Video tip: power-off stalls
This week’s tip covers a topic that all pilots need to know: power-off stalls. Learn how to practice them the right way, and how the location of the center of gravity (CG) affects stall speed.
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
Normal Landings – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers/by Bret KoebbeAll pilots look forward to learning how to master the approach and landing since it is one of the most dynamic moments of every flight. Follow along with our 3D flight maneuver video to see how it’s done.
VFR Challenge: Getting Down in the UP
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeYou made a series of reasonable decisions in the name of comfort and safety, only to create a situation where you’re tight on both fuel and options. Will you wager your last hour of fuel on making just one landing at the airport beneath you or take the chance on making it to an alternate?
Airspace operations at Class C and D airports (video tip)
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeClass C and D airspace will surround airports that can handle a moderate amount of air traffic. This means there are some important restrictions to remember any time you’re operating within – or underneath this airspace. In this week’s video tip, we review how Class C and D airspace works, what you need to do to fly legally in it and how to stay safe.
ILS approach with Spencer Suderman to Jacksonville Int’l
/in IFR flying/by Bret KoebbeThe Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach that provides instrument pilots with both lateral and vertical guidance to a runway. In this video, Spencer Suderman demonstrates what it’s like to fly an ILS in a Cessna 172 with a Garmin G1000 avionics system, and how to use the runway approach lighting system to descend below the decision altitude and find the runway when the ceiling is less than 200′ AGL.
2023 in Review: Sporty’s Pilot Training Courses
/in News/by Bret Koebbe2023 was the biggest year yet for Sporty’s Pilot Training Courses, which included numerous video, test prep, interactive scenario and technology updates. Here’s a recap of all the new features.
7 tips for your cold weather flying
/in Tips and technique/by Bret KoebbeThe 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.
Night flying refresher
/in Tips and technique/by Bret KoebbeThe common-sense interpretation is that when it’s dark, ensure you’re landing current and turn on your lights. Carry extra fuel. And just because you may legally fly solo to obtain your landing currency, that doesn’t make it wise. A good rule of thumb, if you’re beyond currency, is to engage a flight instructor.
Departing the airport traffic pattern – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers/by Bret KoebbeStandard VFR departure procedures are established at pilot-controlled airports to ensure that departing aircraft remain clear of incoming traffic as they climb out of the terminal airport environment.
Video tip: Pilot’s Guide to BasicMed
/in Tips and technique, Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeIf you’ve held a valid medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, you may never have to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again under the BasicMed rule. This week’s video takes a look at how the BasicMed program works, its limitations and the steps you need to take to keep your BasicMed status current.
