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
Quiz: Test Your Taxi Techniques
Moving an aircraft on the ground is a vital phase of every flight, but airplanes don't drive like a car. Certain care must be...
Friday photo: Malena Modirzadeh private pilot checkride
On January 15, 2018 after an intense 4 hours of oral examination and 2 hours of flight examination, I earned my wings! This accomplishment marks the beginning of an amazing journey in aviation. I'm halfway through the challenging, but fun, instrument flying now.
Confidence on the radio is all about listening
For me, learning how to talk on the radio was a difficult element of my training. And I know from talking to other pilots,...
FAA announces complex aircraft change
As you may have heard, earlier this week the FAA announced a policy change that went into effect on Tuesday, 4/26/2018, which eliminates the...
Video: flying a 1941 Piper J-3 Cub
The J-3 Cub has a legendary reputation among pilots - it taught thousands to fly in the 1940s, and it's still a fun way to get in the air today. In this video, you'll first fly in a Piper to a beautiful airport with a grass runway (the modern way to fly). Then go flying in a 1941 Cub (the classic way to fly). Oh yeah, the Cub window is open of course!
Friday photo: Michael Gibbs first solo flight
The moment: 20th anniversary of first solo flight
The pilot: Michael Gibbs (left)
The place: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, AZ (KDVT)
The aircraft: Cessna 150
The memory: when I first...
How to improve your pilot communication skills
Learning how to talk on the radio is important, but many pilots spend far too much time stressing about it. Improving your communication skills is mostly about feeling comfortable and confident. So how do you feel more confident on the radio? There’s not substitute for practice and experience, but there are some habits that can accelerate that process.
Video: backcountry flying in Alaska
Alaska offers an endless range of flying adventures, from seaplanes on mountain lakes to taildraggers on gravel riverbeds. In this stunning video, you'll go flying with a group of pilots in a variety of airplanes to see the beauty of the last frontier. It requires skill and practice, but definitely no flight plans or type ratings!
Quiz: Seaplane Skills Challenge
So you’ve mastered the art of flying a land-based airplane and want to advance your skills. Or maybe you’re a long time floatplane jockey and want to confirm your time-tested knowledge. Even if you’ve never set foot in an airplane, get your feet wet and take our quiz to see how you measure up on what it takes to be the pilot-in-command of a seaplane.
Friday Photo: Paul Adams instrument helicopter checkride
The moment: Instrument Helicopter Checkride
The pilot: Paul Adams (left)
The place: Fleming Field, South Saint Paul Airport, MN (KSGS)
The aircraft: Robinson R-44
The memory: Taking advantage of Post...
