How to preflight a Cessna 172 airplane

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The airplane preflight inspection is performed before each flight to ensure that all the required paperwork is on board, that the airplane systems are working properly and that the correct amount of fuel and oil are in the tanks. It's your chance to really look the airplane over inside and out to assure yourself that it's ready to fly, because once you're airborne, you just can't pull over in case something goes wrong.

How to make the most of marginal VFR weather conditions

Sometimes terrain, icing, lack of instrument rating or proper equipment can make flying on an Instrument Flight Plan (IFR) not an option. But that doesn't mean you need to cancel a flight just because there's weather along the route or it's not perfect VFR.

Video Tip: The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)

You'll find a "how-to" manual on every airplane that describes how to operate that particular model, called the pilot's operating handbook, or POH. This week's tip takes a look at the information contained in the POH, along with the differences between the version that must be kept on the airplane and the one sold off the shelf at the local pilot shop.

Taxi With Confidence: Airport Taxiway Signs and Markings for Pilots

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All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active 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 on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.

Video Tip: VFR communications

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.

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

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.

FAA Pilot Minute Video: Will Prescribed Testosterone Affect My Medical?

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The FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine has released a “Pilot Minute” video that addresses the growing use of testosterone therapy and how it can affect your medical certification. Whether you're currently taking testosterone or considering it, it's important to understand the potential impact on your eligibility to fly. In this short video, Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup explains what the FAA looks for and how to stay in compliance.

Video tip: the Cessna 172 fuel system

It's important for pilots to have a good understanding of airplane systems to know how to properly operate their controls and troubleshoot them when things don't work as expected. This week's tip takes a look at the Cessna 172 fuel system to show each component and give you a better understanding of how all the parts work together.

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.

VASI & PAPI Explained: Pilot’s Guide to Visual Approach Lighting

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.