New VFR Mastery Scenario: Iconic Adventure
Real-world flying is full of unexpected complications. This month’s VFR Mastery scenario explores how pilots can manage time pressure, regulations, and risk when the original plan falls apart.
About Eric Radtke
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including FlightTrainingCentral.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.
Entries by Eric Radtke
Why Old-School Flashcards Still Work for Pilots
/in News/by Eric RadtkeFlight training has never offered more ways to learn. Student pilots today can watch video lessons, take online courses, use AI study tools, and carry entire aviation libraries on a tablet. Yet one of the most effective learning tools remains surprisingly simple: the flashcard.
Stay Sharp with VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops
/in News/by Eric RadtkeOne of the biggest challenges pilots face after earning a certificate is maintaining proficiency. Flying regularly helps, of course, but meaningful practice isn’t always easy to fit into a busy schedule. And while a flight review every two years satisfies the FAA requirement, true proficiency comes from consistently exercising your decision-making skills. That’s where VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops comes in.
PilotWorkshops Launches New Airmanship 2.0 Podcast Series
/in News/by Eric RadtkePilotWorkshops has launched a new limited-run podcast series based on its popular Airmanship 2.0 audio course, with the first two episodes available now on your favorite podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart.
Now Available: Migration 2026 Video Library
/in News/by Eric RadtkeRecorded at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida, Migration 2026 brought together leading voices in flight training, aviation education, and the K–12 pipeline for two days of practical, forward-looking discussion. The sessions focus on real-world challenges facing flight schools and instructors, from instructional techniques and safety culture to program development and certification pathways.
New ForeFlight Power Users Training Course Helps Pilots Fly Smarter
/in News/by Eric RadtkeDeveloped in collaboration with ForeFlight, the ForeFlight Power Users Training course is now available on the Sporty’s Pilot Training app platform. It’s designed to help pilots move beyond the fundamentals and use ForeFlight more effectively for real-world flying.
Pilot’s Guide to Special Use Airspace (SUA)
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeEvery pilot has seen the shaded boxes, hashed lines, and cryptic labels scattered across the chart—but special use airspace (SUA) is more than just ink on paper or lines on a screen. These areas can affect your route, your altitude, and in some cases, whether you’re allowed to be there at all.
FAA Issues Guidance on Impaired Passengers: A Safety Reminder for GA Pilots
/in News/by Eric RadtkeThe FAA recently released Information for Operators (InFO 26002) highlighting the risks of flying with impaired or intoxicated passengers. While the guidance is aimed at Part 91 operators with a Letter of Authorization and Part 135 operators, it’s an important reminder for all GA pilots.
Test Your Knowledge: Sharing Flight Expenses with Passengers
/in Quiz/by Eric RadtkeWhile you can be compensated to fly as a Commercial pilot, you can only do so under the common law term, private carriage, which is conducted under Part 91. The opposite of private carriage is common carriage which requires a Part 119 authorization (Air Carrier Certificate) issued under Part 135 for charter operators or Part 121 for airlines.
RAA Scholarship Applications Now Open for 2026
/in News/by Eric RadtkeThe Regional Airline Association (RAA) Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 program. The scholarship provides financial support to students enrolled in accredited aviation programs across the U.S., including aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other aviation professionals.
