Chris Clarke
Having a childhood dream of aviation, Chris first became an Aviation Explorer, motivating him to earn his private pilot's license as a teenager. During his four years at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University he earned his commercial, multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating. While experimenting in seaplanes, gliders, and a variety of other personal aircraft, Chris developed a passion for general aviation and shares that passion as he develops aviation training apps and content for Sporty's Pilot Shop.
Quiz: Can You Decipher An Aviation Chart?
An aviation VFR Sectional chart is chock-full of visual reference information that is important for every pilot. Runway lengths, obstacle avoidance, restricted airspace, plus much...
Quiz: Aircraft Engine Mixture Control
For some student pilots the mixture control is a thing of mystery. It gets pulled out to shut off the engine, so let's just...
Quiz: Flying The Traffic Pattern
Sitting in the cockpit during the cruise portion of any flight may have a tendency to become monotonous. But as the destination traffic pattern approaches,...
Video tip: how thunderstorms form
Thunderstorms have a great ability to cause aircraft damage on the ground and in flight. Even airlines take extra precaution to divert around impending convective...
Quiz: Wake Turbulence Avoidance
As an airplane wing flies through the air an invisible danger swirls in its wake. The aerodynamic phenomenon known as wingtip vortices leaves behind...
Turns Around a Point – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Ground reference maneuvers provide the opportunity to refine your flying skills by learning to fly the airplane over a predetermined path over the ground while compensating for the effects of the wind.
Quiz: Test Your Taxi Techniques
Moving an aircraft on the ground is a vital phase of every flight, but airplanes don't drive like a car. Certain care must be...
Quiz: Seaplane Skills Challenge
So you’ve mastered the art of flying a land-based airplane and want to advance your skills. Or maybe you’re a long time floatplane jockey and want to confirm your time-tested knowledge. Even if you’ve never set foot in an airplane, get your feet wet and take our quiz to see how you measure up on what it takes to be the pilot-in-command of a seaplane.
Quiz: Can You Identify These Airport Signs and Markers?
Getting around on the ground can be one of the most dangerous phases of your flight. In fact, the most deadly accident in history...
Quiz: Preflight Planning an IFR Flight
There are many nuances to be considered when planning a flight to be completed under Instrument Flight Rules. This becomes exponentially true when conducting...
