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 2
In this series, we ask the pilots at Sporty's what gear they carry when they go flying. While every pilot's flight bag is unique, some common principles apply to everyone: carry enough to be prepared but not too much so that you're weighed down with unnecessary junk. Hear from John Zimmerman, ATP and helicopter pilot, in this episode.
Sporty’s Flight Gear Quick Case Video Demo
A good flight bag can make your next flight lesson more organized and less stressful. But sometimes you don't need a full flight bag or duffel. In this video, we show the compact and flexible Flight Gear Quick Case in action. It has room for the essentials, but won't take up much room in the cockpit.
How to use Sporty’s E6B Flight Computer
Learning to fly means learning to make a lot of calculations: wind correction angle, groundspeed, crosswind component, and so much more. In this video, learn how to perform some of the most common calculations on Sporty's popular Electronic E6B Flight Computer.
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: Priscilla Marapodi instrument rating checkride
I started my aviation journey April 2017 since then it’s been an amazing journey. I thought the PPL was an amazing accomplishment until today the IFR checkride, now I feel like a real pilot!
Smart study strategies with Sporty’s 2019 Learn to Fly Course
Sporty’s courses are the ideal pilot training companion - everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your certificate or rating,...
Video: flying (and sailing) in the Bahamas
Some exotic adventures require a long airline flight halfway around the world; others require only a pilot's license and a Cessna (plus a few friends). In this envy-inducing video, filmmaker and pilot JP Schulze heads to the beautiful blue waters of the Bahamas for some flying and sailing. It feels worlds away from the United States, where they departed, but it's only a short flight in the Cessna.
Learning to fly and having a full time job – Can it be done?
We get many aspiring pilots that ask us about learning to fly but other commitments often result in a packed schedule. The thought of...
Friday photo: Ryan Miller first solo
My son's first solo! I bought the ELSA RV-12 so that I could learn airplane maintenance work and so that my son could affordably learn to fly. This plane was built by high school students as an Eagle's Nest project at Clear Springs High School
Emergency Approach and Landing – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
You need to react thoughtfully and quickly in the event the engine quits or you experience an unexpected loss of power. This week's tip covers a series of memory items to complete to try to restart the engine, and then what to do if a forced landing becomes necessary.
Video: what flying is all about
Flying is about lift and thrust, weight and drag. But as Trent Palmer shows in this amazing video, flying is also about gaining a new perspective on the world and enjoying life. After watching these three taildraggers fly around a mountain at sunset, we think you'll agree that, "life is too short to eat dessert last."
How high do you want to fly today?
How high should we fly today? Choosing an altitude for a flight may seem like a simple decision at first, but there are actually a lot of variables to consider. What is the purpose of the flight? How is the weather? Are there any airspace restrictions? What is the performance of the airplane? This may sound like a lot to consider, but with some help from your mobile EFB app and some practice, this process will become second nature to you.
Friday photo: Michelle Abruzzese first flight lesson
The moment: first flight lesson
The pilot: Michelle Abruzzese
The place: Chatham Municipal Airport (KCQX), Chatham, MA
The aircraft: C172
The memory: taken moments before my flight instructor, Bob Streckle, boards the...
Quiz: Traffic Spotting Techniques
All pilots must maintain vigilance in order to see and avoid other aircraft. In a see-and-be-seen environment you should continuously scan all areas visible from the cockpit. But do you know the best method to accomplish this? What about at night? Take this quiz and test your ability to spot a potential traffic conflict and avoid a dangerous collision.
