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
How to choose the right David Clark passive headset
David Clark is best known for its line of reliable passive headsets. All of these have a five-year warranty, are TSO’d, and made in the USA. The wide selection of passive headsets has something for almost everyone, but they look pretty much the same and have similar price points. What’s the difference? We'll explain.
More acronyms…what’s an STC and TSO?
We live and breath acronyms in aviation. Accept it or else. Two more that you may not be all that familiar with are "TSO",...
Pilot’s guide to flying with the GoPro Hero 8
More and more pilots are flying with action cameras like GoPros to record their flights. While these tiny devices record stunning video, they are not the easiest products to use. To help you feel more confident shooting in-flight video, we asked Bret Koebbe, an active pilot and flight instructor who leads Sporty's video department, what he's learned after a decade of shooting with GoPros.
Resources
TRACON Directory
On occasion, there may be a need to contact a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility by phone. For IFR pilots, it's a convenient...
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.
More Articles
Friday photo: valley fog
The moment: Morning valley fog in Kentucky
The pilot: Bret
The place: Near Gene Snyder Airport (K62), Falmouth, KY
The aircraft: C182 Skylane
The memory: One of my...
Video: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for pilots
Microsoft's release of an all-new flight simulator this month is creating quite a buzz among gamers and flight simulator enthusiasts, but also among pilots. The latest edition of this long-running franchise features stunning graphics, realistic weather, and a variety of general aviation airplanes. Is it fun? Can you use it during flight training? In this video, an experienced pilot and MSFS beta tester shares his thoughts.
My experience as a rusty pilot – part II
Editor's Note: Welcome to part two of a four-part series on Chris McGonegle’s experience as a rusty pilot - a relatable category for many....
Friday photo: early morning departure
The moment: Beautiful cloud formation on this early morning departure
The pilot: Eric Radtke
The place: Jack Edwards Airport (KJKA), Gulf Shores, AL
The aircraft: Piper Aztec
The...
Turns Around a Point – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Ground reference maneuvers provide the opportunity to refine your flying skills by learning to fly the airplane over a predetermined path over the ground while compensating for the effects of the wind.
Video: river bar hopping with bush planes
Flying is freedom, but landing where there are no runways is another level of freedom. Ride along with three pilots in this incredible video as they land their taildraggers on gravel bars in a river. It takes skill and practice (watch the intro to learn why), but when done safely this is fun flying at its very best.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: the next-gen VFR trainer
The new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is out and incorporates an unprecedented level of detail in the scenery, terrain and aircraft modeling. In addition to being flat out fun to use, the lifelike weather depictions and real-world visuals make for a great training resource for student pilots looking to practice pilotage and dead reckoning skills during the cross-country phase of flight training.
Friday photo: Rob Craig-Gray solo
The moment: My solo moment
The pilot: Rob Craig-Gray
The place: Millard Airport (KMLE), Omaha, NE
The aircraft: Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The memory: Always wanted to fly and,...
Quiz: Traffic Spotting Techniques
All pilots must maintain vigilance in order to see and avoid other aircraft. In a see-and-be-seen environment you should continuously scan all areas visible from the cockpit. But do you know the best method to accomplish this? What about at night? Take this quiz and test your ability to spot a potential traffic conflict and avoid a dangerous collision.
Video: flying an F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor seems to defy physics, with the speed of a modern supersonic fighter but the maneuverability of a light airplane. This new video shows you the F-22 in action, from both inside and outside the cockpit. You'll see the incredible vertical climb, the 9G turns, and the thrust vectoring nozzles. It's quite a show.
