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.

VFR into IMC is one of the deadliest scenarios a private pilot can face. In fact, VFR into IMC accidents are three times more likely to be fatal than engine failures. Yet the FAA’s mandatory 3 hours of simulated instrument training for students often becomes just a “check in the box,” with little scenario-based practice or clear objective. That’s why we’re excited to share a new syllabus designed specifically to give private pilots the skills to avoid, survive, and escape IMC safely.

Sporty’s has released its all-new 2026 Learn to Fly Course, packed with major upgrades that make pilot training more immersive, efficient, and personalized than ever before. The latest edition introduces new 4K flight maneuver videos, a powerful aviation-specific AI study tool, and expanded resources for Sport Pilot training under the new MOSAIC rules.