Traffic Pattern Legs

FAA updates Advisory Circular for non-towered airport operations

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The AC notes that when entering the traffic pattern at an airport without an operating control tower, inbound pilots are expected to observe other aircraft already in the pattern and to conform to the traffic pattern in use. If there are no other aircraft present, the pilot should check traffic indicators.

New online service: train with flight instructors anytime, anywhere

A new online training resource called InstaCFI connects pilots with CFIs across the country to meet virtually for ground instruction, assistance with complex flight planning, avionics instruction and much more.

Pilot’s Guide to the FAA WINGS Program

Pilots complete knowledge and flight activities to earn WINGS credits. When the appropriate credits have been earned and approved on the FAASafety.gov website or in the pilot's logbook, a Basic phase of WINGS is earned.

Round-Dial or Glass, Which Is Right for Me?

When deciding between training in a traditional round-dial airplane or training in a glass flight deck airplane, the first thing you must ask yourself is the question, "What type of airplane will I be flying after I get my rating?"
CFI

Starting flight training later in life: some tips for success

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As we get older, most of us get worse at being a student—no matter what the subject. After all, you’re used to being the expert. So if you’re considering learning to fly after your 40th birthday (or your 60th—you really aren’t too old to start), remember these tips. 
Safety pilot monitoring while pilot flied wearing a view limiting device.

What qualities to look for in an instructor with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)

Having a good CFI who is invested in the learner and really understands the learning process, cares about the relationship and his or her student's success, is a vital component of successful flight training. Finding a CFI who excels at instructing  provides lifetime benefits.
landings

Five common student pilot mistakes

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Learning to fly is almost like a full-time job. It requires a lot of study outside the airplane. One of the mistakes we see students making is coming to the lesson under-prepared.

Flying the Airport Traffic Pattern (Interactive Scenario)

All airports rely on a traffic pattern to allow for the efficient sequencing of both departing and arriving airplanes. Test your knowledge of these arrival and departure flows in our latest interactive scenario, by reading the traffic pattern direction and runway assignment and dragging the airplane to the correct colored path.

Flight Training Frustrations

We’ve all been there - you feel like the harder you practice to get it right and the more repetition involved, you still plateau, or worse, you regress. Sometimes it seems like there’s nothing you can do about it but keep spinning your wheels.

What’s the best time of year for pilot training?

Each spring in the Midwest, we anxiously await Daylight Saving…