Video Tip of the Week
Fun Flying Videos
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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
Video: how to find a good aviation flashlight
Every pilot needs at least a few good flashlights, but how do you choose the right ones for the cockpit? Go flying with two Sporty's pilots as they explain the 4 must-haves in an aviation flashlight and 3 nice-to-haves.
Holiday gift ideas for student pilots
Learning to fly is more than just a fun hobby; for most it's a life-changing decision. One thing you'll notice right away is that friends and family start to ask about gifts - they know you probably want something aviation-related, but it's hard to know the difference between ANR and ADS-B if you're not a pilot. To help the gift buyers this Christmas, we've assembled a list of 10 can't-miss gift ideas.
Sporty’s releases 2020 Learn to Fly Course
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. It will help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
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
How Long Will It Take?
A question that often arises here at the flight school is, "How long will it take me to earn my pilot's certificate?" Our answer to this question is a less than definitive, "It depends."
Video: 16 bush planes, 1 hill
Sure, the location is beautiful and the airplanes are not your everyday trainers, but the best part of Trent Palmer's latest adventure is the camaraderie. Sixteen airplanes found their way to the same grassy hill on the last day of 2019, and the result was a lot of fun.
AOPA Flight Training Scholarships
AOPA members are invited to apply for primary and advanced flight training scholarships, made possible through donations to the AOPA Foundation. Last year, 123...
Friday photo: Colin McGilvray commercial pilot checkride
Obtaining my commercial certificate was a big moment for me. Suddenly it seemed as if doors were opened for new opportunities and experiences. I look forward to the adventures and certifications still ahead.
Soft Field Takeoff – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.
Video: glider winch launch at Innsbruck
Innsbruck, Austria, is a justifiably famous airport. Tucked in between tall mountains, the airport features stunning views of the Alps and has been a favorite of flight sim enthusiasts for decades. It's also a great place for some soaring, as this video shows. Ride along for a winch launch (always a thrilling start to a flight), some ridge soaring, and a landing back on the grass.
Top 5 taxiing mistakes
Learning to move the aircraft around on the ground can be just as difficult as learning steep turns. And it's nothing to be ashamed...
Friday photo: autumn sunset over Kentucky
The moment: picturesque autumn sunset
The place: northern Kentucky near Greater Cincinnati Regional Airport (KCVG)
The aircraft: Cessna Citation
The memory: Blanket of low overcast with the...
Quiz: Preflight Planning an IFR Flight
There are many details to consider when planning a flight under Instrument Flight Rules. Mix in some inclement weather, and the workload increases exponentially. Answer all these questions correctly and prove you have the keys to unlock a successful IFR flight.
Why taildraggers improve your flying skills – and how to do it in a...
I know when I checked out in a Citabria about 15 years ago, it changed how I thought about the landing process and it recalibrated my “seat of your pants” flight instrument (that we all have). My landings weren’t always pretty, but the experience taught me to focus on three things in particular.
