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.
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) offers two options for departing a non-towered airport traffic pattern – either straight out or a 45 degree ground track in the same direction as the traffic pattern (left if operating in a left-hand traffic pattern or right if operating in a right-hand traffic pattern) after reaching traffic patter altitude (1,000 AGL standard).
We published hundreds of articles and videos at Student Pilot News in 2021. Here is a look back at five of our most popular, from helpful flying tips to debates about airplanes.
All-new course explores the exciting world of taildraggers and bush flying Backcountry flying is one of the hottest segments of general aviation right now, and Sporty’s latest course offers the perfect way to get started. Tailwheel Checkout, hosted by legendary airshow pilot Patty Wagstaff, includes over two hours of practical tips for mastering these demanding airplanes, […]
Technological advances in situational awareness have dramatically reduced the number of general aviation controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. However, the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) has found that reliance on automation is a precursor to CFIT events. They found that automation use contributed to visual meteorological condition (VMC) and instrument meteorological condition (IMC) accidents in […]
In this episode of Pilot Minute, produced by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s Medical Education Division, FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup provides simple tips you can use to streamline the medical certification process. Tips include making sure all pages you submit for a medical are legible and contain a name, date, and any […]
The FAA recently published Change 1 of the Aeronautical Information Manual effective December 2, 2021. The completed Explanation of Changes Document may be accessed here. The updated AIM may be accessed here. Updates include: 1−1−9. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS) – further clarifies the ILS Expanded Service Volume (ESV) and includes a new figure that better […]
If you’d like to stump your CFI on your next lesson, ask what the acronym NOTAM stands for. Here’s a hint, it just changed. FAA recently published Order 7930.2S, Change 2, effective December 2, 2021 for Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM). Yes, these changes include modifying the acronym NOTAM from Notice to Airmen to Notice […]
What is the significance of the star symbol next to the control tower (CT) frequency, 125.6, and the blue circle C at the Jefferson City Airport (KJEF)? Read the explanation.
What is the minimum visibility required for a student pilot operating in the airport traffic pattern while in Class G airspace during the daytime? While the basic VFR weather minimums outlined in § 91.155 specify a minimum flight visibility of 1 statute mile and clear of clouds when 1,200 feet or less above the surface […]
Editor’s Note: The most recent version of the FAA’s “What’s New and Upcoming in Airman Testing” included a notice that it would be the last edition of the publication. Sporty’s has voiced its concern to FAA regarding this announcement as the publication serves as an important and safety-critical communication tool for updated testing content and […]
