Video tip: types of training airplanes

While you can technically learn to fly and earn your private pilot certificate in just about any type of airplane, you'll quickly learn that certain models are better suited for flight training than others. Here we'll take a look at the most common airplanes used for pilot training and some of the differences among them.

Video tip: explore the differences in airplane cockpits

While the good ol' Cessna 172 is still the most popular training airplane used by flight schools today, there are hundreds of other aircraft types that are also well-suited for flight training. This week's tip takes a look at some of the variations you'll find in these airplanes, including engine controls, switches, flight controls and flight instruments.

Video tip: takeoffs and landings on grass runways

Taking off and landing on a grass strip requires a modified technique to account for the soft runway surface. You'll typically start practicing these maneuvers after solo, which will also help to improve your technique for normal takeoffs and landings.

Video tip: how to take off in an airplane

Taking off is one of the most exciting moments of every flight, where you get to swiftly accelerate down the runway and lift off to leave the world below. This week's tips takes a look at the step by step procedure to accomplish this task in a Cessna 172, showing each control input necessary to fly a smooth takeoff on your next flight.

Video tip: flight training across the pond

Many take for granted the freedoms and flexibility extended to pilots flying in the United States. We have access to over 5,000 public airports and can move about the country when we want with limited government regulation and no user fees. Things are a bit different in other parts of the world though, where airspace is more regulated and landing fees are the norm. Learn first hand from Sophie Gilgean who grew up and learned to fly in Belgium about the limitations placed on private aviation in Europe.

Video tip: fun flying

Tired of the same old "turns around a point and stalls" lesson? Don't worry - it's normal. In our latest video tip, we offer a few ideas for shaking things up during flight training. Whether it's making a breakfast run or picking a new time to fly, there are plenty of ways to keep flight training fun.

Video tip: understanding Class E airspace

Unless you're flying a jet high into the flight levels, there's a good chance that the majority of your flying will take place in Class E airspace. This week's tip takes a look at the operating requirements, minimum VFR weather and how to identify Class E airspace on the sectional chart.

Video Tip of the Week: Engine Leaning Techniques

What's the mixture control used for, and why do you have to lean an airplane engine anyway? We'll answer those questions in our latest video tip of the week, plus offer some practical tips like: what power settings demand full rich, how to lean with a G1000 glass cockpit and more.

Video tip: Aviation Safety Reporting System (the NASA form)

The FAA has an Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) program designed to gather data about incidents to maintain and improve aviation safety. The ASRS collects voluntarily submitted aviation safety incident and situation reports from pilots, controllers, and others. This week's tip shows how to participate in the system and the benefits it can provide should you inadvertently bend one of the FARs in flight.

Video tip: flying by the instruments

During your private pilot training, you'll need to log at least 3 hours with your instructor flying the airplane solely by reference to the instruments, typically while wearing a hood or view-limiting device. The goal isn't to make you proficient in instrument flying, but rather to help you develop the basic flying skills to return to VFR weather should you accidentally fly into a cloud or low visibility conditions.