Coming from an aviation family, John grew up in the back of small airplanes and learned to fly as a teenager. Ever since, he has been hooked on anything with wings and regularly flies a Citabria, a Pilatus PC-12, and a Cirrus SR22. He is an ATP and also holds ratings for multiengine, seaplanes, gliders, and helicopters. In addition to being Editor-in-Chief of Air Facts, John is the President of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, responsible for new product development and marketing.
A pilot’s first solo is a day full of mixed emotions: excitement and nervousness, pride and fear. This video shows all those feelings, as a student pilot makes her first trip around the pattern by herself in a Cessna 152. If you’re not a pilot yet, it’s a great preview of what’s to come. If you are a pilot, you’ll probably remember exhaling at the end like Erin does here.
The Beech 18 is an iconic airplane, with big radial engines and those long, beautiful wings. Put it on floats and you have a new new level of fun. In this video you’ll ride along as AOPA’s Richard McSpadden earns his multiengine seaplane rating in the big Beech, splashing around the scenic lakes of northern Minnesota.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is famous for its beautiful HD video and its large database of FAA test questions. While those two features are invaluable for passing your tests and becoming a safe pilot, there’s a lot more to this course than just videos and quizzes. Here’s a look at five overlooked features.
Flying aerobatics is all about finesse—it’s about feeling the airplane and responding with a steady hand on the flight controls. But as this video shows, sometimes it’s about aggressive maneuvers and serious Gs, too. Ride along with legendary airshow pilot Patty Wagstaff as she pushes her Extra to the limit.
Landing “off airport” is a great way to experience the true freedom of general aviation, but it doesn’t always require a fancy bush plane or a helicopter. In this new video, you’ll ride along with JP for a flight in New Zealand to see what it’s like flying in this beautiful country. You’ll also watch him land on a beach, which is perfectly legal to do year round.
The US Air Force Thunderbirds are a fixture of the airshow circuit, entertaining crowds all over the country with their high speed passes and formation maneuvers. With a global pandemic, the Thunderbirds didn’t get to fly many shows in 2020, so we thought this video was a good replacement. Ride along for some high speed/high G maneuvers and see what it’s like to fly an F-16 at the limit.
A good flight bag should be one of the first aviation purchases for a student pilot. One of the most popular options for the last three decades, Sporty’s Flight Gear bags, are new for 2021, with six bags designed by pilots and for pilots. Here’s a look at the options.
Short field landings are more than just a mindless checkride maneuver. With the right airplane, good short field technique can allow you to safely operate into and out of some fun and unique landing strips. Ride along with Trent Palmer in this video as he takes his modified taildragger into some remote areas, and enjoy the stunning views.
Flying seaplanes anywhere is fun; flying a Beaver in Alaska is just about the most fun you can have anywhere in the United States. But it’s also demanding, with small lakes, rugged terrain, and few rescue options. Fly along with FlightChops as he explores some remote lakes in this legendary bush plane, and see why Alaska is a just plain different.
We’ve all seen the sleek fighters catching a wire and landing on an aircraft carrier, but just as impressive is the work that pilots of larger airplanes do. That includes the E-2 Hawkeye, a 50,000-lb. early warning airplane with an 80 ft. wingspan. In this video, you’ll get a pilot’s eye view of this big turboprop landing on the USS Gerald Ford, then ride along for a catapult back into the sky.
Sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Twice a month our team of flight instructors shares advice and video tips to help you become a safer pilot.