Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List
Seaplane flying challenges pilots to think differently—about wind, water, and judgment. It’s a rewarding blend of skill, awareness, and freedom that belongs on every pilot’s bucket list.
About Eric Radtke
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including FlightTrainingCentral.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.
Entries by Eric Radtke
Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport
/in Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeFlying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success.
Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeWith winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.
FAA Wants Your Checkride Feedback
/in News/by Eric RadtkeThe FAA has announced plans to roll out a new post-checkride survey for pilots, designed to collect feedback on checkride experiences with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Before the survey becomes official, the agency is asking for public comment, and pilots have a chance to shape how this works.
VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
/in News, Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeIn this sample VFR Mastery Scenario, MOA or Marathon puts you in the cockpit of a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance.
Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations
/in News, Webinars/by Eric RadtkeIn this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload.
The FAA is Conducting a Ramp Check. Now What?
/in Regulations, Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeYou’ve just shut down, tied down, and are grabbing your flight bag when a neatly dressed individual flashes a badge and says, “Hi, I’m with the FAA.” That sound you just heard? It’s your stomach dropping. But before panic sets in, take a breath. Ramp inspections—yes, those dreaded “ramp checks”—are a normal part of the FAA’s safety oversight system. They’re not necessarily a sign that you’ve done anything wrong.
Sporty’s Launches 2026 Learn to Fly Course with Advanced AI Tools and New Flight Maneuver Training
/in News/by Eric RadtkeSporty’s has released its all-new 2026 Learn to Fly Course, packed with major upgrades that make pilot training more immersive, efficient, and personalized than ever before. The latest edition introduces new 4K flight maneuver videos, a powerful aviation-specific AI study tool, and expanded resources for Sport Pilot training under the new MOSAIC rules.
Sporty’s Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Summer 2025
/in Test questions/by Eric RadtkeSporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes.
Webinar: Pilot Hiring Trends and Insights with James Onieal
/in News/by Eric RadtkeThe pilot hiring landscape continues to evolve, and staying informed is essential for every career-minded aviator. Join us for a free webinar with James Onieal, a familiar name to Flight Training Central and IFR Focus readers, as he breaks down the latest trends in pilot recruitment.
