Video: Glider flying the old fashioned way

When you hear the word "glider," do you think of sleek fiberglass machines that can soar across continents? Those are a lot of fun, but there is an older style of glider that offers an entirely different experience. In this video, you can ride along in a Schulgleiter SG 38, where you're hanging out in the wind. As the caption says, it's "the ultimate freedom."

Video: A year in the life of a Cirrus pilot

Why is flying so rewarding? There are as many reasons as there are pilots, but this video sums it up pretty well: beautiful views, unique destinations, exciting technology, personal challenge, and so much more. A Cirrus pilot combines 12 months worth of flying videos into a 5-minute video that will have you smiling.

Video: crop duster ride-along

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There are dozens of unique jobs in aviation, from airline pilot to flight instructor. One of the most interesting jobs, though, is that of the crop duster. These pilots fly just inches above the ground, and fly a precise pattern to deliver just the right amount of spray at just the right time. In this video, you'll sit in the right seat and watch an experienced crop duster at work as he sprays a field in Ohio. Excellent stick and rudder skills are required!

Video: Getting over Mic Fright

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What's the hardest part about learning to fly? Right after learning how to land, most pilots would say learning to talk on the radio. In the latest episode of AOPA's "Behind the Logbook" series, you'll fly along with two student pilots as they learn how to keep up with rapid fire ATC instructions. Step one: know what to expect!

Video: Flying a Cessna from Greenland to Iceland

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Crossing the Atlantic Ocean seems like an impossible task in a small airplane, but it really isn't. This week's fun flying video takes us to Greenland, to join three friends for a flight from remote Nuuk to Iceland. The scenery is incredible, the planning is intense, and the sense of accomplishment is hard to beat. And it's all done in a Cessna 210.

Video: Amazing helicopter landing spots

Why fly a helicopter if you're only going to land on an airport? In this incredible video, you'll get to fly around British Columbia with an experienced helicopter pilot as he visits some unusual helipads. From downtown, waterfront helipads to remote, mountaintop locations, the views are incredible and the freedom is unmatched.

Video: seaplane flying tips from Alaska

Seaplane flying is just about the most fun you can have in an airplane, but they are also incredibly useful tools - especially in Alaska. In this exclusive video, bush pilot Patrick Carter takes you along for some seaplane flying in remote lakes around Kodiak Island. You'll see some of the stunning Alaska scenery, and also learn some real world tips for seaplane flying.

Video: backcountry airstrip landing in Indonesia

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You may practice short and soft field landings in your Cessna or Piper, but it's probably nothing like this. Fly along with Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot Daniel Geaslen in a Quest Kodiak turboprop to see what a truly short and soft runway looks like. He flies into Nalca in Papua, and explains how this seemingly crazy landing is actually very safe if you follow a few important rules. It's also another example of the amazing places general aviation can take you that no airline or car can.

Video: cloud surfing in an L-39 jet

Ever wonder what it's like to fly a fighter jet? In this fun video from FlightChops, you can strap into an L-39 jet trainer and find out. You'll get acquainted with the cockpit, then take off and climb through an overcast for a stunning view of the sky. Watch him do aerobatics from multiple angles, including the stick and the wingtip. The best part is, you don't have to be a specially-trained military pilot to fly one of these airplanes.

Video: flying single pilot IFR in Florida storms

Can flying IFR be fun? Absolutely. In this fascinating and information-packed video, an experienced instrument pilot flies a cross country trip through Florida's always-changing weather. You'll see the storms building, but also the way he navigates around them with a combination of datalink weather, onboard radar, and his eyes. It's a great example of how effectively you can travel by light airplane.