget the ones we don’t use every day—and sometimes even misremember the ones we do use. The regulations outlined below tend to be overlooked by pilots and are worth a refresher.

September 15, 2025/by Paul Jurgens

Webinar Video: Q&A With ATC

Three veteran controllers—who are also experienced GA pilots—share practical, real-world insights you can use on your next flight. You’ll hear what matters most from the other side of the mic, clear up common misunderstandings, and learn tips to make every ATC interaction smoother.

September 11, 2025/by Flight Training Central Staff

How to read a METAR aviation weather report (video tip)

One of the first aviation-specific weather products you’ll learn to use is called an Aviation Routine Weather Report, or METAR for short, which is an observation of weather conditions at an airport.

September 10, 2025/by Bret Koebbe

Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning

Winds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put all the puzzle pieces together and plan a successful cross-country flight?

September 8, 2025/by Bret Koebbe

Video Tip: Magnetic Compass Errors

The magnetic compass is the only "self-powered", north-seeking instrument in the panel and you'll find one in just about every airplane. It's not a perfect instrument though and has some inherent errors due to its design and construction. This week's tip takes a look at when you're most likely to experience these errors and how to compensate for them should you ever need to rely on the compass for primary navigation guidance.

September 3, 2025/by Flight Training Central Staff

Checkride Insights: Busting Altitude Minimums

Altitude discipline is one of those fundamental expectations that quietly underpins almost every maneuver in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It’s not just about airspace compliance or obstacle clearance—it’s about safety, performance, and demonstrating command of the aircraft. Yet year after year, a consistent cause of disapprovals on practical tests stems from pilots flying maneuvers at altitudes outside ACS standards.

September 1, 2025/by Jason Blair

Webinar Video: Choosing the Right Aviation Headset

Join Sporty’s resident headset expert Doug Ranly for a free webinar designed to help pilots cut through the noise—literally and figuratively. Doug has flown with every headset on the market and will share real-world insights

August 30, 2025/by Flight Training Central Staff

Video tip: Get to Know Your Altimeter

The altimeter is a flight instrument that provides accurate altitude information to pilots and relies solely on outside air pressure. This week's tip explores how the altimeter works, the various types of altitudes you need to know about and potential errors you may encounter while referencing the altimeter.

August 27, 2025/by Flight Training Central Staff

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Soft Field Takeoff

The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.

August 25, 2025/by studentpltnews