Entries by Eric Radtke

Ask a CFI – minimum visibility for student pilots

What is the minimum visibility required for a student pilot operating in the airport traffic pattern while in Class G airspace during the daytime? While the basic VFR weather minimums outlined in § 91.155 specify a minimum flight visibility of 1 statute mile and clear of clouds when 1,200 feet or less above the surface […]

What’s New and Upcoming in Airman Testing – November 2021

Editor’s Note: The most recent version of the FAA’s “What’s New and Upcoming in Airman Testing” included a notice that it would be the last edition of the publication. Sporty’s has voiced its concern to FAA regarding this announcement as the publication serves as an important and safety-critical communication tool for updated testing content and […]

Webinar video: what’s new in Sporty’s 2022 courses

Sporty’s Senior Flight Instructor and Lead Course Developer, Bret Koebbe, discusses the extensive new content and features found in Sporty’s 2022 pilot training courses. The presentation includes a demonstration and offers tips on how to use the course efficiently to save you time and money during your flight training. 2022 New or Improved Features: New […]

FAA updates Chart Users’ Guide

The FAA issued a revised Chart User’s Guide on October 7th. It is available on their website to view or to download as a PDF. The Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the FAA’s aeronautical charts and publications – useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick […]

Make your next flight more meaningful by practicing this

Ok, so your checkride was conducted within the parameters of the certification standards and you demonstrated quality decision-making skills and judgment, but that’s just the beginning.  Earning a pilot certificate is a special accomplishment.  It also comes with the responsibility to continue learning and refining those skills through practice. Creating a plan for doing so […]

Friday photo: open flight deck beach flight

The moment: my first open flight deck experience The place: Northeast Florida Regional Airport, KSGJ – St. Augustine, FL The aircraft: Waco The pilot: anonymous The memory: Enjoying the final days of summer cruising the St. Augustine beach open flight deck style.   Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? […]

Flying Musicians Association announces 2022 scholarship program

The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) recognizes the correlation between hard work and skill required by both learning to fly and learning music — practice, precision, working with others, multitasking, and ultimately performance — and to that end, has opened the floor to nominations for the eighth year to passionate student musicians for the 2022 FMA Solo program. […]

FAA releases updated Airplane Flying Handbook

FAA recently released the 2021 edition of the Airplane Flying Handbook. Updates include: Chapter 1 (Introduction to Flight Training) – Added information on the FAA Wings Program. Chapter 4 (Energy Management) – All new chapter/material. Chapter 9 (Approaches and Landings) – Added information concerning a forward slip to a landing. Changed description associated with Crosswind […]