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 use Sporty’s Electronic E6B Flight Computer
Join Sporty's Doug Ranly for a hands-on look at how to use this popular flight computer. You'll see three common functions step-by-step, plus tips for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius.
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?
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, Paris Jones, first solo
After 40 years at American Airlines I’m excited that so many young adults like Paris are discovering aviation as a career again. For a long time it wasn’t this way, and the efforts of organizations like Sporty’s, AOPA, EAA and others is having a positive effect. No word can describe how happy and proud of her we are.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) updated
Updates to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), change 3, went into effect on February 28. Among the updates, the AIM advises users of the...
Quiz: VFR Cross-Country Flight Planning
Winds aloft, true course, heading and groundspeed. Can you put all the puzzle pieces together and plan a successful cross-country flight? Use this quiz to test...
Video: seaplane flying in the Bahamas
Flying seaplanes is a blast no matter where are, but in the islands of the Bahamas it's almost magical. With over 700 islands and that beautiful blue water, the options are endless and the weather usually cooperates. Ride along in this video as one seaplane pilot drops in on a variety of fun island locations.
Outsmart winter with these cold-weather flying tips
The winter flying season is officially here, which means we have a new set of challenges to deal with while flying in sub-freezing temperatures. Flight training doesn't need to stop in the winter though; in fact the colder months provide some great opportunities to expand your knowledge on weather and aircraft operations in less than ideal conditions.
Friday photo: Garrett Gray Private pilot checkride
The memory: It feels great to have passed the Private checkride and be an official pilot. I am excited to share this experience with my friends and family, and I can't wait to see what excitement the next ratings and certificates bring!
Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Traffic pattern entry procedures
Standard traffic patterns are established at nontowered airports to provide a smooth flow of traffic from the arrival phase of flight through approach and landing. Here are the steps to follow to safely and efficiently join the pattern and get established on the final approach leg for landing.
Video: landing on gravel and sand
Sometimes short field and soft field landings are for real; for bush pilot Trent Palmer, it's just another day of fun in his Kitfox. You'll ride along for nearly 20 of them in this fun video, as he and a friend visit a variety of different remote places, from gravel bars in river bends to sandy beaches. It's total freedom.
Webinar: Garmin GFC600 Autopilot
The full-featured GFC 600 autopilot provides thousands of existing fixed-wing general aviation aircraft with a simple, light-weight and cost-effective autopilot upgrade path. Designed as...
Closed for the season: how to navigate the partial government shutdown
While the initial government shutdown has ended and most services restored, another shutdown looms and the following article will help you navigate the affected...
