Please enjoy our five most popular articles from 2018. On behalf of the Student Pilot News team, Happy New Year and best wishes for safe flying in 2019. Ed.
I recently decided to treat myself to a brand spankin’ new flight bag because the old one had seen better days. It was, after all, about five years old and the time had come to say out with the old and in with the new. So, as I’m transferring the contents of the old bag to the new bag, along with a rash of memorable flights, I couldn’t help but notice that this bag is quite different than the one I carried during my flight training. At some point before the bag got renewed, all my gear got renewed too. It happens little by little (that’s the best way to not raise any red flags with my wife) but eventually, hardly anything had remained the same since my training days.
It’s here! It’s finally here. Checkride day. The opportunity
to shine. The end of a chapter in your aviation journey filled with triumphs,
yet fraught with the challenges unique to flight training including the angst
often associated with checkride day.
But on the other side a new adventure and the ticket to freedom await. The much-anticipated dividend from your significant investment of time and money made possible by your hard-work and determination – not to mention the many sacrifices you may have made along the way. Only the satisfaction of putting your knowledge, skill and decision-making ability you’ve accumulated into the checkride remain.
Learning how to talk on the radio is important, but many pilots spend far too much time stressing about it. It’s right up there with crosswind landings on the list of most uncomfortable parts of flight training, but it doesn’t have to be. For a start, remember that most communications mistakes are not fatal – you can almost always try again if something isn’t clear – so the fear is really public embarrassment more than a critical safety issue. That means improving your communication skills is mostly about feeling comfortable and confident.
Steep turns were my nemesis. While I didn’t fail an exam as a result, it was clearly a weak maneuver within my repertoire. Never as clean and crisp as I would like. Never something I enjoyed. As I advanced with certifications, training and experience, my disdain for the perennial exam and proficiency requirement only grew. And then I stopped fighting and started flying.
Complex aircraft are no longer required for Commercial and CFI.
As you may have heard, earlier this week the FAA announced a policy change that went into effect on Tuesday, 4/26/2018, which eliminates the mandate to use a complex airplane on the single-engine commercial and CFI airplane practical exams. The official notice and the revised Commercial ACS & CFI PTS are linked below.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/05164633/aztec-flight-line-1.jpg9601280studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2018-12-31 10:00:322021-06-08 19:23:105 most popular articles from 2018
The place: Fairchild International Airport (KCLM), Port Angeles, WA
The aircraft: C172M
The memory: A couple of years ago a pilot “friend” took me for a ride in his Ercoupe. Soon another pilot “friend” insisted that I learn to fly. Thousands of dollars later I had my first solo, in October 2018. Now my first friend has sold his plane, and the second friend has given up flying! I’ve got a ways to go for the private pilot license, but I’m working on it with enthusiasm!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/05173114/John-Dundas-scaled.jpg19202560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2018-12-28 10:00:102021-06-08 19:23:11Friday photo: John Dundas first solo
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.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/05164742/RectCourseAngledCam_0903-1.png10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2018-12-24 09:35:062021-06-08 19:23:11Rectangular Course – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
Highly modified STOL airplanes (Short TakeOff and Landing) can get in and out of some airstrips that would be unthinkable in ordinary airplanes – but only if you know how to fly them. Ride along with FlightChops in this video as he learns how to handle the incredible new Carbon Cub FX-3, including slow flight and extremely short field landings.
Congratulations, you are either on your way or about to get started on your journey to becoming a pilot. As you begin this adventure, I would like to invite you to become a part of the community.
What community you may ask? Why, the community of general aviation, of course.
Airports may have foreboding fences and things may seem a bit sterile at some flight schools but there is an active and welcoming general aviation community that wants you as a part of it. They may just need your help in finding you!
Why make the effort to help them find you? Because, the general aviation community can be a key resource in your training efforts. You may find an individual mentor or a whole support network of people to help you along your way. A time may come in your training when you are struggling to get through a learning plateau and your support system can help you move to the next level!
The first individual you are likely to meet in your support system is your flight instructor. A good flight instructor will go above and beyond the basics found in the training syllabus. He or she will introduce you to others in the general aviation community and point you in the right direction for community events.
At some airports, you may see some folks hanging around that don’t appear to work at the airport but always seem to be there. These so called “airport bums” can be another introduction to the local airport community. They tend to know many of the airport users and to know when there are official and less than official events planned in the area.
Airport bums also like to do something called “hangar flying.” While hangar flying, the “flyers” share their aviation stories. Just realize that sometimes these stories have been embellished a bit through the fog of memory or in an effort to increase the entertainment value. You may catch a nugget or two of wisdom in the tales but be careful relying too much on the yarns of those spending more time on the ground telling stories than in the air living them.
Local fly-ins are a great place to meet pilots with an enthusiasm for aviation. Don’t worry if you can’t fly yourself there yet. If the event is at your local airport or one within driving distance, you will be welcome as a student pilot. If you have already started to build your network of pilot friends, maybe you can share the expenses and ride along to the event.
Fly-ins range from small pancake breakfasts to large multi-day proceedings with vendors from across the country and perhaps even an airshow. The small fly-ins tend to be best for building your network while the large gatherings can be amazing!
The Clermont County Airport, where Sporty’s Academy is based, has a fly-in every Saturday at noon. Pilots from all around stop by the airport for a hot dog and some story telling. If you are ever in the area, feel free to stop by and share.
Many airports have a chapter from an organization known as the EAA. While the “E” does stand for Experimental, the focus of this group has broadened significantly to include most of general aviation. In other words, you will find a group of real aviation enthusiasts at a local EAA chapter. Local members want you as a part of their community!
Other organizations may also have local representation at an airport. Ask your instructor or your favorite airport bum to steer you toward any groups in the area.
While flight training may seem a bit overwhelming as you begin, becoming a part of the community can help you sort through many of the details.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/05163411/LTFHSign-1.jpg253250studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2018-12-17 10:16:062021-06-08 19:23:11Become a Part of the Community
The place: Bermudian Valley Airpark (07N) – Kralltown, PA
The aircraft: Champ / Sonex
The memory: At age 56 I learned to fly a 1940’s Aeronca Champ at a small airport with a grass runway and passed my test. Needless to say it was some of the most exciting times of my life. I soon bought a 1946 Ercoupe and after flying it for seven years, it was time for a change.
After attending “Airventure”, the worlds biggest airshow, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin three years, I selected the Sonex airplane to fulfill my aviation mission. Luckily my wonderful wife was with me at Oshkosh to “solidify the deal”. For anyone pursuing a project of this magnitude, the spouse’s blessing is absolutely required. Needless to say, I’m a lucky fella!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/05163403/image1_1-1.jpg9601280studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2018-12-14 10:00:562021-06-08 19:23:11Friday photo: Darick Gundy first solo, first Sonex flight
5 most popular articles from 2018
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsPlease enjoy our five most popular articles from 2018. On behalf of the Student Pilot News team, Happy New Year and best wishes for safe flying in 2019. Ed.
5) What’s in my flight bag
I recently decided to treat myself to a brand spankin’ new flight bag because the old one had seen better days. It was, after all, about five years old and the time had come to say out with the old and in with the new. So, as I’m transferring the contents of the old bag to the new bag, along with a rash of memorable flights, I couldn’t help but notice that this bag is quite different than the one I carried during my flight training. At some point before the bag got renewed, all my gear got renewed too. It happens little by little (that’s the best way to not raise any red flags with my wife) but eventually, hardly anything had remained the same since my training days.
Read more.
4) How to survive checkride day
It’s here! It’s finally here. Checkride day. The opportunity to shine. The end of a chapter in your aviation journey filled with triumphs, yet fraught with the challenges unique to flight training including the angst often associated with checkride day.
But on the other side a new adventure and the ticket to freedom await. The much-anticipated dividend from your significant investment of time and money made possible by your hard-work and determination – not to mention the many sacrifices you may have made along the way. Only the satisfaction of putting your knowledge, skill and decision-making ability you’ve accumulated into the checkride remain.
Read more.
3) How to improve your pilot communication skills
Learning how to talk on the radio is important, but many pilots spend far too much time stressing about it. It’s right up there with crosswind landings on the list of most uncomfortable parts of flight training, but it doesn’t have to be. For a start, remember that most communications mistakes are not fatal – you can almost always try again if something isn’t clear – so the fear is really public embarrassment more than a critical safety issue. That means improving your communication skills is mostly about feeling comfortable and confident.
Read more.
2) How to master steep turns
Steep turns were my nemesis. While I didn’t fail an exam as a result, it was clearly a weak maneuver within my repertoire. Never as clean and crisp as I would like. Never something I enjoyed. As I advanced with certifications, training and experience, my disdain for the perennial exam and proficiency requirement only grew. And then I stopped fighting and started flying.
Read more.
1) FAA announces complex aircraft changes
As you may have heard, earlier this week the FAA announced a policy change that went into effect on Tuesday, 4/26/2018, which eliminates the mandate to use a complex airplane on the single-engine commercial and CFI airplane practical exams. The official notice and the revised Commercial ACS & CFI PTS are linked below.
Read more.
Friday photo: John Dundas first solo
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: First solo (age 85)
The pilot: John Dundas
The place: Fairchild International Airport (KCLM), Port Angeles, WA
The aircraft: C172M
The memory: A couple of years ago a pilot “friend” took me for a ride in his Ercoupe. Soon another pilot “friend” insisted that I learn to fly. Thousands of dollars later I had my first solo, in October 2018. Now my first friend has sold his plane, and the second friend has given up flying! I’ve got a ways to go for the private pilot license, but I’m working on it with enthusiasm!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Rectangular Course – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsWelcome 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.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
Video: backcountry flying lesson
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsHighly modified STOL airplanes (Short TakeOff and Landing) can get in and out of some airstrips that would be unthinkable in ordinary airplanes – but only if you know how to fly them. Ride along with FlightChops in this video as he learns how to handle the incredible new Carbon Cub FX-3, including slow flight and extremely short field landings.
Video courtesy of FlightChops.
Become a Part of the Community
/in Get Started/by studentpltnewsCongratulations, you are either on your way or about to get started on your journey to becoming a pilot. As you begin this adventure, I would like to invite you to become a part of the community.
Airports may have foreboding fences and things may seem a bit sterile at some flight schools but there is an active and welcoming general aviation community that wants you as a part of it. They may just need your help in finding you!
Why make the effort to help them find you? Because, the general aviation community can be a key resource in your training efforts. You may find an individual mentor or a whole support network of people to help you along your way. A time may come in your training when you are struggling to get through a learning plateau and your support system can help you move to the next level!
At some airports, you may see some folks hanging around that don’t appear to work at the airport but always seem to be there. These so called “airport bums” can be another introduction to the local airport community. They tend to know many of the airport users and to know when there are official and less than official events planned in the area.
Local fly-ins are a great place to meet pilots with an enthusiasm for aviation. Don’t worry if you can’t fly yourself there yet. If the event is at your local airport or one within driving distance, you will be welcome as a student pilot. If you have already started to build your network of pilot friends, maybe you can share the expenses and ride along to the event.
The Clermont County Airport, where Sporty’s Academy is based, has a fly-in every Saturday at noon. Pilots from all around stop by the airport for a hot dog and some story telling. If you are ever in the area, feel free to stop by and share.
Many airports have a chapter from an organization known as the EAA. While the “E” does stand for Experimental, the focus of this group has broadened significantly to include most of general aviation. In other words, you will find a group of real aviation enthusiasts at a local EAA chapter. Local members want you as a part of their community!
Other organizations may also have local representation at an airport. Ask your instructor or your favorite airport bum to steer you toward any groups in the area.
While flight training may seem a bit overwhelming as you begin, becoming a part of the community can help you sort through many of the details.
Friday photo: Darick Gundy first solo, first Sonex flight
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe pilot: Darick Gundy
The place: Bermudian Valley Airpark (07N) – Kralltown, PA
The aircraft: Champ / Sonex
The memory: At age 56 I learned to fly a 1940’s Aeronca Champ at a small airport with a grass runway and passed my test. Needless to say it was some of the most exciting times of my life. I soon bought a 1946 Ercoupe and after flying it for seven years, it was time for a change.
After attending “Airventure”, the worlds biggest airshow, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin three years, I selected the Sonex airplane to fulfill my aviation mission. Luckily my wonderful wife was with me at Oshkosh to “solidify the deal”. For anyone pursuing a project of this magnitude, the spouse’s blessing is absolutely required. Needless to say, I’m a lucky fella!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]