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: behind the scenes with Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
Join Sporty's course development team as they demo the latest new features in Sporty's 2021 Learn to Fly Course. This webinar recording shows all the new features in Sporty's award-winning pilot training course how to use it to save time and money during your flight training. Presented by Sporty's Eric Radtke and Bret Koebbe.
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.
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: learning how to land on an aircraft carrier
Everyone was a student pilot once, including the most seasoned Navy pilots who land on aircraft carriers in the middle of the ocean. In this video, you'll get to ride along with one such pilot, as she learns how to land the C2-A twin turboprop on the pitching deck. It's a little more complicated than landing a Cessna 172 on a long runway, but the fundamentals of pitch and power are the same.
Smart study strategies with Sporty’s 2021 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,...
New webinar video: Learning to Fly – How to Get Started
Learning to fly will unlock a world of possibilities and give you unparalleled freedom to see the world. It is a truly unique experience—one...
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: the river visual approach to DCA
While airline pilots spend a lot of time flying up high, there are a few airports that offer a great view from the flight deck of a Boeing or Airbus. This video is a great example: ride along as an A320 flies the River Visual approach into Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. The flight path follows the river, which means lots of landmarks out the left window.
FAA Hosting Virtual Aviation Safety STEM Career Symposium – April 29
If you or someone you know is a high school or middle school student who may be interested in an aviation-related career, register now...
CFI Tips: Entering the Traffic Pattern
Traffic pattern entries, especially at non-towered airports, can be confusing and even chaotic without a proper plan. Sporty's CFI, Charlie Dietz, discusses strategies to...
Here’s What’s New For Remote Pilot and Drone Operators
There were several updates released in the past week related to drone operations for Remote Pilots, including loosened restrictions for flight at night and over people, and details on the upcoming Remote ID requirement. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know and how it affects current drone operators.
Video: landing on the “USS Sedona”
Just because an airport has a 5,000-foot runway doesn't mean it's boring. In fact, Sedona, Arizona (SEZ), might be one of the most beautiful and distinctive arrivals anywhere in the US. Nicknamed the "USS Sedona" for its aircraft carrier-like runway perched atop a mesa. this jewel of the Southwest features stunning views of nearby terrain and a unique view on final approach. Ride along in this video to see what it looks like from the left seat.
Video tip: How to handle crosswinds during takeoff
When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.
