Tips for student pilots : Flight Training Central

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Unintended Consequences of Reducing ATP Minimum Hours

July 14, 2025

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The aviation industry has long debated the minimum flight hours required for pilots to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a prerequisite for serving as a pilot in command at major airlines. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates 1,500 hours of total flight time for most pilots seeking an ATP certificate, although certain exemptions (e.g., for military pilots or graduates of approved aviation programs) allow for reduced minimums—known as a Restricted ATP.

Featured Photo: Racing the Summer Storms

July 11, 2025

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After beating storms out of CRW on a summer evening, the sunset popped through distant clouds, making for a serene view while climbing to cruising altitude.

Video Tip: VFR communications

July 9, 2025

Talking on the radio can be intimidating for new pilots, but with a few tips in mind it doesn't have to be hard. In our latest video tip, we give you a few basics to remember so you can sound like a pro when you talk to tower or on the CTAF. If you know what to expect, you'll be a lot more confident.

Quiz: Wake Turbulence Avoidance

July 7, 2025

Wake turbulence is an invisible hazard that presents an additional challenge for pilots operating light airplanes out of busy airports. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of proper avoidance techniques.

What’s New in Airman Testing: June 2025 Updates You Should Know

July 4, 2025

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Each quarter, the FAA releases an Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA), summarizing the latest changes and clarifications in testing and training standards. The June 2025 edition might not break any news headlines, but there are several important updates that flight instructors, students, and aviation educators should keep on their radar.

Video tip: How to determine the wind direction for takeoff and landing

July 2, 2025

When departing or approaching an airport, it's important that you choose a runway that allows you to takeoff or land into the wind. This week's tip looks at some common wind direction indicators found on the ground at many airports, along with how to use the radio to tune into automated weather reporting systems.