Video: how to waterski an airplane (and why you probably shouldn’t)

You've probably seen the videos on YouTube, with taildraggers skimming the water with their big tires as they approach to land. In this honest video, Trent Palmer explains why it's done, how to do it safely - but also why you probably shouldn't do it. A fun and fascinating look at a common bush pilot trick.

Video: understanding pilot slang, from roger to wilco

What's the difference between roger and wilco? What does "5x5" mean? What phrase should you never utter on the radio? Join Sporty's senior flight instructor Charlie Masters for a light-hearted review of some common pilot slang. At the very least, you'll be able to keep up with your fellow pilots at the next hangar flying session.

Video: landing a Cessna at Chicago O’Hare

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Chicago O'Hare Airport is not usually the place to find a single engine Cessna, but landing there is exactly what these two pilots set out to do. Ride along for a scenic tour of Chicago at night, then watch the Cessna fit into the onslaught of airline traffic and land at the 6th busiest airport in the world. Challenging? For sure. Fun? Absolutely.

Video: glider flying from a winch launch

Glider flying is the purest, most peaceful form of flying - just the pilot and the atmosphere, managing energy to get where you want to go. But how do you get altitude in the first place? While the aero-tow is traditional (using a towplane to pull the glider up), the winch launch is an exciting alternative. Ride along in this video to see how you can go from parked to 1900 feet in about three seconds.

Video: landing on Route 66

Route 66, the legendary cross-country highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, is synonymous with freedom and adventure - but usually in a car. In this unique video, Matt Guthmiller lands his Bonanza on a gravel strip right next to the Mother Road and explores an abandoned hotel. It's not every day you see airplanes and cars mixing it up on the same piece of pavement.

Video: seaplane flying in the Bahamas

Flying seaplanes is a blast no matter where are, but in the islands of the Bahamas it's almost magical. With over 700 islands and that beautiful blue water, the options are endless and the weather usually cooperates. Ride along in this video as one seaplane pilot drops in on a variety of fun island locations.

Video: landing on gravel and sand

Sometimes short field and soft field landings are for real; for bush pilot Trent Palmer, it's just another day of fun in his Kitfox. You'll ride along for nearly 20 of them in this fun video, as he and a friend visit a variety of different remote places, from gravel bars in river bends to sandy beaches. It's total freedom.

Video: Paragliding at 18,000 feet

Parachutes are usually used to go down, but as Paul Guschlbauer shows in this incredible video, they can also be used to go up. After flying his Super Cub to Sun Valley, Idaho, he goes flying in his paraglider for an epic trip over the mountains - and has the GPS logs to prove it!

Video: coast to coast in a Cessna 172

Flying across the country in a Cessna 172? It takes patience and flexibility, but it's fun, educational, and surprisingly easy. Ride along in this video as two pilots make that trip, including some beautiful mountain views. The ultimate goal? Pour some water from the Atlantic Ocean (departure) into the Pacific Ocean (destination).

Video: aerobatics in a Cessna

Flying aerobatics is incredibly fun, and it's also a great way to learn new flying skills. That doesn't have to mean exotic airshow airplanes, though - the trusty Cessna 150 Aerobat is a great way to do loops, rolls, spins, and more. Ride along on this flight to see what aerobatic maneuvers look like from the cockpit.