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
What’s in my flight bag
I recently decided to treat myself to a brand spankin’ new flight bag because the old one had seen better days. It was, after...
Video review: Bose A20 Aviation Headset
The Bose A20 Aviation Headset is the most popular headset among pilots, year after year. It's one of the most expensive headsets, too, but most pilots say it's worth the investment. In this video, come flying with Sporty's headset expert, Doug Ranly, as he explores what the A20 can do and why it's so popular.
Hands-on with Sporty’s new 2018 Learn to Fly Course
Sporty's has introduced some major upgrades to its award-winning Learn to Fly Course, including an all-new iOS app, new video segments, CFI tracking, and much more. Here's a look at all the new features.
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
Use your iPhone or iPad to file, open and close VFR Flight Plans
Did you know you can file, open and close VFR Flight Plans through Flight Service right from your iPhone or iPad? Here's how to do it from 4 of aviation's top EFB apps.
Friday photo: Talia Shaw first solo
The moment: First solo
The pilot: Talia Shaw
The place: Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia, PA (KPNE)
The aircraft: Grumman Traveler AA5
The memory: It was a very nerve-racking day, but all...
Crosswind landings – HD flight maneuver spotlight
This crosswind landing technique requires you to modify your normal landing procedure by using a combination of rudder and aileron to keep the airplane aligned with the runway.
Video: first solo aerobatics flight
Learning to fly aerobatics is a lot of fun, but it also makes your everyday flying skills sharper. Ride along with an experienced pilot as he flies his very first aerobatics routine solo, including loops and rolls. Besides the fun view out the window, you'll hear his pre-maneuver checklist and learn what he's focusing on as he flies each one.
Fun flights for a new pilot
So you’re getting comfortable as pilot in command and you’ve completed those first big milestones: solo and private pilot certification. Now what? Well you’re probably working toward an advanced rating, maybe eventually a career in aviation, or just having fun. With flight training, consistency is the name of the game, but I’d recommend you stop and smell the roses.
Friday photo: Jerry Gay solo cross-country
The moment: First solo cross-country
The pilot: Jerry Gay
The place: Athens / Ben Epps Airport, Athens, GA (KAHN)
The aircraft: Cessna 172M Skyhawk
The memory:The Lake Russell photo is from...
Quiz: Wake Turbulence Avoidance
As an airplane wing flies through the air an invisible danger swirls in its wake. The aerodynamic phenomenon known as wingtip vortices leaves behind...
Video: how a drone pilot became a bush pilot
Trent Palmer makes some of the most amazing flying videos anywhere, usually involving bush planes with big tires - and rarely involving paved runways. What most people don't know is that Trent was initially terrified of flying. Watch this video to learn how he conquered his fears, and of course see some great backcountry flying.
Sporty’s webinar – surviving the checkride – an examiner panel discussion
Preparing can be stressful, but taking a checkride doesn’t have to be. Understanding what to expect in your oral and practical, and how to...
Friday photo: Steve Hicks first solo
The moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Steve Hicks (left) with DPE Bill Rourke
The place: Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, Atlanta, GA (KFFC)
The aircraft: Diamond DA20
The memory: "passed my...
