Are you or someone you know a deserving future pilot? Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 scholarship program sponsored by Sporty’s and flyGIRL. The award is intended to give existing student pilots that boost toward first solo or that initial pilot certificate. Applicants will be asked to submit an essay describing their interests and needs as well as certificate and logbook copies.
Please apply by April 1, 2023!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/19155159/Solo16.jpg7821394Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-02-05 09:00:232023-01-31 12:21:16Sporty’s and flyGIRL launch 2023 scholarship
A Private pilot certificate provides versatility, comfort, and ease of travel versus travel via car or even airline. Along with it comes a sense of pride and a new immersive, close knit culture. Your new ability to travel faster than you could by road is one to be proud of and enjoy. However, as only a Private pilot, there are some limitations placed on your travel. The main restriction is something that all pilots are all too familiar with – weather. You are required to remain clear of those white puffy groups of water vapor in the sky, which in many cases, can be an inconvenient limitation to your travel or ability to enjoy your certificate.
Luckily, there’s an option to get around this. By adding an Instrument Rating to your Private pilot certificate, you can turn your toy into a tool. You are no longer limited to only VFR conditions and can utilize your certificate even in weather conditions which are marginal or IFR, meaning more flyable days and longer distances of travel. This means less restrictions on your flying, fewer cancellations and added confidence and skills.
One benefit of earning an Instrument rating is safety. By completing additional training with an instructor, a pilot will typically be more aware of weather, airplane performance, and more. They become more confident in their own abilities as a pilot and gain even more understanding of how the air traffic control system works which could end up being a life line in case of emergency on either VFR or IFR flights. If a pilot has aspirations to fly airplanes capable of operations over 18,000 feet (Class A airspace), an Instrument Rating is required. Additionally, a pilot who holds an Instrument Rating will generally have access to lower insurance rates.
Ultimately, an Instrument Rating is something that any Private pilot should consider. The advantages of earning the additional qualification will allow you to soar to new heights, become a safer, more confident pilot, and allow you to take full advantage of your certificate. If you’re looking to move onto a professional flying job, an instrument rating is a necessity. Regardless of your ultimate goal, the Instrument Rating will allow you to grow as a pilot.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/05164541/EricIFRonTop-1.jpg5631000Brady Kannadyhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBrady Kannady2023-02-01 08:55:242023-02-03 13:25:57Adding an instrument rating provides safety and value
Submit your most memorable flight story for a chance to win $5,000!
Submissions accepted through March 7, 2023
Aviation writer, Richard Collins
The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be “my most memorable flight.”
In the fifth annual contest, both the first place and second place articles will be published in Air Facts. The first place article will receive $5,000 and $2,500 will be awarded for second place. The winners will be announced in April.
Articles may be submitted now through March 7, 2023, and sent as a Word document to [email protected]. In addition, young pilots are required to submit a 100-word bio to accompany their articles.
Read the 2022 winning article here and the second place article here.
For the complete description, rules and tips for authors, please visit Sporty’s AirFactsJournal.com.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/05183233/flight-school1.png488862Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-01-27 09:00:492023-01-17 18:27:49Richard Collins writing prize announced for young pilots
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.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
Effective this Monday, January 23, aircraft registrations are now valid for 7 years thanks to an amendment to the FAA Authorization Act of 2018 championed by Congressional Representative, Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who also serves as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.
Prior to 2010, aircraft registrations were valid as long as the aircraft remained in service which resulted in many inaccuracies in the aircraft registry. A 3-year limit for registrations was then enacted which has since resulted in significant backlogs in processing and at a substantial cost to aircraft owners. The 2018 FAA reauthorization directed the FAA to extend the registration period.
All aircraft with a valid registration as of January 23 are extended to the new 7-year period (7 years from issuance). Expired registrations will need to be renewed.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/30092639/RV-12-in-flight.jpg600900Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2023-01-20 09:00:342022-12-12 13:35:01Aircraft registrations now valid for 7 years
Home flight simulators offer a wealth of practice when it comes to today’s budding aviators. No longer do we have to settle for green lines on a black background with a few instrument indications. We can turn on live weather, sync with our actual electronic flight bag, and practice communications. You could pick up a Private Pilot maneuvers guide and fill a weekend practicing maneuvers that’ll be in the queue for a checkride. Enjoy a few maneuvers below that may not be requested by an examiner but would be helpful to have an elementary understanding of.
(All outside the aircraft images are taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator and all inside the aircraft images are taken from X-Plane 12. You can fly either view in either program.)
1) Absolute Ceiling
The absolute ceiling of an aircraft is something theorized by a designer and tested by the demo pilot. Rarely is it utilized or factored into a flight for the proficient pilot. With a simulator we can test where that asymptote in the sky is for our aircraft and what it’s like when the “power available” versus “power required” performance lines intersect. For a bonus, try this maneuver with a multiengine aircraft and starve one of the engines of fuel once you’ve reached absolute ceiling.
2) Emergency Descent
This maneuver was described to me by my instructor as the appropriate move when a passenger has a medical emergency and you’re high above an airport. Enjoy a rare and counterintuitive sight picture for a pilot as you look to lose as much altitude as possible in the shortest amount of time. Be careful flirting with that VNE speed.
3) Impossible Turn
A simulator is a great (and strongly preferred) method of practicing the “Impossible Turn.” It took me a while to realize that departure can be a more risky phase of flight than approach, but I understand that now. Imagine taking off and having your engine quit 700’ feet into the climb… Do we have enough altitude to make it back to the runway or should we look for a field ahead? We can practice this scenario continuously with changes in wind speeds, direction, and airport density altitudes.
4) Stuck Full Throttle
This mechanical failure is very rare and less likely on lever-operated aircraft rather than the vernier-style of a Cessna. But it’s helpful to put yourself in the situation of “what if the engine keeps the throttle completely open regardless of my setting?” This is one of those emergencies you won’t find on a checklist but it’s worth flying a few times in a simulator to see what works for you.
5) Flying Through Icing Conditions
Flying through icing conditions in a Cessna 172 with anti-icing (only pitot heat and glareshield cabin heat) is a no go at all times. Flying through icing conditions in an aircraft with de-icing equipment (TKS fluid or pneumatic boots) is acceptable for limited time periods and likely more necessary at higher altitudes. Eventually the advancing pilot needs to transition from avoiding ice to learning how to deal with ice. Practice the earlier phase of this progression in a simulator while simultaneously testing how quickly the aerodynamics of an aircraft change with ice on the wings, prop and glareshield.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/16165736/MSFS-Absolute-Ceiling.png13912560Chris McGoneglehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngChris McGonegle2023-01-16 10:00:022023-01-04 14:15:48Abnormal maneuvers for a student pilot to practice in a simulator
Sporty’s and flyGIRL launch 2023 scholarship
/in News/by Eric RadtkeDeserving pilots should apply by April 1!
Please apply by April 1, 2023!
Adding an instrument rating provides safety and value
/in Career/by Brady KannadyLuckily, there’s an option to get around this. By adding an Instrument Rating to your Private pilot certificate, you can turn your toy into a tool. You are no longer limited to only VFR conditions and can utilize your certificate even in weather conditions which are marginal or IFR, meaning more flyable days and longer distances of travel. This means less restrictions on your flying, fewer cancellations and added confidence and skills.
Ultimately, an Instrument Rating is something that any Private pilot should consider. The advantages of earning the additional qualification will allow you to soar to new heights, become a safer, more confident pilot, and allow you to take full advantage of your certificate. If you’re looking to move onto a professional flying job, an instrument rating is a necessity. Regardless of your ultimate goal, the Instrument Rating will allow you to grow as a pilot.
Richard Collins writing prize announced for young pilots
/in News/by Eric RadtkeSubmit your most memorable flight story for a chance to win $5,000!
Submissions accepted through March 7, 2023
Aviation writer, Richard Collins
The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be “my most memorable flight.”
In the fifth annual contest, both the first place and second place articles will be published in Air Facts. The first place article will receive $5,000 and $2,500 will be awarded for second place. The winners will be announced in April.
Articles may be submitted now through March 7, 2023, and sent as a Word document to [email protected]. In addition, young pilots are required to submit a 100-word bio to accompany their articles.
Read the 2022 winning article here and the second place article here.
For the complete description, rules and tips for authors, please visit Sporty’s AirFactsJournal.com.
Steep Turns – Sporty’s HD Flight Maneuver Spotlight
/in Flight Maneuvers, Tips and technique/by Bret KoebbeWelcome 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.
These step-by-step instructions are from Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
Aircraft registrations now valid for 7 years
/in News/by Eric RadtkeEffective this Monday, January 23, aircraft registrations are now valid for 7 years thanks to an amendment to the FAA Authorization Act of 2018 championed by Congressional Representative, Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who also serves as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.
Prior to 2010, aircraft registrations were valid as long as the aircraft remained in service which resulted in many inaccuracies in the aircraft registry. A 3-year limit for registrations was then enacted which has since resulted in significant backlogs in processing and at a substantial cost to aircraft owners. The 2018 FAA reauthorization directed the FAA to extend the registration period.
All aircraft with a valid registration as of January 23 are extended to the new 7-year period (7 years from issuance). Expired registrations will need to be renewed.
Abnormal maneuvers for a student pilot to practice in a simulator
/in Tips and technique/by Chris McGonegle(All outside the aircraft images are taken from Microsoft Flight Simulator and all inside the aircraft images are taken from X-Plane 12. You can fly either view in either program.)
1) Absolute Ceiling
The absolute ceiling of an aircraft is something theorized by a designer and tested by the demo pilot. Rarely is it utilized or factored into a flight for the proficient pilot. With a simulator we can test where that asymptote in the sky is for our aircraft and what it’s like when the “power available” versus “power required” performance lines intersect. For a bonus, try this maneuver with a multiengine aircraft and starve one of the engines of fuel once you’ve reached absolute ceiling.
2) Emergency Descent
This maneuver was described to me by my instructor as the appropriate move when a passenger has a medical emergency and you’re high above an airport. Enjoy a rare and counterintuitive sight picture for a pilot as you look to lose as much altitude as possible in the shortest amount of time. Be careful flirting with that VNE speed.
3) Impossible Turn
A simulator is a great (and strongly preferred) method of practicing the “Impossible Turn.” It took me a while to realize that departure can be a more risky phase of flight than approach, but I understand that now. Imagine taking off and having your engine quit 700’ feet into the climb… Do we have enough altitude to make it back to the runway or should we look for a field ahead? We can practice this scenario continuously with changes in wind speeds, direction, and airport density altitudes.
4) Stuck Full Throttle
This mechanical failure is very rare and less likely on lever-operated aircraft rather than the vernier-style of a Cessna. But it’s helpful to put yourself in the situation of “what if the engine keeps the throttle completely open regardless of my setting?” This is one of those emergencies you won’t find on a checklist but it’s worth flying a few times in a simulator to see what works for you.
5) Flying Through Icing Conditions
Flying through icing conditions in a Cessna 172 with anti-icing (only pitot heat and glareshield cabin heat) is a no go at all times. Flying through icing conditions in an aircraft with de-icing equipment (TKS fluid or pneumatic boots) is acceptable for limited time periods and likely more necessary at higher altitudes. Eventually the advancing pilot needs to transition from avoiding ice to learning how to deal with ice. Practice the earlier phase of this progression in a simulator while simultaneously testing how quickly the aerodynamics of an aircraft change with ice on the wings, prop and glareshield.