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
Video: how to get started with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
The new Microsoft Flight Simulator program is limitless in possibilities, but where do we start? In this video, Sporty's flight simulator expert Chris McGonegle will take you through those first steps to get airborne. We'll begin at the home page and cover how to choose an airport, aircraft, release the parking brake, and move to an external view.
Top 10 things you need when starting flight training
Sporty’s is much more than just a pilot shop—today, our successful flight school has hundreds of students and is solely responsible for the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program. The plethora of pilot supplies out there can be overwhelming, so students often look to us for advice on what you really need for flight training. Here's our top 10 list.
Video: why pilots need fuel testers
Draining and checking fuel before flight is one of the first things you learn as a student pilot. But what are you actually looking for, and how do you know if your sample is good or bad? In this Product PIREP video, Sporty's Doug Ranly explains the point of this ritual and shows what contaminated fuel looks like.
Resources
Rolling Out the Weather Cameras
Technology can be a wonderful thing. Improvements have made great strides toward better and more complete information with the potential to improve aviation safety.
There...
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.
More Articles
Video: how to get started with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
The new Microsoft Flight Simulator program is limitless in possibilities, but where do we start? In this video, Sporty's flight simulator expert Chris McGonegle will take you through those first steps to get airborne. We'll begin at the home page and cover how to choose an airport, aircraft, release the parking brake, and move to an external view.
A pilot’s guide to fuel testers
One of the many pre-flight tasks pilots perform on their aircraft involves fuel, and it’s not just confirming you have enough fuel for your...
FAA releases new advisory circular – Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing
The FAA has released a new Advisory Circular (AC) titled Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing to provide guidance in developing a thoughtful plan...
Top 10 things you need when starting flight training
Sporty’s is much more than just a pilot shop—today, our successful flight school has hundreds of students and is solely responsible for the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program. The plethora of pilot supplies out there can be overwhelming, so students often look to us for advice on what you really need for flight training. Here's our top 10 list.
You’re only as good as your endorsements
As a newly minted student pilot, you’ll naturally rely on your flight instructor to lead the process of becoming a pilot. You’ll entrust this...
Video: first solo in a Cessna 152
A pilot's first solo is a day full of mixed emotions: excitement and nervousness, pride and fear. This video shows all those feelings, as a student pilot makes her first trip around the pattern by herself in a Cessna 152. If you're not a pilot yet, it's a great preview of what's to come. If you are a pilot, you'll probably remember exhaling at the end like Erin does here.
Video: why pilots need fuel testers
Draining and checking fuel before flight is one of the first things you learn as a student pilot. But what are you actually looking for, and how do you know if your sample is good or bad? In this Product PIREP video, Sporty's Doug Ranly explains the point of this ritual and shows what contaminated fuel looks like.
Slow Flight – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Flying an airplane just above the stall speed in the slow flight configuration will teach you a lot about the handling characteristics and controllability at low speeds, which is a critical step in the development of your flying skills during flight training.
CFI Tips: Go-Arounds
Pilots are often too reluctant to execute go-arounds and because they aren't practiced regularly, pilots frequently make mistakes in performing the maneuvers. Hear more...
Rolling Out the Weather Cameras
Technology can be a wonderful thing. Improvements have made great strides toward better and more complete information with the potential to improve aviation safety.
There...
