Bret Koebbe

Airplane engines are more sensitive than your typical car engine and require extra attention. This week's video tip looks at some tips for basic airplane engine operations to help you get years of trouble-free operation from them.

Airplanes seem to always want to turn left, especially in a climb. But why does this happen? In this three minute video tip, we dive into the physics in a way that makes sense for pilots. 3D animations and in-flight video show the effects of P-factor, gyroscopic precession and spiraling slipstream.

The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.

Getting out of the traffic pattern and going on a real trip is a lot of fun. It may even be the reason you’re learning to fly in the first place. But the same reasons these trips are so much fun - new places to see, a goal at the end of the flight - can lead to challenges if you aren’t prepared. Here are six rules to keep in mind when you’re flying VFR cross countries.

Pilots should get in the habit of filing and opening VFR Flight Plans when flying away from the local airport environment. Then, in the unlikely event that you have an emergency or off-airport landing, the authorities know to come look for you along your planned route of flight.

Stalls seem pretty straightforward for most pilots, but stalls during a turn can seem quite different. In our latest quick tip, we look at these accelerated stalls. You'll learn why it's called an accelerated stall, how to prevent one, and why load factor is so important.

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.

The rectangular course is one of several ground reference maneuvers you'll practice during Private Pilot training, which will teach you how to compensate for the effects of the wind when flying at lower altitudes.

Visual approach slope indicators use a combination of white and red lights next to the runway to help pilots verify they are flying the correct approach angle to the runway. This week's video takes a closer look at 2 types, VASI and PAPI, to show you how they work and what the various indications mean.

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.