Video Tip of the Week
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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 find a good aviation flashlight
Every pilot needs at least a few good flashlights, but how do you choose the right ones for the cockpit? Go flying with two Sporty's pilots as they explain the 4 must-haves in an aviation flashlight and 3 nice-to-haves.
Holiday gift ideas for student pilots
Learning to fly is more than just a fun hobby; for most it's a life-changing decision. One thing you'll notice right away is that friends and family start to ask about gifts - they know you probably want something aviation-related, but it's hard to know the difference between ANR and ADS-B if you're not a pilot. To help the gift buyers this Christmas, we've assembled a list of 10 can't-miss gift ideas.
Sporty’s releases 2020 Learn to Fly Course
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. It will help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
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
Holiday gift ideas for student pilots
Learning to fly is more than just a fun hobby; for most it's a life-changing decision. One thing you'll notice right away is that friends and family start to ask about gifts - they know you probably want something aviation-related, but it's hard to know the difference between ANR and ADS-B if you're not a pilot. To help the gift buyers this Christmas, we've assembled a list of 10 can't-miss gift ideas.
Snow on the runway? Here’s how to interpret runway condition codes
An important consideration when planning a flight to an airport at below freezing temperatures is the possibility of snow or ice on the runway and whether the conditions are suitable for your particular airplane and operation. Here's what to look for when checking field condition NOTAMs and the meaning of each runway condition code.
Friday photo: Richard Pember private pilot checkride
The moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Richard Pember (right)
The place: Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL), Janesville, WI
The aircraft: C172S
The memory: I’ve wanted to fly since...
Flying with the iPad as your digital copilot – new webinar recording
Sporty's recently hosted a webinar presentation on iPad proficiency on the flight deck including a wide range of practical topics on flying with the...
6 bad habits to avoid as a student pilot
We asked the pilots here at Sporty’s what they thought student pilots should avoid. We’re talking about bad habits that can get in the way of your goal of earning your wings. Here are the six bad habits to avoid when you begin your flight training.
Video: bush fly’n and BS’n
Having fun as a pilot isn't just about flying, although when you're in a taildragger landing on dirt strips next to a river, it is pretty fun. But as Trent Palmer shows in this video, general aviation is about the people as much as the airplanes. Ride along as he and some friends explore some remote areas in their bush planes.
Stop dreaming, start flying!
Thinking of becoming a pilot? A surging demand for pilots, technological advancements, and access to modern learning resources make for an ideal time to begin your journey. The demand for professional pilots has never been greater. Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes and increased demand for air travel have had far-reaching industry effects.
Quiz: How Much Basic Weather Theory Do You Know?
There is one constant in aviation that affects every flight, no matter if you're flying as a student pilot in the practice area or flying for the airlines from coast to coast – the weather. Developing a sound knowledge of weather theory is critical in the early phases of flight training to assist with making the important go/no-go decision. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge on the fundamentals of weather theory.
Friday photo: Wilkes Ellsworth first solo
I have wanted to fly an airplane my entire life and can honestly say it was one of the happiest and most fulfilling days I have ever experienced. I can't wait to continue my training and see where it and the aircraft will take me next.
Sporty’s releases 2020 Learn to Fly Course
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. It will help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
