Sporty’s 2024 Pilot Training Courses work on all your devices, with automatic sync.
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA knowledge test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more confident pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is used by tens of thousands of pilots every year and is a complete flight training companion. It includes over 15 hours of 4K video, comprehensive test prep tools, and a complete FAA document library. Sporty’s courses are famous for a relentless pace of innovation; every year, we add new content, new training tools, and new platforms. This year is no exception, with a number of significant upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
New video segments
The heart of Sporty’s course has always been the dynamic video segments. From your first flight all the way through checkride, you’ll see what to expect and you’ll learn how to master complicated maneuvers. The team at Sporty’s is continuously updating and expanding these videos to keep up with both changing technology and the latest training techniques.
New for 2024 are major updates to segments on runway safety, wake turbulence, and using both digital and paper charts. Plus, we’ve completely reorganized the Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot courses to flow more logically and cover each topic in detail. As usual, our videos focus on real world flying and practical tips, not just memorization.
Interactive exercises
Now you can go beyond videos with these interactive and engaging learning tools. Instrument simulators allow you to twist knobs and watch the needle swing on the panel, chart quizzes help you learn complicated symbols, and detailed systems diagrams simulate failure modes of the pitot tube or static port. These practical, hands-on scenarios put what you learn to work. (See a sample exercise here.)
Smart notes
Sporty’s course is loaded with information, from video segments to FAA handbooks to test prep sessions. Now there’s a centralized tool to help you organize your key takeaways, easily accessible no matter where you are in the course. Simply click or tap the floating “New Note” button at the bottom right of the screen and the Smart Notes interface will appear. You can add as many notes as you’d like and keep them organized with a simple menu system. When adding a new note from any of the video lessons, the note will automatically insert the name of the lesson and generate a clickable link that you can use to jump back to that lesson when reviewing your notes later.
FAR study guides
Sporty’s powerful FAR feature gives you instant access to the complete Federal Aviation Regulations, packed with essential information for any pilot. It’s fast and searchable to streamline your studying, and it’s always up to date. For 2024 we’ve added time-saving tools that highlight which sections are applicable to each certificate level, so you can skip the unnecessary parts and focus on what matters. A new bookmark tool also makes it easy to review important sections.
Windows tablet app
Train anywhere, anytime—that’s always been Sporty’s promise. A single purchase includes lifetime access to the Learn to Fly Course on a huge variety of platforms, including web browser, iOS devices, Android devices, and smart TVs like Roku. Progress is automatically synced between devices, so it’s easy to switch back and forth as your study sessions move. The latest addition means you can now use Sporty’s Pilot Training app for Android on your Windows device—perfect for studying on a Surface tablet.
In-course notifications
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes lifetime access and lifetime updates, meaning you’ll always have access to the latest video training, test prep questions and FAA resources. To help you keep up with these updates, you’ll find a new Inbox located at the top right of your course. Check back here often to learn about new training content and updates added to your course, as well as the latest flight training news and tips from the team of flight instructors at Sporty’s.
Customer favorites
All of these upgrades join an already impressive list of features, including powerful FAA knowledge test prep tools. Sporty’s course includes a proprietary database of over 1,000 FAA test questions, customizable study modes, and unlimited practice tests. You can even earn an automatic flight instructor endorsement to take the test when you’re done.
Best of all, you never have to worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever—no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app on your mobile device, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/26141152/2024-LTF-Course-Interactive-iPad-2-copy.jpg8381200John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngJohn Zimmerman2023-10-02 09:01:252023-10-02 09:03:57What’s new in Sporty’s 2024 Pilot Training Courses
The moment: Capturing Salt Lake City, UT and the Great Salt Lake
The place: Salt Lake City, UT
The aircraft: Bombardier Challenger
The memory: Late summer trip to Lake Tahoe took us just north of Salt Lake City (foreground) and the Great Salt Lake which is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. The lake is a remnant of a prehistoric body of water that covered much of western Utah. This spectacular view was one of many on this cross-country journey.
Want to share your “Friday Photo”? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/09110210/great-salt-lake-scaled.jpg15712560Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-09-29 08:55:532023-08-09 11:12:43Friday photo: Great Salt Lake
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 2023 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.
Home flight simulation technology has made impressive leaps forward over the past 10 years. With Microsoft’s release of the latest version of their simulator program in late 2020 and Laminar Research finalizing testing on X-Plane 12 in early 2023, we finally have at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits to those rusty pilots who want to get current and stay current. This realism does come with a warning: unstructured or “game” flying can detract from your actual flight lessons or skill set. Here are some things to consider when using a home simulator setup.
We finally have at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits to those rusty pilots who want to get current.
Hardware setup considerations – There are many choices to make to determine your home setup; Yoke, joystick, rudders, control panels, avionics, etc. The key to making this setup work is your comfort. Having a system that you feel comfortable working with is the best place to start. Keep in mind that some setups can get fairly expensive, and although this adds realism, it isn’t necessary to get the most basic learning functions out of the simulators. For those working with aircraft that use a standard yoke setup such as a Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Cherokee, we encourage yoke and rudder pedals as a basic equipment package to train with. If you’re training in a Diamond DA20 or the nostalgic Piper Cub, we recommend a flight stick and pedals.
Software choices – The Microsoft Flight Simulator program released in August of 2020 took the flight sim community by storm. In sixteen days the program logged one million unique users with over one billion (digital) miles flown. Microsoft’s user interface and ease of operation make it a phenomenal program for new simmers. If you are inclined to learn a more detailed program with added features, X-Plane 12 has a great reputation for flight simulation realism. The aerodynamics and avionics logic allow this program to run on a few Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs). There are many other programs available on the market that range from highly sophisticated to near game-only level. Regardless of your choice, learn what the program can and can’t do and carry that into your training. (For more, watch our MSFS 2020 overview, and X-Plane 12 overview)
Training structure – This is the largest piece to transform your simulator into a true training machine. There are several strategies (see below), but regardless of which method you choose, make sure that each time you approach your simulator you treat it as an airplane and not a toy. Each flight should have a specific objective or purpose in mind. By adhering to this level of structure, you are able to take the lessons learned in the simulation world and translate them to the actual aircraft.
Feedback – If you fly your simulator and then observe your performance, either with an automatic scoring/evaluation system built into some systems or with recording and replaying your flights, you can act as both student and examiner. While you are flying, it is easy to miss deviations in performance (altitude, airspeed, centerline tracking, etc.), but if you replay your flight, you can distance yourself from your performance and observe with an objective eye.
Realistic controls can make a big difference.
Earlier I mentioned training structure and different ideas of how to give your flying time structure while at home. Each system has its different options for reviewing your flying, but the best way to truly structure your training is to work from a syllabus designed for home simulator flying. Examples include a resource such as Scenario-Based Training with X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator by Bruce Williams, or similar books and syllabi. These products are specifically designed to give you a purpose for your lesson at home, and allow the most amount of positive transfer of learning from simulator to aircraft. For additional training tips, click here.
In addition to these training products, sometimes the best resource for your home simulator is your flight instructor. Talk to your CFI and inform them that you have a home simulator and you want to make the best use of it by practicing your lessons at home to review and prepare for your in-aircraft lessons. Although CFIs have different views on how best to use home simulators, most instructors will support its use when using the procedures and techniques taught from the aircraft. It can be difficult to make a breakthrough while learning on your own, but keeping your skills sharp and practicing your homework between lessons will definitely accelerate those breakthroughs with your instructor in the airplane.
For those pilots who already hold a license, the structure used in the simulator world can be more relaxed, provided that you continue to use your in-aircraft procedures when flying your sim. I recommend pilots stay sharp by flying their home simulators like they fly their aircraft, including full checklist usage, simulated radio calls, and airport traffic procedures. Many pilots will use home simulators to remain instrument current with procedures and scan techniques, but basic VFR skills can also be kept sharp by the same process of practicing on the ground and then using the aircraft to fill in the “experience” gap. In particular, failures or emergency procedures that are not often practiced in flight can be very beneficial when exercised in the home simulator setup. Review your POH and emergency checklist for ideas to practice at home.
Instrument currency is an obvious item to practice at home for instrument pilots. The very nature of IFR flying dictates a procedure mentality instead of a feel/look mentality. Although approaches done on a non-certified system do not count towards the required FAA 61.57 recency of experience requirements, the act of practicing approaches can still be very beneficial to keep your IFR procedures sharp and your instrument scan from getting rusty.
I encourage students to run through a simulated flight using their own navigation, as opposed to just placing the aircraft already lined up on the final approach course and completing the final approach segment to the missed approach point. By running the simulation through from beginning to end, the instrument pilot is forced to set up radios, brief the full instrument procedure and contemplate a full instrument approach, including course reversal in some cases, as opposed to the easier vectors-to-final option. Don’t forget to simulate going missed and entering that hold to maintain your skills.
Flying in your simulator will not recreate the muscle memory and “feel” of flying the real aircraft, but your practice of procedures and techniques can be just as real at home as it is in the plane, making your next flight an even better experience.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155334/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-1_12_2022-4_40_27-PM.jpg13512559Chris McGoneglehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngChris McGonegle2023-09-21 08:55:292023-09-19 09:48:03What rusty pilots should know about home simulators
As we get older, most of us get worse at being a student—no matter what the subject. The first 20 years of life are filled with classes, tests, and homework, so we’re used to absorbing new information and occasionally stumbling on our path to mastery. The typical 45-65 year old, on the other hand, likely hasn’t been in a formal educational setting in a long time. It can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing to make a mistake or confess, “I don’t know.” After all, you’re used to being the expert.
This difference in mindset has been reinforced for me recently, as I’ve become a student again, this time of music. After years of thinking about it, I finally took up the violin. Much like flying, this process has been exciting, challenging, occasionally frustrating, but mostly very satisfying. I’ve kept a learning journal (a trick I learned from flight training, of course), and in reviewing this, I noticed some lessons that apply to any later-in-life student.
So if you’re considering getting current as a rusty pilot after your 40th birthday (or your 60th—you really aren’t too old to start), remember these tips.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions even if it feels awkward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re a successful engineer, doctor, or teacher, you are used to knowing the answers and leading the discussion. This might make you nervous about asking questions of your instructor, especially if they are younger than you (which is often the case in aviation). Ignore those nerves and ask away, even if you think you’ll sound stupid.
This is easier said than done, but I found it helpful to tell my violin teacher up front: “I’m going to ask a ton of questions, some of which may sound ridiculous; I hope you’ll appreciate my willingness to learn.” This set the tone early and has yielded great results. Most instructors love a curious student.
So if you’re trying to recall what the heck a magneto is or minimum visibility for Class E airspace, don’t hold back. Don’t assume it doesn’t matter. Don’t assume every other rusty pilot knows these topics better than you do. Have the curiosity of a first grader, and keep asking questions.
Don’t get frustrated. Getting current isn’t easy, but it’s not supposed to be—that’s why it’s so rewarding when you’re signed off for the flight review. Acknowledge up front that you will have both good and bad days, and don’t beat yourself up after every mistake. I like to take a two week moving average of my performance, which prevents me from getting too high after a great lesson or too low after a really bad one.
If you feel like you’re in a rut, and that two week moving average isn’t good, by all means talk to your instructor. Don’t be afraid to mix things up if the current plan isn’t working, but don’t expect perfection. You may be used to success, but one of the great lessons of flight training is to remain humble and never get too comfortable. That’s not failure, that’s growth.
Invest in the instructor relationship. One-on-one learning depends on the student and instructor much more than the textbook or the technology. That doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with your CFI, but don’t be purely transactional. You should take a few moments to understand who they are as a person: what is their teaching style, their likes and dislikes, and their unique style? Do your part as the student to share your personality and your learning preferences. If you both understand each other and work on the learning process as a partnership, you’ll learn more, be more efficient, and have more fun.
Your most important learning happens in between lessons, without an instructor there, so be diligent about carving out time for regular studying.
Have a plan to always be studying or practicing. Here’s one I have learned time and time again with music, and it’s every bit as true for aviation. Your most important learning happens in between lessons, without an instructor there, so be diligent about carving out time for regular studying. Whether it’s watching videos online, reading the FAA textbooks, replaying your most recent flight with an app, or flying a simulator at home, you should try to do something aviation-related every 2-3 days. There are more options than ever before, so there’s no excuse for going weeks between aviation learning sessions, even if your formal flight lessons are canceled due to weather.
Getting current is really up to you as the student, and lessons are best viewed as periodic check-ins to fix mistakes and learn new skills. Self-directed learning like this takes commitment, so don’t wait for a time when nothing is going on to study; build it into your day-to-day life in a very intentional way. Get help from your spouse or friends if needed—this is a great way to have someone else keep you honest.
Remember why you’re doing it. If you’re getting current later in life, it’s probably because you want to have fun, so stay focused on your ultimate goal. Sure, everyone has to earn the flight review endorsement, but notice which parts you enjoy most and make sure you learn those skills. Is it about traveling to faraway places? Then make sure you’re really learning how to travel cross-country. Is it about fun flights in taildraggers to grass runways? Then don’t get too bogged down in the details of turbocharging systems and glass cockpits. You want to become a safe and confident pilot, but you also want to be ready for your unique mission, whatever that might be. Communicate those goals to your flight instructor early on.
The differences in mindset between younger and older students don’t have to spell doom. In fact, there are some real advantages that come with maturity. Older adults are typically highly motivated and they often know themselves better, so they understand how to achieve their goals. They have other life experiences to draw on and more refined decision-making skills. Play to those strengths by customizing your training plan to fit your personality and by working smarter with your schedule.
You can teach an old dog new tricks. We see it every month in our flight school, and there’s no reason you can’t join the club.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/03103816/charlie-chris-hood.jpg7201280John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngJohn Zimmerman2023-09-20 16:00:282023-09-20 11:45:58Getting current later in life: some tips for success
If you’ve held a valid medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, you may never have to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again, thanks to the BasicMed rule. And for those just getting started, you may be able to complete just one AME medical exam at the beginning of your flying career. Then, use the simplified BasicMed process as long as your flying can be accomplished with third-class privileges.
This week’s video tip comes from Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. We take a look at how the BasicMed program works, its limitations, and the steps you need to take to keep your BasicMed status current.
How it Works
Third-class medical flying can be thought of as recreational or personal flying. Generally, flight training and all types of flying short of commercial operations – including day and night VFR operations and even IFR flying. When flying under BasicMed, there is a maximum number of passengers that may be carried. Five is the most and the aircraft is limited to six seats and may not be certified for more than 6,000 lbs. Pilots are also altitude restricted to 18,000 feet MSL (no Class A operations) and a speed limit of 250 knots.
Third-class medical reform does not affect those already flying sport aircraft with a valid driver’s license in lieu of a third-class medical. You may continue flying LSAs.
As part of the new guidance, pilots flying under BasicMed must visit their primary care physician (or any state-licensed physician) at least once every four years. During the visit, an FAA checklist of issues must be discussed with your care provider. Both the pilot and physician need to sign the checklist stating that the items have been completed. A record of the required visit should be noted in the pilot’s logbook and pilots should save their checklist. There is no additional need to report or file anything directly with FAA.
The required checklist is provided in two parts: there are questions to be answered by the pilot before the exam and a list of items for the physician to include as part of the exam, which are typical of items found in any routine physical. The questions include a short medical history and list of current medications and, as one might expect, information about whether the pilot has had a medical denied, suspended, or revoked.
Pilots are required to complete an online training course in aeromedical factors every two years. The course is available free from AOPA or Mayo Clinic. A copy of the course completion certificate should be saved and a notation of the training made in the pilot’s logbook.
Perhaps the greatest financial and regulatory relief of the reform movement comes to those with special issuance medicals. Special issuance medicals are an option for pilots with certain medical conditions that are specifically disqualifying. Once FAA reviews the history and circumstances, the pilot may be cleared to fly under the special issuance authorization.
If you currently hold a special issuance third class medical or have held one after July 14, 2006, and do not suffer one of the specific cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions identified as exceptions, you will never again be required to go through the special issuance process.
An important note is that third-class medical reform does not alleviate the need for pilots to continually self-certify when it comes to being fit for flight. This includes consideration for any medications that may affect physical or cognitive abilities. While it would make sense that a primary care physician would be in a better position to assess one’s overall health than the snapshot that takes place during the traditional AME exam, the process also depends on an honest and free exchange with your doctor.
BasicMed Summary – what you need to fly
Hold a U.S. driver’s license.
Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after July 14, 2006.
Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and complete your examination by any physician. Required every four years.
Take the online medical education course (required every two years) and complete the attestations/consent to the National Driver Register (NDR) check. Keep the course completion document.
Go fly!
Operational Restrictions under BasicMed:
No more than five passengers
Operate within the United States, at less than 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots.
What’s new in Sporty’s 2024 Pilot Training Courses
/in Pilot Gear/by John ZimmermanSporty’s 2024 Pilot Training Courses work on all your devices, with automatic sync.
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA knowledge test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more confident pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is used by tens of thousands of pilots every year and is a complete flight training companion. It includes over 15 hours of 4K video, comprehensive test prep tools, and a complete FAA document library. Sporty’s courses are famous for a relentless pace of innovation; every year, we add new content, new training tools, and new platforms. This year is no exception, with a number of significant upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
New video segments
The heart of Sporty’s course has always been the dynamic video segments. From your first flight all the way through checkride, you’ll see what to expect and you’ll learn how to master complicated maneuvers. The team at Sporty’s is continuously updating and expanding these videos to keep up with both changing technology and the latest training techniques.
New for 2024 are major updates to segments on runway safety, wake turbulence, and using both digital and paper charts. Plus, we’ve completely reorganized the Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot courses to flow more logically and cover each topic in detail. As usual, our videos focus on real world flying and practical tips, not just memorization.
Interactive exercises
Now you can go beyond videos with these interactive and engaging learning tools. Instrument simulators allow you to twist knobs and watch the needle swing on the panel, chart quizzes help you learn complicated symbols, and detailed systems diagrams simulate failure modes of the pitot tube or static port. These practical, hands-on scenarios put what you learn to work. (See a sample exercise here.)
Smart notes
Sporty’s course is loaded with information, from video segments to FAA handbooks to test prep sessions. Now there’s a centralized tool to help you organize your key takeaways, easily accessible no matter where you are in the course. Simply click or tap the floating “New Note” button at the bottom right of the screen and the Smart Notes interface will appear. You can add as many notes as you’d like and keep them organized with a simple menu system. When adding a new note from any of the video lessons, the note will automatically insert the name of the lesson and generate a clickable link that you can use to jump back to that lesson when reviewing your notes later.
FAR study guides
Sporty’s powerful FAR feature gives you instant access to the complete Federal Aviation Regulations, packed with essential information for any pilot. It’s fast and searchable to streamline your studying, and it’s always up to date. For 2024 we’ve added time-saving tools that highlight which sections are applicable to each certificate level, so you can skip the unnecessary parts and focus on what matters. A new bookmark tool also makes it easy to review important sections.
Windows tablet app
Train anywhere, anytime—that’s always been Sporty’s promise. A single purchase includes lifetime access to the Learn to Fly Course on a huge variety of platforms, including web browser, iOS devices, Android devices, and smart TVs like Roku. Progress is automatically synced between devices, so it’s easy to switch back and forth as your study sessions move. The latest addition means you can now use Sporty’s Pilot Training app for Android on your Windows device—perfect for studying on a Surface tablet.
In-course notifications
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes lifetime access and lifetime updates, meaning you’ll always have access to the latest video training, test prep questions and FAA resources. To help you keep up with these updates, you’ll find a new Inbox located at the top right of your course. Check back here often to learn about new training content and updates added to your course, as well as the latest flight training news and tips from the team of flight instructors at Sporty’s.
Customer favorites
All of these upgrades join an already impressive list of features, including powerful FAA knowledge test prep tools. Sporty’s course includes a proprietary database of over 1,000 FAA test questions, customizable study modes, and unlimited practice tests. You can even earn an automatic flight instructor endorsement to take the test when you’re done.
Best of all, you never have to worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever—no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app on your mobile device, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
Learn more
Video
Friday photo: Great Salt Lake
/in Friday Photo/by Eric RadtkeThe moment: Capturing Salt Lake City, UT and the Great Salt Lake
The place: Salt Lake City, UT
The aircraft: Bombardier Challenger
The memory: Late summer trip to Lake Tahoe took us just north of Salt Lake City (foreground) and the Great Salt Lake which is the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. The lake is a remnant of a prehistoric body of water that covered much of western Utah. This spectacular view was one of many on this cross-country journey.
Want to share your “Friday Photo”? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Slow Flight – HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers, 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 2023 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.
The flight maneuver is from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course
What rusty pilots should know about home simulators
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegleHome flight simulation technology has made impressive leaps forward over the past 10 years. With Microsoft’s release of the latest version of their simulator program in late 2020 and Laminar Research finalizing testing on X-Plane 12 in early 2023, we finally have at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits to those rusty pilots who want to get current and stay current. This realism does come with a warning: unstructured or “game” flying can detract from your actual flight lessons or skill set. Here are some things to consider when using a home simulator setup.
We finally have at-home flight simulation real enough to provide tangible benefits to those rusty pilots who want to get current.
Realistic controls can make a big difference.
Earlier I mentioned training structure and different ideas of how to give your flying time structure while at home. Each system has its different options for reviewing your flying, but the best way to truly structure your training is to work from a syllabus designed for home simulator flying. Examples include a resource such as Scenario-Based Training with X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator by Bruce Williams, or similar books and syllabi. These products are specifically designed to give you a purpose for your lesson at home, and allow the most amount of positive transfer of learning from simulator to aircraft. For additional training tips, click here.
In addition to these training products, sometimes the best resource for your home simulator is your flight instructor. Talk to your CFI and inform them that you have a home simulator and you want to make the best use of it by practicing your lessons at home to review and prepare for your in-aircraft lessons. Although CFIs have different views on how best to use home simulators, most instructors will support its use when using the procedures and techniques taught from the aircraft. It can be difficult to make a breakthrough while learning on your own, but keeping your skills sharp and practicing your homework between lessons will definitely accelerate those breakthroughs with your instructor in the airplane.
For those pilots who already hold a license, the structure used in the simulator world can be more relaxed, provided that you continue to use your in-aircraft procedures when flying your sim. I recommend pilots stay sharp by flying their home simulators like they fly their aircraft, including full checklist usage, simulated radio calls, and airport traffic procedures. Many pilots will use home simulators to remain instrument current with procedures and scan techniques, but basic VFR skills can also be kept sharp by the same process of practicing on the ground and then using the aircraft to fill in the “experience” gap. In particular, failures or emergency procedures that are not often practiced in flight can be very beneficial when exercised in the home simulator setup. Review your POH and emergency checklist for ideas to practice at home.
Instrument currency is an obvious item to practice at home for instrument pilots. The very nature of IFR flying dictates a procedure mentality instead of a feel/look mentality. Although approaches done on a non-certified system do not count towards the required FAA 61.57 recency of experience requirements, the act of practicing approaches can still be very beneficial to keep your IFR procedures sharp and your instrument scan from getting rusty.
I encourage students to run through a simulated flight using their own navigation, as opposed to just placing the aircraft already lined up on the final approach course and completing the final approach segment to the missed approach point. By running the simulation through from beginning to end, the instrument pilot is forced to set up radios, brief the full instrument procedure and contemplate a full instrument approach, including course reversal in some cases, as opposed to the easier vectors-to-final option. Don’t forget to simulate going missed and entering that hold to maintain your skills.
Flying in your simulator will not recreate the muscle memory and “feel” of flying the real aircraft, but your practice of procedures and techniques can be just as real at home as it is in the plane, making your next flight an even better experience.
Getting current later in life: some tips for success
/in Tips and technique/by John ZimmermanAs we get older, most of us get worse at being a student—no matter what the subject. The first 20 years of life are filled with classes, tests, and homework, so we’re used to absorbing new information and occasionally stumbling on our path to mastery. The typical 45-65 year old, on the other hand, likely hasn’t been in a formal educational setting in a long time. It can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing to make a mistake or confess, “I don’t know.” After all, you’re used to being the expert.
This difference in mindset has been reinforced for me recently, as I’ve become a student again, this time of music. After years of thinking about it, I finally took up the violin. Much like flying, this process has been exciting, challenging, occasionally frustrating, but mostly very satisfying. I’ve kept a learning journal (a trick I learned from flight training, of course), and in reviewing this, I noticed some lessons that apply to any later-in-life student.
So if you’re considering getting current as a rusty pilot after your 40th birthday (or your 60th—you really aren’t too old to start), remember these tips.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions even if it feels awkward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re a successful engineer, doctor, or teacher, you are used to knowing the answers and leading the discussion. This might make you nervous about asking questions of your instructor, especially if they are younger than you (which is often the case in aviation). Ignore those nerves and ask away, even if you think you’ll sound stupid.
This is easier said than done, but I found it helpful to tell my violin teacher up front: “I’m going to ask a ton of questions, some of which may sound ridiculous; I hope you’ll appreciate my willingness to learn.” This set the tone early and has yielded great results. Most instructors love a curious student.
So if you’re trying to recall what the heck a magneto is or minimum visibility for Class E airspace, don’t hold back. Don’t assume it doesn’t matter. Don’t assume every other rusty pilot knows these topics better than you do. Have the curiosity of a first grader, and keep asking questions.
Don’t get frustrated. Getting current isn’t easy, but it’s not supposed to be—that’s why it’s so rewarding when you’re signed off for the flight review. Acknowledge up front that you will have both good and bad days, and don’t beat yourself up after every mistake. I like to take a two week moving average of my performance, which prevents me from getting too high after a great lesson or too low after a really bad one.
If you feel like you’re in a rut, and that two week moving average isn’t good, by all means talk to your instructor. Don’t be afraid to mix things up if the current plan isn’t working, but don’t expect perfection. You may be used to success, but one of the great lessons of flight training is to remain humble and never get too comfortable. That’s not failure, that’s growth.
Invest in the instructor relationship. One-on-one learning depends on the student and instructor much more than the textbook or the technology. That doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with your CFI, but don’t be purely transactional. You should take a few moments to understand who they are as a person: what is their teaching style, their likes and dislikes, and their unique style? Do your part as the student to share your personality and your learning preferences. If you both understand each other and work on the learning process as a partnership, you’ll learn more, be more efficient, and have more fun.
Your most important learning happens in between lessons, without an instructor there, so be diligent about carving out time for regular studying.
Have a plan to always be studying or practicing. Here’s one I have learned time and time again with music, and it’s every bit as true for aviation. Your most important learning happens in between lessons, without an instructor there, so be diligent about carving out time for regular studying. Whether it’s watching videos online, reading the FAA textbooks, replaying your most recent flight with an app, or flying a simulator at home, you should try to do something aviation-related every 2-3 days. There are more options than ever before, so there’s no excuse for going weeks between aviation learning sessions, even if your formal flight lessons are canceled due to weather.
Getting current is really up to you as the student, and lessons are best viewed as periodic check-ins to fix mistakes and learn new skills. Self-directed learning like this takes commitment, so don’t wait for a time when nothing is going on to study; build it into your day-to-day life in a very intentional way. Get help from your spouse or friends if needed—this is a great way to have someone else keep you honest.
Remember why you’re doing it. If you’re getting current later in life, it’s probably because you want to have fun, so stay focused on your ultimate goal. Sure, everyone has to earn the flight review endorsement, but notice which parts you enjoy most and make sure you learn those skills. Is it about traveling to faraway places? Then make sure you’re really learning how to travel cross-country. Is it about fun flights in taildraggers to grass runways? Then don’t get too bogged down in the details of turbocharging systems and glass cockpits. You want to become a safe and confident pilot, but you also want to be ready for your unique mission, whatever that might be. Communicate those goals to your flight instructor early on.
The differences in mindset between younger and older students don’t have to spell doom. In fact, there are some real advantages that come with maturity. Older adults are typically highly motivated and they often know themselves better, so they understand how to achieve their goals. They have other life experiences to draw on and more refined decision-making skills. Play to those strengths by customizing your training plan to fit your personality and by working smarter with your schedule.
You can teach an old dog new tricks. We see it every month in our flight school, and there’s no reason you can’t join the club.
Video tip: Pilot’s Guide to BasicMed
/in Tips and technique, Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeIf you’ve held a valid medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, you may never have to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again, thanks to the BasicMed rule. And for those just getting started, you may be able to complete just one AME medical exam at the beginning of your flying career. Then, use the simplified BasicMed process as long as your flying can be accomplished with third-class privileges.
This week’s video tip comes from Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. We take a look at how the BasicMed program works, its limitations, and the steps you need to take to keep your BasicMed status current.
How it Works
Third-class medical flying can be thought of as recreational or personal flying. Generally, flight training and all types of flying short of commercial operations – including day and night VFR operations and even IFR flying. When flying under BasicMed, there is a maximum number of passengers that may be carried. Five is the most and the aircraft is limited to six seats and may not be certified for more than 6,000 lbs. Pilots are also altitude restricted to 18,000 feet MSL (no Class A operations) and a speed limit of 250 knots.
Third-class medical reform does not affect those already flying sport aircraft with a valid driver’s license in lieu of a third-class medical. You may continue flying LSAs.
As part of the new guidance, pilots flying under BasicMed must visit their primary care physician (or any state-licensed physician) at least once every four years. During the visit, an FAA checklist of issues must be discussed with your care provider. Both the pilot and physician need to sign the checklist stating that the items have been completed. A record of the required visit should be noted in the pilot’s logbook and pilots should save their checklist. There is no additional need to report or file anything directly with FAA.
The required checklist is provided in two parts: there are questions to be answered by the pilot before the exam and a list of items for the physician to include as part of the exam, which are typical of items found in any routine physical. The questions include a short medical history and list of current medications and, as one might expect, information about whether the pilot has had a medical denied, suspended, or revoked.
Pilots are required to complete an online training course in aeromedical factors every two years. The course is available free from AOPA or Mayo Clinic. A copy of the course completion certificate should be saved and a notation of the training made in the pilot’s logbook.
Perhaps the greatest financial and regulatory relief of the reform movement comes to those with special issuance medicals. Special issuance medicals are an option for pilots with certain medical conditions that are specifically disqualifying. Once FAA reviews the history and circumstances, the pilot may be cleared to fly under the special issuance authorization.
If you currently hold a special issuance third class medical or have held one after July 14, 2006, and do not suffer one of the specific cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions identified as exceptions, you will never again be required to go through the special issuance process.
An important note is that third-class medical reform does not alleviate the need for pilots to continually self-certify when it comes to being fit for flight. This includes consideration for any medications that may affect physical or cognitive abilities. While it would make sense that a primary care physician would be in a better position to assess one’s overall health than the snapshot that takes place during the traditional AME exam, the process also depends on an honest and free exchange with your doctor.
BasicMed Summary – what you need to fly
Operational Restrictions under BasicMed:
Resources: