Video: how to watch Sporty’s courses on Roku and Apple TV

Sporty’s Pilot Training app is your single source for the best aviation training, on iPad, iPhone, Android, and on your smart TV. Join Bret Koebbe from Sporty's Video Production team to learn about how to access your Sporty's Pilot Training Courses on AppleTV and Roku. It's an easy way to watch the latest aviation training videos from the comfort of your couch.

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.

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…

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.

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

/
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: testing out the Lightspeed Tango wireless headset

/
There are dozens of aviation headsets on the market right now, but only one is wireless. Lightspeed's Tango model allows you to cut the cord, using a proprietary wireless technology and rechargeable batteries. How does it work? We took it flying recently to find out.

Instagram disease in aviation – don’t catch it

/
Above a hashtag like #pilotlife or #instaaviation, you'll often see a picture of an exotic seaplane on a fishing trip in the Bahamas, a tundra tire taildragger landing on a remote river bed in Utah, or an airline pilot posing like a model with an “I worked all morning to look like I just fell out of bed” look. It's alluring, but it's not real life.

Friday photo: Texan and Mustang flights

Last month we flew down to Kissimmee, FL, and on Friday, January 11th, he took a step up and flew the AT-6 Texan.  On that same day I flew Stallion 51’s TF-51 Mustang.  What a rush!  At 76, I’m now anxious to get current and start flying again.