FAA Issues New Safety Alert on Risks of Visual Approaches

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The FAA recently issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 23004 to highlight operational risks associated with visual approaches. Released on April 2, 2025, this SAFO urges operators, flight departments, and training providers to take proactive steps in mitigating potential hazards during visual approaches—particularly as they relate to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of separation, and unstable approaches.
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New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast

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Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from world famous airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. No news or fluff, just thought-provoking conversations.

Redbird’s 2025 Flight Training Survey: Costs and Completion Time Hold Steady

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Each year, the Redbird State of Flight Training Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of flight training, and the 2025 report brings some welcome stability. Despite ongoing discussions about the cost and time required to earn a pilot certificate, this year's data shows that both remain largely unchanged from previous years.

Instant FAA Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis–Free from Sporty’s

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Sporty’s has deployed a free Knowledge Test Code Analysis function among its suite of Aviation Intelligence (AI) tools that provides a detailed report of your deficient knowledge areas in a matter of seconds. Simply drop a photo of your written test report into the analysis tool, and AI will retrieve the applicable ACS codes and a description of the deficient topics.

AOPA Names Nation’s Best Flight Schools and Instructors

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Every year, AOPA holds the Flight Training Experience Awards to recognize CFIs and flight schools who have gone above and beyond in providing student pilots with exceptional learning experiences. Instructors and schools were invited to apply and to request reviews from their clients to support their nomination.

Regional Airline Association Opens Application Window for 2025 Scholarship Program

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The Regional Airline Association (RAA) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, which offers financial support to students pursuing careers in aviation. The RAA Scholarship aims to help the next generation of aviation professionals achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening, expanding, and diversifying the aviation industry's future workforce.

Webinar Video: IFR Quiz Hour—10 Questions to Test Your IFR Knowledge

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Sporty's John Zimmerman hosts a fun, fast-paced hour of IFR flying questions and tips, covering everything from approach charts to weather theory. We'll tackle frequently missed questions from the Instrument written and practical tests so you'll be prepared.

FAA Publishes Updated AIM—Basic Manual Effective February 20, 2025

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This change moves the cautionary statement “Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is not an authorization to takeoff” to the first paragraph for emphasis. This change also adds a note advising readers of the increased number of instances where pilots correctly read back LUAW instructions yet depart without a takeoff clearance. It reminds pilots of the need for vigilance during LUAW operations.

Updated PIC Currency Requirements

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A seemingly subtle change to § 61.57 that went into effect in early December has a significant affect on PIC currency requirements. Of course, everyone is aware that three takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if required) are required to carry “passengers,” but the recent update to landing currency in § 61.57(a)(b) replaces the word “passengers” with “persons.”

February is IFR month at Sporty’s

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Throughout the month of February, Sporty’s will be celebrating IFR Month, a four-week focus on the challenges and rewards of instrument flying. In addition to special savings on pilot gear, Sporty’s will also offer a YouTube video series, interactive webinars, live streams and more.