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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.
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Pilot Gear
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.
Video: handheld radio with built-in headset jacks
A portable radio is a great way to learn aviation communications - just stand by the airport fence (or sit at home) and listen to other pilots as they talk to Air Traffic Control or other pilots. A radio is also a very helpful tool in an emergency, since it allows you to call for help even if the panel-mount avionics fail. The newest option is the PJ2, a $199 portable COM radio that has built-in headset jacks. Watch this video to see how it performs in a Cessna 172.
5 must have items for pilots starting college
It's that time of year. A new wave of aspiring professional aviators have moved into dorms as they begin their college journey destined for greatness in a booming aviation job market. After running down the list of obvious questions most college freshman have, the talk often turns towards gear. What does a college student pilot need to command the skies?
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
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.
Video: pulling Gs with the Thunderbirds
Flying a jet is fun; flying with the US Air Force Thunderbirds is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. In this new video, you can ride along with AOPA editor and longtime flight instructor Dave Hirschman as he tears through the sky at over 9 Gs. He admits he only has two goals: "Stay conscious, and don't hurl."
Video tip: How to handle crosswinds during takeoff
When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.
Preflight Like It Matters
A thorough preflight is critical. When you learn to fly, one of the first things that your flight instructor will teach you is what to look for on the airplane before your go fly. Performing a preflight inspection of the aircraft is often one of the first things that your instructor will "solo" you on as well.
Friday photo: Matt Crossty private pilot checkride
From a young age my Dad taught me the joys of flying. My Dad and I would watch the flight operations at CVG. Ever since then I knew becoming a pilot was something I wanted to do. Now it’s a dream come true.
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: flying low over the sand dunes of Africa
During training, it's easy to get bogged down in the mechanics of flying: weight and balance calculations, flight plan forms, emergency checklists. This stunning video shows the restorative power of flying just for the sake of flying. It's all about freedom, stunning African vistas, sharing an experience with friends, and the unique places only an airplane can take you. As JP says, "I hate being a pilot, but I love flying."
My 4-day airline trip offers routine and adventure
Author Alan Nguyen is a Sporty’s Academy flight instructor and first officer at a regional air carrier on the Bombardier Regional Jet series of aircraft. Please enjoy this latest installment of this multi-part series taking you inside the life of an airline pilot.
Friday photo: Joan Manuel De La Cruz private pilot checkride
The moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Joan Manuel De La Cruz
The place: North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, FL
The...
Student Pilot News print edition
Student Pilot News is the best place for articles, videos, quizzes, and special offers for new pilots. But in addition to our weekly online updates, we also publish a print version once a year. You can flip through a PDF version of the 2019 edition here.
