Video tip: How to use a sectional plotter to plan a cross-country flight

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As you enter the cross-country planning phase of your private pilot training, you'll learn the skills required to plan long-distance trips using a VFR sectional, plotter, E6B flight computer and Navlog. This week's tip takes a look at the first phase of this planning process and shows how to use a plotter and sectional to measure the trip distance and determine the exact direction you'll need to fly.

Video tip: How to takeoff and land from a short runway

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An advanced skill you’ll learn during flight training is how to achieve the maximum performance from the airplane by operating from shorter runways.

Video tip: engine detonation and pre-ignition

What happens when the spark plugs in your engine aren't working properly? Some pretty bad stuff. In our latest video tip, we explain what detonation and pre-ignition are all about, how they happen, and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

Video tip: what kind of cloud is that?

Clouds are often referred to as "sign posts in the sky", and for good reason since they are one of the best visual indicators of what mother nature has planned for the weather. This week's tip takes a look at the various types of clouds, when and where they form and what kind of flying conditions pilots can expect when flying in and around them.

Video tip: Airport runway signs and markings

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All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we'll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you'll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.

Short Field Takeoff—Sporty’s Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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Each maneuver is part of Sporty's 2025 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.

Video Tip of the Week: Class B airspace

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Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports, which means there are some important restrictions to remember any time you're operating within it - or underneath it. In this week's video tip, we review how Class B airspace works, what you need to do to fly legally in it and how to stay safe. Take a few minutes and get current today.

Video tip – how to use aviation self-serve fuel facilities

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Many airports offer a self-serve fuel option at a cheaper price per gallon, which can offer big savings for large fillups and serve as a plan B for fuel when landing after hours when the FBO is closed. This week's tip takes a look at how to operate a self-serve fuel system to ensure that your first time using one goes smoothly.

Video tip: Cessna 172 electrical system

The electrical system is a critical component of today's modern airplanes, distributing and supplying power to the lights, avionics and digital flight instruments. This week's tip takes a look at the various elements that make up the electrical system in the popular Cessna 172 training airplane.

Video Tip: How to fly an LPV (GPS) approach with a Garmin GTN 650

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LPV instrument approaches provide ILS-like precision to over 4,000 runways in the U.S. In this week's video tip, we'll explain the differences between a traditional LNAV and LPV instrument approach, and show how to fly one using a Garmin GTN 650 navigator.