One of aviation's defining characteristics is its acronyms. FAR, ILS, PTS, WAAS and hundreds more fill our flying conversations, and often confuse new pilots. At the risk of adding to the confusion, I'd like to suggest one more, but it won't be on the Knowledge Test. FTFA, loosely translated to Fly The Freaking Airplane, has come in handy dozens of times over the course of my flying career.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05182605/keep-calm-sign.jpg400400studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-14 15:00:232021-06-08 19:23:46When all else fails, FTFA!
Similar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear for flying is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. At Sporty's, we've operated our own flight school for decades, so we know what student pilots need - and what they don't.
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There's a lot to learn as a new pilot, but the good news is you can do much of that learning on your own schedule. In between flight lessons, a good home study course is an invaluable tool. You can review your previous lesson, learn the theory behind the maneuvers you fly and prepare for the FAA written test.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05171640/Screen-Shot-2019-11-05-at-11.09.31-AM.png5381095Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2015-01-13 11:59:502024-01-22 10:17:18Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
While the list can of things a pilot can buy seems endless, we recommend the following as the basics to get going.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/05160916/10379a-w-stuff-3-2.jpg560560John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2015-01-12 17:00:442021-08-19 15:11:54What pilot supplies do I need for flight training?
Welcome to “What’s Wrong?“, a new twist on aviation challenge quizzes. “What’s Wrong?” works just like a real flight: You’re in an airplane, flying along and there are clues to a potential problem right there in front of you—but it’s still on you to notice them and take action before it’s too late.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/22124447/Whats-Wrong-POC-Landscape.00_00_02_14.Still002-scaled.jpg14402560Jeff Van Westhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJeff Van West2015-01-01 09:00:162026-01-15 13:48:24New aviation interactive series: What’s Wrong?
Twas the day after Christmas and snow covered the land.
We needed…
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As Christmas approaches once again, I can’t help but think back to an earlier holiday and a flying experience that I had with two of my favorite passengers; my two daughters. They were a bit younger when this occurred but it is still a great flying memory and one that I’m excited to retell.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/05182611/C182-G1000-Medium.jpg10101280studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2014-12-15 10:00:492021-06-08 19:23:47The Joy of a Personal Flight
I was on the return leg of a two-day trip to Texas last month…
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/05182635/04373_163F.jpg6821024studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2014-11-26 12:00:342021-06-08 19:23:47Fatigue – you may win the battle, but you can’t win the war
When all else fails, FTFA!
Student Pilot Store
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
What pilot supplies do I need for flight training?
New aviation interactive series: What’s Wrong?
Ode to General Aviation
The Joy of a Personal Flight
5 can’t miss stocking stuffers
Seven winter weather flying tips
Fatigue – you may win the battle, but you can’t win the war