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 your flight bag, episode 3
In this series, we ask the pilots at Sporty's what gear they carry when they go flying. This episode features Doug Ranly, a private pilot and Sporty's Catalog Manager.
The best headsets for student pilots – how to choose
Choosing your first aviation headset is a tough decision. In this detailed video, JC Mayerle and Doug Ranly from Sporty's explain what to look for, then they take four popular models flying to compare them in the cockpit of a Cessna 172. Which one will come out on top?
Sporty’s Pilot Training Course Is A Valuable Tool For Flight Instructors
Sporty’s Pilot Training course is the go-to product in self study flight training for pilots of all levels. Continuous updates to the platform have...
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
Friday photo: granddaughter’s first solo
The moment: My granddaughter's first solo
The pilot: Ibel Darkenwald
The place: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN), Bozeman, MT
The aircraft: Diamond DA20
The memory: On Thursday December 20th I was...
Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance
Airplane performance can be defined as the capability of an airplane to operate effectively while serving a specific purpose. Among the elements of performance...
Video: aerobatics in a Cessna
Flying aerobatics is incredibly fun, and it's also a great way to learn new flying skills. That doesn't have to mean exotic airshow airplanes, though - the trusty Cessna 150 Aerobat is a great way to do loops, rolls, spins, and more. Ride along on this flight to see what aerobatic maneuvers look like from the cockpit.
5 most popular articles from 2018
Please enjoy our five most popular articles from 2018. On behalf of the Student Pilot News team, Happy New Year and best...
Friday photo: John Dundas first solo
The moment: First solo (age 85)
The pilot: John Dundas
The place: Fairchild International Airport (KCLM), Port Angeles, WA
The aircraft: C172M
The memory: A couple of years ago a pilot "friend"...
Rectangular Course – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
The rectangular course is one of several ground reference maneuvers you'll practice during Private Pilot training, which will teach you how to compensate for the effects of the wind when flying at lower altitudes.
Video: backcountry flying lesson
Highly modified STOL airplanes (Short TakeOff and Landing) can get in and out of some airstrips that would be unthinkable in ordinary airplanes - but only if you know how to fly them. Ride along with FlightChops in this video as he learns how to handle the incredible new Carbon Cub FX-3, including slow flight and extremely short field landings.
Become a Part of the Community
Congratulations, you are either on your way or about to get started on your journey to becoming a pilot. As you begin this adventure,...
Friday photo: Darick Gundy first solo, first Sonex flight
The moment: First solo / first Sonex flight
The pilot: Darick Gundy
The place: Bermudian Valley Airpark (07N) - Kralltown, PA
The aircraft: Champ / Sonex
The memory: At age 56 I...
Ask a CFI: what’s one tip to make better landings (video)
Welcome to our latest video series - Ask A Sporty's CFI. We'll be talking to the 25 flight instructors we have on staff at Sporty's to get their tips for safer and smoother flying. First up is Bret Koebbe, an ATP and CFII, who shares his tips for making consistently smooth landings. How do you know if you're on glide path? How do you choose an aiming point? Bret has answers.
