Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Power-Off Stalls

/
Power-off stalls—especially in the landing configuration—are designed to teach recognition, not surprise. In this spotlight, we’ll focus on identifying the cues of an imminent and full stall, maintaining coordination throughout the maneuver, and executing a smooth, prompt recovery with minimal altitude loss. We’ll also highlight common errors instructors see during training and on practical tests, so you can build confidence and consistency long before checkride day.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Flying with Flight Simulator

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. This one is a little different—we're sharing a flight simulator maneuver that you can fly on your own.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Emergency Approach and Landing

You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Normal Landings

All pilots look forward to learning how to master the approach and landing since it is one of the most dynamic moments of every flight. Follow along with our 3D flight maneuver video to see how it's done.

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.

Departing the Airport Traffic Pattern – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight

Standard VFR departure procedures are established at pilot-controlled airports to ensure that departing aircraft remain clear of incoming traffic as they climb out of the terminal airport environment.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Slow Flight

Flying an airplane just above the stall speed in the slow flight configuration will teach you a lot about the handling characteristics and controllability at low speeds, which is a critical step in the development of your flying skills during flight training.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Crosswind Landings

This crosswind landing technique requires you to modify your normal landing procedure by using a combination of rudder and aileron to keep the airplane aligned with the runway.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Turns Around a Point

/
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 checkride.

Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Traffic Pattern Entry Procedures

Standard traffic patterns are established at nontowered airports to provide a smooth flow of traffic from the arrival phase of flight through approach and landing. Here are the steps to follow to safely and efficiently join the pattern and get established on the final approach leg for landing.