Chart Smart: VFR Sectional Concentrated Obstructions

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Concentrated obstructions of wind turbine farms are portrayed by an overlying hatched area and dotted outline to represent the approximate parameters of the farm. One or more single turbine symbols will populate the farm. A boxed elevation figure representing the MSL elevation of the highest wind turbine within the area is placed inside the farm or, if space is limited, just outside.

Flight Training for Young Pilots: How to Start Flying Early

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If you are not a pilot or don’t have easy access to one, the EAA’s Young Eagles program may be an option for a free first flight if your child is 8-17. Your child will also receive several other free materials and opportunities through this program. You might also be able to book a flight experience with a local flight school or ride operator.

Pilot training experience requirements—just do what the regulation says!

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The crafty, creative CFI thought it would be a great opportunity for the student to get in some practice at another airport. In this case, he had the student grab another airport (a 4th) along the way. They thought that the student doing another landing at Marion (KMWA) would be some good additional experience for them at a towered airport. They aren’t wrong about that, but in a strict sense, it now means that cross-country solo flight doesn’t count toward the experience requirements for a private pilot certificate.

Mastering Stalls: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Recover Safely

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The recovery procedure is the same as for all stalls. Reduce the angle of attack, add full power, and maintain directional control using coordinated rudder and aileron pressures. As you might expect, recovery from the full stall will require a lower pitch attitude to avoid the secondary stall and the altitude loss will be greater. As speed increases, retract the flaps- be sure that you have reached the best rate of climb speed before the final flap retraction.

The ABCs of Emergencies

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While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.

Video Tip: Flying in and around special use airspace

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Special use airspace includes military operations areas, prohibited areas, alert areas, warning areas, restricted areas and controlled firing areas. This week’s video tip explains how to identify their location and best practices for making sure you don’t accidentally fly into one.

Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors

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Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.

Rectangular Course—Sporty’s Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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During your training, you will be introduced to the rectangular course and other ground reference maneuvers. Ground reference maneuvers integrate the fundamentals of flight and demonstrate that you have competence in manipulating the flight controls and applying control pressures to maintain a pre-determined aircraft course relative to objects on the ground.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FAA Knowledge Test

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Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward…

Descent Planning: Strategies for Safe and Smooth Arrivals

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Descent planning is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of managing your flight. And if not planned properly, a poorly executed descent can present challenges and unnecessary risks when transitioning to an approach or the traffic pattern. Pilots must consider a variety of factors, including terrain, weather, airspace constraints, and aircraft performance, to ensure a smooth and safe descent.