What should you expect on your first flight lesson? Fly along with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman, as he answeres common questions related to learning to fly—part of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month. In this episode, the first in the series, Suderman shows what to expect on a first flight lesson, from taxiing the airplane to talking with Air Traffic Control to takeoff. He also demonstrates the four fundamentals of flight – straight and level, climbs, descents, and turns – ad shows why a stall is nothing to be afraid of. You’ll hear actual communications throughout the flight ..read more

Follow our helpful learn to fly checklist. Why Learn to Fly? How to become a pilot – a learn to fly checklist Who can be a pilot? How much does it cost to earn a pilot’s license? How to earn a flight training scholarship What’s the right pilot certificate: Sport, Recreational or Private Pilot? How to get a Student Pilot Certificate Your Guide to the FAA Medical Certificate and Alternatives How do I choose a flight school? How do I choose a flight instructor? Your first flight lesson – a video preview   Why Learn to Fly? Learning to fly will unlock a world of possibilities and give you ..read more

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA).  SUA consists of Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, Military Operation, Alert, and Controlled Firing Areas. All SUA is depicted on aeronautical charts, except for controlled firing areas (CFA), temporary military operations areas (MOA), and temporary restricted areas. Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. The frequency for the controlling agency is tabulated in the margins of the applicable IFR and VFR charts. It’s importan ..read more

IFR Challenge:  no second chances—what would you do following a missed approach in low IFR conditions In this PilotWorkshops IFR Mastery scenario, you own a Beech Sundowner equipped with upgraded instruments, an IFR GPS and an autopilot. The Sundowner will take you, your spouse and a family friend from Abilene, Texas (KABI) to McAlester, Oklahoma (KMLC). On approach to your destination, you execute a missed approach in low IFR conditions. Should you try this approach again or cut your losses and head to the alternate? You decide and then compare your answer with those from the instructor ..read more

Pilots should get in the habit of filing and opening VFR Flight Plans when flying away from the local airport environment. Then, in the unlikely event that you have an emergency or off-airport landing, the authorities know to come look for you along your planned route of flight. This week’s tip takes a look at how to file a VFR Flight Plan in the ForeFlight app for iPad, using the ICAO format, and how to open and close them in the air with Flight Service. Learn more from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course – Video Training and Test Prep ..read more

Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here, we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.   These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneu ..read more

New safety information products for pilots are now available from the FAA. The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series has published “Pilot Handbooks” for 40 airports across the US with new locations added regularly. The handbooks are developed specifically for pilots to highlight and supplement airport diagrams, hot spots, and other potential surface safety issues. Each pilot handbook contains information local controllers want pilots to know, airport communications, airspace details, general best practices, lost communications tips, and other preflight planning resources. Use the interactiv ..read more

All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport. Learn more from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course – Video Training and Test Prep   ..read more

Every moment in the cockpit is precious, especially given the costs associated with flight training. Making the most out of your training time is vital to become a safe and skilled pilot. Here are four quick tips:  Have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t permit Plan A. 1) Have a Plan A and B Things like weather play a vital and often unpredictable role in flight training. Discuss with your instructor what might happen in different weather conditions. For instance, if the clouds are below 2,500AGL, would you work on soft field landings in the pattern? If the weather is too bad to fly ..read more

Sporty’s instructors share valuable tips and insight Known as the industry experts in flight education, Sporty’s recently released a new book, Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training. Filled with honest advice from Sporty’s team of flight instructors, this book is the aspiring pilot’s introduction to the fascinating world of aviation and a step-by-step guide to the flight training process. From finding a flight school to dealing with training setbacks to acing an airline interview, readers will learn detailed tips for success. Learn to Fly is an essential ..read more