In this episode, Spencer takes Paula (a new student pilot) out for her first flight lesson in a Cessna 172. You will see what it's like to learn the basics of airplane control and how your CFI will coach you along the way to make each lesson a fun learning experience.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23094823/lesson-4.png477842Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-05-23 14:00:402024-05-06 09:33:27Paula’s Discovery Flight – Private pilot training tips with Spencer Suderman (episode 4)
We’ve all been there - you feel like the harder you practice to get it right and the more repetition involved, you still plateau, or worse, you regress. Sometimes it seems like there’s nothing you can do about it but keep spinning your wheels.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/05171724/Retractable-landing-gear-tip.jpg10801920David Zitthttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngDavid Zitt2024-05-23 08:55:072024-05-23 09:03:27Flight Training Frustrations
Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes have had far-reaching effects on qualified commercial and airline transport pilots and flight departments are experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots. In addition to flying passenger aircraft for major and commuter airlines, pilots also crew corporate aircraft and serve the military and law enforcement.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/05170739/Airliner.jpg13562000Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2024-05-20 14:00:202024-05-20 09:13:47How to become a professional pilot
Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. This one is a little different—we're sharing a flight simulator maneuver that you can fly on your own.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/05170336/Flight-sim-screenshot.jpg498900studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2024-05-20 08:55:192024-05-20 09:09:27Flying with Flight Simulator – Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Sporty's instructors share valuable tips and insight
Filled…
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/24103157/chris-c182-steep-turn.jpg15362048Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2024-05-19 08:55:422024-05-19 16:43:01Sporty’s offering free ebook: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training
Airshow pilot and flight instructor, Spencer Suderman, simulates several inflight emergency scenarios and how to handle them, including loss of engine power, flight instrument failure and loss of radio communications. Then on the return flight back to Jacksonville's Craig field, Spencer shows how to work with ATC in a busy traffic pattern.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15153543/Ep3-feature.jpg10801920Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-05-18 08:55:422024-05-02 09:50:57Inflight emergency scenarios with Spencer Suderman
It's something all pilots have to do during training for a Private Pilot license -- pass the FAA Knowledge Test. While this test has gotten a bad rap over the years from some, the reality is it's a non-event when you approach it with the proper mindset and use the right study tools.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/11115621/sportys-course-laptop-scaled.jpg17112560Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-05-17 14:00:192024-05-16 11:55:35Webinar video: How to Pass the Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Exam in Less Time
The aviation job market has never been stronger. If you’re one of the many thousands who one day aims to make a career as a pilot, there is plenty of advice and helpful tips to be mindful of as you begin your career path that are sure to pay dividends in the future. Here are six tips I wish I would have learned much earlier in my journey.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/05172556/Ngierot-Edward-Smith.jpeg24361826Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2024-05-17 08:50:362024-05-17 08:50:176 professional development tips for aspiring pilots
In this fast-paced webinar video, Chris McGonegle, a commercial pilot and Sporty's flight simulator expert, will discuss how to use simulators effectively and how to avoid making mistakes that will degrade your flying skills.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/22110049/NewSim2023.jpg344616Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-05-16 14:00:122024-05-16 14:28:47Webinar video: Flight Simulators 101 – Leveraging a Home Simulator for Flight Training
The most popular question I address with prospective pilots is how much and when? Of course the time and money variables go hand in hand. While difficult to arrive at an exact date and decimal point, pilots control much of their own destiny and we can provide ranges for time and money with reasonable accuracy based on past performance.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/05155448/dual-instruction.png14402560Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-05-16 08:55:392024-05-02 10:01:42Five Ways to Save Money During Training
Paula’s Discovery Flight – Private pilot training tips with Spencer Suderman (episode 4)
Flight Training Frustrations
How to become a professional pilot
Flying with Flight Simulator – Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Sporty’s offering free ebook: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training
Inflight emergency scenarios with Spencer Suderman
Webinar video: How to Pass the Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Exam in Less Time
6 professional development tips for aspiring pilots
Webinar video: Flight Simulators 101 – Leveraging a Home Simulator for Flight Training
Five Ways to Save Money During Training