Eric Radtke
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now heads Sporty’s flight school and directs the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Training Program. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in Sporty’s corporate flight department.
Top 5 summer flying activities
The summer is still young and adventure awaits! The good weather is upon us, Fly Ins are scheduled, and you can smell the pancakes in the air. The freedom and adventure of general aviation knows no bounds. Seize the moment this summer and stop dreaming, start flying.
Friday photo: Rebecca Frechette first solo
I thought I was finishing a regular lesson as I pulled off the runway to taxi back to the hangars but my flight instructor told me he was getting out and he wanted me to take the airplane for a lap around the pattern. He gave me a thumbs up and said, “you got this!”
Friday photo: Shane Meenach private pilot checkride
The moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Shane Meenach (right) with instructor John Dreyer
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172
The memory:...
Webinar video: Becoming an airline pilot – keys to achieving your dreams
In this informative presentation, learn keys to success as a professional pilot. We explore traditional career pathways, collegiate and academy training programs, and regulations governing ATP certification. Hear insightful tips from, Alan Nguyen, a regional airline pilot and learn first-hand what life on the line is really like.
Friday photo: Justin Roy Commercial Pilot
The moment: Commercial pilot checkride
The pilot: Justin Roy (right) with instructor Erik Trogdon
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: Cessna 172
The memory:...
Webinar video: Garmin Weather Radar Fundamentals
Join Garmin Aviation to learn more about weather radar operational principles, industry best practices and operational considerations and techniques for all phases of flight. This presentation also addresses the features and functions of three of Garmin’s airborne weather radar systems: GWX 70, GWX 75 and GWX 80, as well as techniques employed for managing weather threats.
Friday photo: Steven Horney first solo
I completed my first solo on December 8, 2018 at the age of 58. Flying has been a life-long dream for me, starting around the age of 5. During my teen years, my father (a very experienced Air Force pilot, CFI, and CFI-G) began giving me some formal flight lessons, but then I went off to college, got married, etc., and I had to be content with flying model aircraft for a lot of years.
If faced with an engine failure, remember your ABCs
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
Friday photo: Tasha Farmer first solo
The moment: My wife's first solo
The pilot: Tasha Farmer
The place: Livingston County, Spencer J. Harvey Field (KOZW), Howell, MI
The aircraft: Diamond DA-20
The memory: On...
Webinar video: instrument proficiency check
Flying IFR is a great way to enhance the utility of your pilot certificate, but it takes commitment and practice. If you want to get current again, stay sharp, or just learn more about instrument flying, this webinar recording is a great place to start. It's packed with over an hour of practical tips and honest advice from two senior flight instructors at Sporty's.
