Entries by Flight Training Central Staff

IFR Insights Episode 3: Ride along on an IFR cross-country to Daytona Beach with Spencer Suderman

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to plan and fly an IFR flight? Join Spencer Suderman as he does just that, on a flight from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, FL. You’ll learn about the entire process, starting with filing a flight plan in ForeFlight to retrieving an IFR clearance from ATC, en-route navigation, and how to fly the instrument approach at the destination.

FAA Publishes Updated AIM—Basic Manual Effective February 20, 2025

This change moves the cautionary statement “Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is not an authorization to takeoff” to the first paragraph for emphasis. This change also adds a note advising readers of the increased number of instances where pilots correctly read back LUAW instructions yet depart without a takeoff clearance. It reminds pilots of the need for vigilance during LUAW operations.

Most Frequently Missed Private Pilot Written Test Questions—January 2025

These commonly missed questions often focus on nuanced regulations, meteorology, flight planning, and airspace rules. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from January 2025 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

IFR Insights Episode 1: Flying an Instrument Approach in IMC with Spencer Suderman

Welcome to Sporty’s IFR Insights Series, hosted by Spencer Suderman. Spencer is an airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor and will show what it’s like to fly IFR cross-country trips and instrument approaches. In this first episode, Spencer flies an RNAV approach through rain showers and a low cloud layer into St. Augustine, FL, in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172.

Updated PIC Currency Requirements

A seemingly subtle change to § 61.57 that went into effect in early December has a significant affect on PIC currency requirements. Of course, everyone is aware that three takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if required) are required to carry “passengers,” but the recent update to landing currency in § 61.57(a)(b) replaces the word “passengers” with “persons.”

February is IFR month at Sporty’s

Throughout the month of February, Sporty’s will be celebrating IFR Month, a four-week focus on the challenges and rewards of instrument flying. In addition to special savings on pilot gear, Sporty’s will also offer a YouTube video series, interactive webinars, live streams and more.

Sporty’s Air Facts Launches the 2025 Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots

The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be “my most memorable flight.”