Video Tip of the Week
Fun Flying Videos
Webinar Videos
Getting Started Tips
How to become a pilot – a learn to fly checklist
The process of learning to fly can seem overwhelming at first. But you can do it, and our team of flight instructors here at Sporty’s can help. That’s why we’ve developed this quick checklist of key steps.
Quizzes
Pilot Gear
Why you need renter’s insurance
As you get close to your first solo, your flight instructor may talk to you about buying renter's insurance (sometimes called non-owned insurance). While it's never fun to contemplate an incident or accident, this is an important discussion that deserves some careful study.
Video review: Stratus 3 ADS-B receiver
Portable ADS-B receivers have been one of the most popular accessories for pilots since they were first introduced in 2012. They connect to an iPad or Android tablet to provide GPS position, subscription-free in-flight weather, ADS-B traffic, and backup attitude information. In this Product PIREP video, go flying with the new Stratus 3 to see how it performs in flight.
What’s in my flight bag
My flight bag isn’t perfect for every mission, but here is a list of the essentials that are with me on every sortie.
Resources
Student Pilot Store
Similar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear for flying is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. At Sporty's, we've operated our own flight school for decades, so we know what student pilots need - and what they don't.
Sporty’s Academy
Sporty's Academy, our on-site flight school, is a premier Pilot Training Center located at the Clermont County Airport in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. We welcome students from all over the world who are looking for the finest flight training experience.
Learn to Fly Course
There's a lot to learn as a new pilot, but the good news is you can do much of that learning on your own schedule. In between flight lessons, a good home study course is an invaluable tool. You can review your previous lesson, learn the theory behind the maneuvers you fly and prepare for the FAA written test.
More Articles
Quiz: Aircraft Engine Mixture Control
For some student pilots the mixture control is a thing of mystery. It gets pulled out to shut off the engine, so let's just...
Video: flying the Icon A5 seaplane around Miami
The Icon A5 is a different kind of airplane. Instead of focusing on speed, range, and payload, it focuses on fun. As an amphibious Light Sport Airplane, it's as comfortable with jet skis and boats as other airplanes. In this video, ride along as one pilot gets a demo flight around Miami in the sleek seaplane, beaching on quiet islands and flying over blue-green water.
Only the realistic survive
The unforgiving nature of aviation has serious consequences, consequences we should remember every time we enter the cockpit. If we're unrealistic about our new year's resolution, it probably won’t hurt us. Flying is a different story. There aren’t many second chances.
Friday photo: first solo cross-country Kaitlyn Gallegos
The air was smooth, warm, and clear. The scenery was picturesque and awe-inspiring, and I was completely by myself up at 9,500 feet. I touched down safely at Bermuda an hour after takeoff.
Video: landing IN the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a great place to fly over in a general aviation aircraft, but how about landing in the Grand Canyon? Ride along with Matt Guthmiller in this video to see the Southwest United States from multiple aircraft, including a flight in a Robinson helicopter. It's further proof that general aviation offers freedom you can't find anywhere else.
Video review: Stratus 3 ADS-B receiver
Portable ADS-B receivers have been one of the most popular accessories for pilots since they were first introduced in 2012. They connect to an iPad or Android tablet to provide GPS position, subscription-free in-flight weather, ADS-B traffic, and backup attitude information. In this Product PIREP video, go flying with the new Stratus 3 to see how it performs in flight.
Fly until the map turns blue…and then some – Part II
"Take the Aztec to Nevis,” Sporty’s Founder/Chairman, Hal Shevers, stated last fall. We took this statement seriously because it is fully in line with...
Friday photo: Garland Hanson first solo
The moment: First solo
The pilot: Garland Hanson
The place: Hanover County Airport, Richmond, VA (KOFP)
The aircraft: Tecnam P92 Eaglet Light Sport
The memory: I had been wanting to become...
Quiz: Flying The Traffic Pattern
Sitting in the cockpit during the cruise portion of any flight may have a tendency to become monotonous. But as the destination traffic pattern approaches,...
Video: landing a Citation Mustang
Flying a jet might seem impossible to a student pilot, but step into the cockpit of this Cessna Citation Mustang and you might be surprised at how much is the same. The G1000 avionics are a lot like what you'd find in a 172, and the basics of flying remain the same. Ride along as this Cessna 210 pilot makes his first landing in a jet and see it all from the cockpit.
