As Sporty’s lead aviation course and video producer, Bret is usually flying an interesting airplane, and often with a camera rolling. He oversees the development, production and distribution of over 30 aviation courses from Sporty's, including the Private Pilot Learn to Fly Course. He is a flight instructor and check airman at the Sporty's Academy flight school and a senior captain on a Cessna Citation.
Talking on the radio can be intimidating for new pilots, but with a few tips in mind it doesn’t have to be hard. In our latest video tip, we give you a few basics to remember so you can sound like a pro when you talk to tower or on the CTAF. If you know what to expect, you’ll be a lot more confident.
In this episode, Spencer simulates several inflight emergency scenarios and how to handle them, including loss of engine power, flight instrument failure and loss of radio communications.
In this episode, Spencer demonstrates how to fly several of the common ground reference maneuvers, including turns around a point and the rectangular course.
What should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman, this time for a new video series to answer questions like that
Collision avoidance skills are emphasized early on in the flight training process, and it’s important that you make an effort to keep your eyes out the window as much as possible when practicing maneuvers. This week’s video takes a look at a few tips you can incorporate on your next flight to help spot nearby traffic, along with some new technology innovations that allow you to display nearby traffic right on your favorite aviation iPad app.
Ground reference maneuvers provide the opportunity to refine your flying skills by learning to fly the airplane over a predetermined path over the ground while compensating for the effects of the wind.
When departing or approaching an airport, it’s important that you choose a runway that allows you to takeoff or land into the wind. This week’s tip looks at some common wind direction indicators found on the ground at many airports, along with how to use the radio to tune into automated weather reporting systems.
The lazy eight is one of several maneuvers you’ll learn to fly during your training towards the Commercial Pilot certificate. It is designed to develop the proper coordination of the flight controls across a wide range of airspeeds and attitudes and will give you a new appreciation for energy management and precise airplane control.
Steep turns are one of those core pilot skills – whether you’re a new student pilot or an experienced pro, being able to complete this maneuver safely and smoothly requires coordination and good “seat of the pants” flying. Learn some helpful tips for making better steep turns in our latest video tip.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing an alternate airport when filing an IFR flight plan. Here we’ll take a deep dive at the approach and alternate minimums charts and look at the legal and practical considerations to help you make the best decision.
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