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.
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 […]
Sporty’s Senior Flight Instructor and Lead Course Developer, Bret Koebbe, discusses the extensive new content and features found in Sporty’s 2022 pilot training courses. The presentation includes a demonstration and offers tips on how to use the course efficiently to save you time and money during your flight training. 2022 New or Improved Features: New […]
The FAA issued a revised Chart User’s Guide on October 7th. It is available on their website to view or to download as a PDF. The Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the FAA’s aeronautical charts and publications – useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick […]
Ok, so your checkride was conducted within the parameters of the certification standards and you demonstrated quality decision-making skills and judgment, but that’s just the beginning. Earning a pilot certificate is a special accomplishment. It also comes with the responsibility to continue learning and refining those skills through practice. Creating a plan for doing so […]
