Entries by Eric Radtke

Register Now for Migration 2026 — Complimentary for Flight Instructors and Educators

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Flight instructors, flight schools, and K–12 aviation educators have a unique opportunity to attend Migration 2026 at no cost. Thanks to the collaborative sponsorship of Sporty’s and Redbird Flight, registration for the leading aviation education conference is complimentary, giving attendees access to two days of practical sessions, keynote presentations, and networking designed to strengthen the pilot training pipeline.

Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for Private Pilots?

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Choosing an online ground school is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make as a student pilot. A quick search will turn up plenty of “best ground school” lists and AI-generated summaries, but those superficial answers rarely explain what actually matters once flight training begins. Learning styles vary, goals differ, and the right choice depends on more than a few bullet points.

Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations

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With winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.

FAA Wants Your Checkride Feedback

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The FAA has announced plans to roll out a new post-checkride survey for pilots, designed to collect feedback on checkride experiences with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Before the survey becomes official, the agency is asking for public comment, and pilots have a chance to shape how this works.

Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations

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In this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload.

The FAA is Conducting a Ramp Check. Now What?

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You’ve just shut down, tied down, and are grabbing your flight bag when a neatly dressed individual flashes a badge and says, “Hi, I’m with the FAA.” That sound you just heard? It’s your stomach dropping. But before panic sets in, take a breath. Ramp inspections—yes, those dreaded “ramp checks”—are a normal part of the FAA’s safety oversight system. They’re not necessarily a sign that you’ve done anything wrong.