Video tip: how to spot in-flight traffic

Collision avoidance skills are emphasized early on in the flight training process, and it's important that you make an effort to keep your eyes out the window as much as possible when practicing maneuvers. This week's video takes a look at a few tips you can incorporate on your next flight to help spot nearby traffic, along with some new technology innovations that allow you to display nearby traffic right on your favorite aviation iPad app.

Video tip: The aerodynamics of induced and parasite drag

During your flight training you'll learn all about the 4 forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week's tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.

Pilot’s guide to flying in Class E and G airspace (video tip)

The vast majority of airspace below 18,000' in the US is classified as either Class E or Class G and does not require communication with ATC to enter. This video explores how you can identify the boundaries of Class E and G airspace on a sectional chart and the operational considerations when flying in each.

Video tip: How thunderstorms form

Thunderstorms can cause considerable aircraft damage on the ground and in flight. Even airlines take extra precautions to divert around convective activity for the comfort of the passengers and the safety of the flight. In this week's video tip, you'll learn the three conditions necessary for the formation of a thunderstorm. A thorough understanding of how and when thunderstorms develop will allow you to plan your flight to avoid dangerous weather.

Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)

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While flying a tailwheel airplane is not much different than a traditional nosewheel airplane in the air, taking off and landing are a different story. This week's tip takes a look at what it takes to properly land a tailwheel airplane using the "wheel method".

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.

How to recover from an airplane spin, with Patty Wagstaff

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While spin training is only required for new flight instructor candidates, pilots of all skill levels should still know the steps and control inputs to recover from a spin. Join Patty Wagstaff in her Super Decathlon aerobatic airplane, as she first explains what an airplane spin is, and then the proper spin recovery steps to return to straight and level flight.

Video Tip: Steep turns in flight

Steep turns are one of those core pilot skills - whether you're a new student pilot or an experienced pro, being able to complete this maneuver safely and smoothly requires coordination and good "seat of the pants" flying. Learn some helpful tips for making better steep turns in our latest video tip.

How to brief the weather before an IFR flight (video tip)

The FAA encourages pilots to conduct a self-weather briefing before each flight and no longer considers a Flight Service phone briefing as the primary source for preflight weather. In this video, we'll highlight various sources of weather products you can use and how to ensure you always get a complete briefing.
aerodynamics

Video Tip: Aerodynamics of a Wing Stall

During your flight training you will practice stalling the airplane to better learn the low-speed handling characteristics of the airplane, and how to recover if an unintentional stall occurs. In this video tip we'll look at how the airflow changes over the wing as it nears the critical angle of attack and eventually stalls.