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: flight bag review
There's no perfect flight bag for every pilot - it depends on the type of flying you do, the aircraft you fly, and your own personal preferences. With prices ranging from under $50 to well over $200, there are a lot to choose from. In this Product PIREP Video, we review some of the best-selling options, including Flight Gear, Flight Outfitters, MyGoFlight, and Travel Pro.
Video: how to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test with Sporty’s...
Everyone who wants to become a licensed pilot will need to pass the FAA Knowledge Test (or written test). But don't worry - this is easy with Sporty's complete Learn to Fly Course. In addition to detailed video segments, the course includes powerful test prep tools so you'll understand all the key concepts and be completely prepared for the test. In this video, join Sporty's Academy Vice President Bret Koebbe for a hands-on look at all the features available.
Video: how to watch Sporty’s courses on Roku and Apple TV
Sporty’s Pilot Training app is your single source for the best aviation training, on iPad, iPhone, Android, and on your smart TV. Join Bret Koebbe from Sporty's Video Production team to learn about how to access your Sporty's Pilot Training Courses on AppleTV and Roku. It's an easy way to watch the latest aviation training videos from the comfort of your couch.
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
Webinar video: Tips and tricks for passing your checkride with Jason Blair
Join preeminent designated pilot examiner, Jason Blair, as he offers valuable tips and insights for checkride day. You'll learn that understanding what to expect...
Aviation weather video tip: When flying IFR isn’t an option
Sometimes terrain, icing, lack of instrument rating or proper equipment can make flying on an Instrument Flight Plan (IFR) not an option. But that doesn't mean you need to cancel a flight though just because there's weather along the route or it's not perfect VFR.
Video: flying a DC-3 across the Atlantic
The Douglas DC-3 is one of the most famous airplanes in the history of aviation. From its days as a pioneering airliner to its work as a mainstay of the cargo fleet, this brawny twin has taught many pilots the finer points of flying radial engines and tailwheels. Ride along with Matt Guthmiller in this video as he flies one across the North Atlantic to celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Flying in a new direction – the case for technology in the cockpit
Technology is taking over our airplane cockpit these days, from portable GPS and weather receivers to sophisticated glass cockpit instrumentation. This can provide challenges to student pilots, who need to balance learning the fundamentals of navigation and situational awareness while still taking advantage of the latest advancements in digital mapping and datalink weather.
Friday photo: Ngierot Edwards-Smith solo flight
The moment: Practice area solo
The pilot: Ngierot Edwards-Smith
The place: Orlando Sanford International Airport (KSFB), Orlando, FL
The aircraft: C172
The memory: I had just completed my...
Webinar video: aviation weather fundamentals and strategy
Every pilot must understand weather fundamentals and possess a healthy curiosity of the unknown. In addition to weather theory, never has there been more weather information more readily available to pilots. Broadcast Meteorologist Scott Dimmich and CFI Bret Koebbe goe beyond the basics of weather theory to help you make sound weather decisions.
Quiz: Understanding the airplane Pitot-Static System
The pitot-static system is the source of valuable flight information for the pilot. But how does it work and what instruments are affected? Take...
Video: first airplane out of Oshkosh
Flying into Oshkosh is a lot of fun, but leaving the world's largest air show is part of the experience too. In this video, ride along with JP (aka @the_candourist) as he hitches a ride with legendary air show announcer Rob Reider in an RV-7A with a glass cockpit. There's no better way to get to know a pilot than to go flying with them!
Don’t be a fair weather flyer
Any pilot with an available airplane can’t pass up a severe clear, less than 5 kts forecast. Why would you? There’s breakfast to be...
Friday photo: back to instructing…MEI checkride
The moment: Multiengine instructor (MEI) checkride
The pilot: Chris DeMaria
The place: Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT), Renton, WA
The aircraft: Piper Seminole
The memory: After a long time...
