Airspace operations at Class C and D airports (video tip)

Class C and D airspace will surround airports that can handle a moderate amount of air traffic. This means there are some important restrictions to remember any time you're operating within - or underneath this airspace. In this week's video tip, we review how Class C and D airspace works, what you need to do to fly legally in it and how to stay safe.

Interactive exercise: Unusual attitude recovery procedures

It's important for pilots to recognize the conditions or situations that could cause an unusual attitude, with focus on how to recognize one, and how to recover from one. Test your knowledge of unusual attitude recognition and recovery with this interactive exercise.

Choosing an IFR arrival procedure (STAR) — Advanced IFR, by Pilot Workshops

STARs may have mandatory speeds and/or crossing altitudes published. Other STARs may have planning information depicted to inform pilots what clearances or restrictions to “expect.” Learn to the nuances of selecting an appropriate STAR from Pilot Workshops.

IFR holding pattern interactive scenarios

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Instrument-rated pilots are required to perform and log holding procedures at least once every six months, along with six instrument approaches and intercepting/tracking navigation courses to maintain IFR currency. Most pilots hit their peak of holding proficiency during instrument training, but the details tend to fade over time since holding procedures are rarely flown.

Choosing the best IFR departure procedure (SID) — Advanced IFR, by Pilot Workshops

SIDs are air traffic control procedures created to provide obstruction clearance and a transition from the terminal area to the en route structure. This helps reduce both pilot and controller workload and enhance safety. Multiple SIDs may be published for a particular airport.

Choosing the best IFR route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops

Follow along on this scenario-based IFR route selection exercise as we plan a flight from Oceana, CA (L52) to Monterey, CA (KMRY) using ForeFlight Route Advisor.

Video tip: Pilot’s Guide to BasicMed

If you’ve held a valid medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, you may never have to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again under the BasicMed rule. This week's video takes a look at how the BasicMed program works, its limitations and the steps you need to take to keep your BasicMed status current.

Video tip: get a “big picture” weather briefing

Checking the weather is one of the few constants in aviation. All pilots do it, whether it’s a trip around the pattern in a Cub or a trip across the Atlantic in a Gulfstream. But merely getting a weather briefing isn’t enough; it has to be a good weather briefing to make the flight safer. So what exactly does a “good briefing” involve?

Aviation weather video tip: When flying IFR isn’t an option

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: 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.