Video Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport

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Flying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success.

Video tip: secrets of VFR sectional charts

VFR sectional charts contain a wealth of information and are considered essential equipment for pilots of all skill levels. This week's tip dives into the symbols and markings used on these charts to help you get more out of the aviation data on your next flight.

How to avoid wake turbulence from large airplanes (video tip)

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A hazardous phenomenon that all pilots learn to avoid when operating at airports is wake turbulence. This invisible turbulence is caused by a pair of counterrotating vortices behind an airplane's wingtips, generated whenever a wing develops lift.

How to read a METAR aviation weather report (video tip)

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One of the first aviation-specific weather products you’ll learn to use is called an Aviation Routine Weather Report, or METAR for short, which is an observation of weather conditions at an airport.

Video tip: The aerodynamics of induced and parasite drag

During your flight training you'll learn all about the 4 forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week's tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.

Pilot’s guide to flying in Class E and G airspace (video tip)

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The vast majority of airspace below 18,000' in the US is classified as either Class E or Class G and does not require communication with ATC to enter. This video explores how you can identify the boundaries of Class E and G airspace on a sectional chart and the operational considerations when flying in each.

How airplane pressurization systems work (video tip)

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High-performance airplanes and jets incorporate a pressurization system to provide a comfortable cabin environment for the flight crew and passengers. In this video, we'll show how this system works in piston-engine airplanes, like a Piper Malibu, and how the pilot control it from the flight deck.

How to identify airport runways and traffic patterns (video tip)

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A standard traffic pattern is normally flown when setting up to approach and land at an airport. In this video, we'll take a look at the standard ways to both enter and depart a traffic pattern, as well as look at how runways are identified based on their location and orientation.

Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)

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While flying a tailwheel airplane is not much different than a traditional nosewheel airplane in the air, taking off and landing are a different story. This week's tip takes a look at what it takes to properly land a tailwheel airplane using the "wheel method".

Video tip: How thunderstorms develop

Thunderstorms can cause considerable aircraft damage on the ground and in flight. Even airlines take extra precautions to divert around convective activity for the comfort of the passengers and the safety of the flight. In this week's video tip, you'll learn the three conditions necessary for the formation of a thunderstorm. A thorough understanding of how and when thunderstorms develop will allow you to plan your flight to avoid dangerous weather.