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." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including FlightTrainingCentral.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.
It’s not uncommon for pilots to have some fear of interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) often concerned with making a mistake or of being judged by others on frequency. Not only is that the wrong attitude, but it can also deprive you of valuable services and even compromise safety. Controllers are humans just like […]
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Navigate Your Future Scholarship application deadline is approaching for high school seniors. NATA’S $2,500 scholarship is offered to a graduating high school student continuing his or her education in the aviation industry. The scholarship is to be used for one year of full-time undergraduate study. Applicants of the Navigate […]
Proper planning prevents poor performance. I’m not sure who to credit with the adage, but it very much applies to consistent landings. A good landing starts with good planning and a good pattern. Your standard entry of course is a 45 degree (ground track) entry to the midpoint of the downwind leg. If operating at […]
In this episode of the Pilot Minute video series, FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup discusses what pilots can do if they experience depression or anxiety. The video explains the importance of early treatment for mental health and reinforces preflight self-assessment using the I’M SAFE checklist.
The FAA recently released change 2 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) effective May 19, 2022. AIM updates include:
The FAA recently added a new feature to its online medical application system, MedXPress, that allows pilots to track the status of their medical certificates online throughout the application and review process. Prior to adding this new feature, pilots had to call to check their application status, or, in many cases, remain in the dark.
The Pilot/Controller Glossary was compiled to promote a common understanding of the terms used in the Air Traffic
Control system.
When should I begin reducing my airspeed while on final approach to landing? You should begin reducing your final approach speed at the start of the roundout which, in a normal descent, begins about 10’-20’ about the ground. The round out is a slow, smooth transition from a normal approach attitude to a landing attitude. […]
Sporty’s popular Learn to Fly Course now features an updated and expanded Sport Pilot training module, ideal for student pilots training in Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs). In addition to new video segments and updated test questions, the course also includes interactive flashcards for checkride prep and a complete FAA library.
Flight simulators have exploded in popularity over the last year. With new software options, impressive flight controls, and EFB app integration, it has never been easier to use a home flight simulator for real training (in addition to fun). In this fast-paced webinar, Chris McGonegle, a commercial pilot and Sporty’s flight simulator expert, will […]
