Bret Koebbe
Bret is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s professional pilot program, and has been a flight instructor for over 10 years. During his time as a check airman for Sporty’s Academy, he has earned FAA Gold Seal and NAFI Master Instructor accreditations. Bret specializes in advanced avionics training, and especially enjoys working with students learning glass cockpit systems, WAAS GPS units, and iPad and Android tablets in the cockpit. He currently flies both professionally and for fun in a variety of aircraft, from Cessna Skycatchers to a Cessna Citation. Bret is also a Vice President at Sporty’s Academy, where he develops innovative new aviation training products in video, online and mobile app formats.
Video tip: training beyond the checkride
Earning a pilot certificate is a special accomplishment. It also comes with the responsibility to continue learning and refining those skills through practice. This week's tip shows how you can set personal goals to continuously improve your flying outside of the training environment.
Flight maneuver spotlight: power-off stalls
You'll learn how to intentionally stall the airplane during your flight training so that you can recognize the sights, sounds and how the controls feel as you approach critically slow airspeeds. Equally as important, you'll learn how to quickly recover in the event you inadvertently reach a stalled condition in flight.
Video Tip: runway safety for pilots
Aviation safety isn't just about flying. Getting around on the ground is a critical skill for pilots of any level - in fact, the most deadly aviation accident in history involved a runway incursion. In this week's tip, we share some helpful tips for understanding airport signs, asking ATC for help and using apps to prevent mistakes.
Video tip: How to use VFR flight plans
Pilots should get in the habit of filing and opening VFR Flight Plans when flying away from the local airport environment. Then, in the unlikely event that you have an emergency or off-airport landing, the authorities know to come look for you along your planned route of flight.
Video tip: accelerated stalls
Stalls seem pretty straightforward for most pilots, but stalls during a turn can seem quite different. In our latest quick tip, we look at these accelerated stalls. You'll learn why it's called an accelerated stall, how to prevent one, and why load factor is so important.
Video tip: How to avoid turbulence and find a smoother ride
During your preflight briefing, you observe that the air is clear and there are no storms in sight – does this mean you're in store for a smooth, enjoyable flight? Possibly, but you should also consider another weather factor that can have a big impact on the comfort of the flight on VFR days: turbulence. This week's tip takes a look at ways to avoid rough air and find a smoother ride on your next flight.
Flight maneuver spotlight: emergency approach and landing
You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.
Flight maneuver spotlight: slow flight
Flying an airplane just above the stall speed in the slow flight configuration will teach you a lot about the handling characteristics and controllability at low speeds, which is a critical step in the development of your flying skills during flight training.
Flight maneuver spotlight: normal approach and landing
The approach and landing is one of the most exciting and dynamic moments of every flight and a procedure pilots of all experience levels are always working to improve.
What the ATC controller sees – tech in the tower
You'll find that it's helpful to have a good understanding of the air traffic system from the controller's perspective. Understanding the technology involved will not only make you feel more comfortable working with ATC but will also allow you to fully take advantage of all the services and information they have to offer.
