Video: Cirrus flying in the Bahamas

When the days get short and the temperature drops, many US pilots' thoughts turn to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. The weather is great, the scenery is even better, and it's all a short flight from Florida - a bucket list trip for any pilot. In this video, make the trip to Staniel Cay in a Cirrus SR22 and take in the sights.

Video: backcountry flying in a Cessna 182

Backcountry flying is general aviation at its best: no airspace or ATC, but plenty of scenery and unmatched freedom. In this amazing video, you'll see how much fun this type of flying can be - and it doesn't require an exotic bush plane. Fly in a Cessna 182 to visit remote grass strips, rocky river beds, and scenic mountain passes. And no, don't try this on your first solo.

Video: The life of a business jet pilot

What's it like to be a jet pilot? This video offers a window into that fast-paced life. Strap into the right seat of a Beech Premier jet with professional pilot Justin as he flies a trip at sunset, and hear about his journey from non-pilot to the left seat. Is this the same dream you're chasing?

Video: Building confidence with aerobatics

Aerobatics might bring to mind 8G turns and flat spins, but most aerobatic flying is much smoother and more fun than that. In this video, you'll ride along with a new student pilot as she experiences loops and rolls in an RV, and even flies some herself. As she discovers, aerobatic flying doesn't have to be scary - it can actually build confidence and skills that make you a better pilot when you're straight and level.

Video: Landing where nobody has before

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Not all airplanes need a runway to land, as this incredible video shows. Ride along with Trent Palmer in his experimental taildragger as he creates his own landing strip on a ridge in northern Nevada. While you shouldn't try this in your Cherokee, it does show the freedom and excitement that comes with a Private Pilot certificate.

Video: Grass runway on Martha’s Vineyard

Flying to an airport restaurant for a "$100 hamburger" is a popular way for pilots to use their certificate and have some fun. This video shows one of the best spots in America for such a flight - Katama Airpark on Martha's Vineyard. Fly along with Matt Guthmiller in a Beechcraft Bonanza as he tours the coastal scenery, lands on the 50 ft. wide grass runway, and parks next to the historic restaurant. Yet another trip that's only possible in a light airplane.

Video: F-16 airshow at Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is one of the world's largest fly-ins, but what makes it so special is the wide variety of airplanes on display. You'll see everything from single seat homebuilts to the latest jets, and that includes the airshow. In this incredible video, you'll ride along in an F-16 for a thrilling aerobatic routine that begins on takeoff. The video finishes with a heritage flight, when the F-16 and a P-51 Mustang fly in close formation.

Video: Boeing 777 landing at LAX

For many student pilots, their ultimate idea of fun flying is a job at an airline. Being an airline pilot has its ups and downs, but one thing never gets old: the incredible views from the cockpit. In this week's video, ride along with an Air France crew as they descend into Los Angeles and land at the busy LAX airport at night. You'll see everything from the cockpit flows to the stunning lights of the LA basin, plus hear the ATC communications.

Video: STOL drag racing in the high desert

You may have heard of STOL competitions - where pilots in bush planes show off their Short TakeOff and Landing skills. The unique High Sierra Fly In, which takes place on a dry lake bed in Nevada is like that, but with a twist. The organizers call it STOL Drag racing, and it looks like one of the more interesting aviation gatherings of the year.

Video: intro to aerobatics

Aerobatics isn't always about custom-built airplanes and big airshows. As this video shows, regular pilots can fly basic aerobatic maneuvers in affordable general aviation airplanes with the right training. Ride along here for a series of loops, hammerheads, and barrel rolls in a Robin R2160. It's fun flying, but it's also great for developing stick and rudder skills.