How to use this
Go in order the first time: how flight works → the airplane → flying it → weather → where you fly → becoming a pilot. Each lesson has a What, a Why and a How. Then try the Flight tools (METAR decoder, density altitude, crosswind, wind correction, weight & balance) and the Quiz.
METAR decoder
Paste an airport weather report (from aviationweather.gov or an app) and get it in plain English.
Density altitude
How high the airplane "feels" it is. Higher = longer takeoff, weaker climb.
Crosswind and headwind
How much of the wind blows across the runway.
Wind correction and groundspeed
The wind triangle: where to point the nose to fly the course you want.
Weight & balance (example 4-seat trainer)
Example numbers only, similar to a Cessna 172. Real loading uses the aircraft's own POH and weighing record.
Arms (inches aft of datum, example): empty 39, front 37, rear 73, fuel 48, baggage 95. Limits (example): max 2,450 lb; CG 35.0–47.3 in (forward limit rises to 38.5 in at max weight).
Turns: load factor and stall speed
Bank harder and the wings must carry more load, so the stall speed goes up.
Phonetic alphabet drill
Pilots spell everything this way on the radio. Type a callsign or word and hear how it's said, or press Quiz me.
Quiz
Pick an answer to see why. Your best score is remembered on this computer.