Seaplane Training: Mastering Glassy Water Landings
One of the most hazardous landing conditions a seaplane pilot can encounter is glassy water. This week’s tip shows how to perform a glassy water landing in beautiful Alaska.
About Bret Koebbe
As Sporty’s lead aviation course and video producer, Bret is usually flying an interesting airplane, and often with a camera rolling. He oversees the development, production and distribution of over 30 aviation courses from Sporty's, including the Private Pilot Learn to Fly Course. He is a flight instructor and check airman at the Sporty's Academy flight school and a senior captain on a Cessna Citation.
Entries by Bret Koebbe
Video Tip: Flying in Class E and G Airspace
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThe vast majority of airspace below 18,000′ in the US is classified as either Class E or Class G and does not require communication with ATC to enter. This video explores how you can identify the boundaries of Class E and G airspace on a sectional chart and the operational considerations when flying in each.
Video tip: Airport runway signs and markings
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeAll airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.
Video tip: Flying internationally (FARs, flight planning, eAPIS and US Customs)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeOne of the most rewarding trips you can take after earning your pilot certificate is leaving the U.S. and heading to new destinations in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. This week’s video tip takes a look at what it takes to fly internationally, including flight planning, extra equipment requirements and how to file the required paperwork with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Pilot’s guide to reading VFR sectional charts
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeVFR sectional charts contain a wealth of information and are considered essential equipment for pilots of all skill levels. This week’s tip dives into the symbols and markings used on these charts to help you get more out of the aviation data on your next flight.
Video Tip: Aerodynamics of a Wing Stall
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeDuring your flight training you will practice stalling the airplane to better learn the low-speed handling characteristics of the airplane, and how to recover if an unintentional stall occurs. In this video tip we’ll look at how the airflow changes over the wing as it nears the critical angle of attack and eventually stalls.
Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeWhile flying a tailwheel airplane is not much different than a traditional nosewheel airplane in the air, taking off and landing are a different story. This week’s tip takes a look at what it takes to properly land a tailwheel airplane using the “wheel method”.
Video Tip: Class B Airspace
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeClass B airspace surrounds the busiest airports, which means there are some important restrictions to remember any time you’re operating within it – or underneath it. In this week’s video tip, we review how Class B airspace works, what you need to do to fly legally in it and how to stay safe. Take a few minutes and get current today.
Video tip – how to use aviation self-serve fuel facilities
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeMany airports offer a self-serve fuel option at a cheaper price per gallon, which can offer big savings for large fillups and serve as a plan B for fuel when landing after hours when the FBO is closed. This week’s tip takes a look at how to operate a self-serve fuel system to ensure that your first time using one goes smoothly.
Video Tip: Cessna 172 Electrical System
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeThe electrical system is a critical component of today’s modern airplanes, distributing and supplying power to the lights, avionics and digital flight instruments. This week’s tip takes a look at the various elements that make up the electrical system in the popular Cessna 172 training airplane.
