Upcoming Webinar: Instrument Approach Decision-Making—IFR Mastery Live

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In this live PilotWorkshops IFR Mastery webinar, the PilotWorkshops team will walk pilots through a realistic, thought-provoking scenario from the IFR Mastery series. You’ll be placed in the cockpit of a Beechcraft Bonanza and faced with a critical decision: how to enter and execute an instrument approach into Wichita Falls, Kansas, with low ceilings and strong winds complicating the picture.

Behind the Scenes of Sporty’s New Seaplane Rating Course – On the Water Flying Podcast

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Ever wonder how Sporty’s new Seaplane Rating Course came together? The latest episode of the Water Flying Aviation Podcast features Patty Wagstaff and Bret Koebbe in a behind-the-scenes conversation about filming from Alaska to Florida—and what it took to make it happen.

Register Now for Migration 2026 — Complimentary for Flight Instructors and Educators

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Flight instructors, flight schools, and K–12 aviation educators have a unique opportunity to attend Migration 2026 at no cost. Thanks to the collaborative sponsorship of Sporty’s and Redbird Flight, registration for the leading aviation education conference is complimentary, giving attendees access to two days of practical sessions, keynote presentations, and networking designed to strengthen the pilot training pipeline.

Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List

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Seaplane flying challenges pilots to think differently—about wind, water, and judgment. It’s a rewarding blend of skill, awareness, and freedom that belongs on every pilot’s bucket list.

AIM Update Effective January 22: Circling Guidance Clarified

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The FAA’s latest update to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) took effect January 22, 2026. While most changes are editorial, the FAA clarified guidance on approach and landing minimums—specifically reinforcing pilot responsibilities and published restrictions during circling approaches. Pilots are encouraged to review the updated AIM language carefully.

FAA Wants Your Checkride Feedback

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The FAA has announced plans to roll out a new post-checkride survey for pilots, designed to collect feedback on checkride experiences with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Before the survey becomes official, the agency is asking for public comment, and pilots have a chance to shape how this works.

Share Your Thoughts on the State of Flight Training

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Redbird Flight recently launched its annual State of Flight Training Survey. The survey allows all stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts on the key opportunities and challenges facing flight training businesses and flight instructors. The information you share helps the flight training community identify trends, priorities, strengths, and challenges to build a brighter future for aviation.

The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s

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Every year, hundreds of new products make their way into the cockpit—but only a few stand out as must-haves. Sporty’s Gear of the Year winners are selected by both pilots and our team of expert staff. These are the tools and gadgets that actually get used, get talked about, and make flying easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025

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Flight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.

VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator

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In this sample VFR Mastery Scenario, MOA or Marathon puts you in the cockpit of a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance.