Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast has new episodes available with guests that include John Zimmerman marking the 100th episode milestone. Also joining the podcast recently was Chuck Surack. After building a billion-dollar music business, Surack is applying the lessons he learned to save an aviation icon. He talks about his passion for flying helicopters, why he decided to buy Enstrom, and the challenge of restarting production.
Pilot’s Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation’s most interesting people and is hosted by Sporty’s CEO, John Zimmerman. Have a question or a guest suggestion? Email us: podcast@sportys.com.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155321/Podcast_logo_FINAL_PD-1500.jpg15001500Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-04-04 08:55:042025-03-31 10:14:38New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast
Not every approach and landing will be by the book during your training, and you’ll inevitably encounter situations when you round out too high, overshoot the touchdown point or bounce after the initial touchdown. This is perfectly normal and learning how to recover from these scenarios will improve your confidence and help you make better landings in the long run.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/02094734/Bounced-landing-video-tip.jpg10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2025-04-02 09:00:302025-04-02 09:49:47Pilot technique video: How to recover from a bounced landing
You’ve probably seen runway approach lights at larger airports many times during your training and when flying at night. These systems take on additional importance when flying IFR since they provide the basic means to transition from instrument to visual flight for landing.
If an approach lighting system is available for a runway, the symbology will be displayed in both the small airport diagram in line with the runway, and in the briefing strip towards the top of the instrument approach chart. You can then refer to the legend in the digital terminal procedures supplement to determine the specifics of the lighting system.
Approach light systems are a configuration of signal lights starting at the landing threshold and extending into the approach area, at a distance of 2,400 to 3,000 feet for precision instrument runways, and 1,400 to 1,500 feet for non-precision instrument runways. Some systems include sequenced flashing lights which appear to the pilot as a ball of light traveling towards the runway at high speed—nicknamed the rabbit.
Approach light systems deserve special attention twice during each flight. First is during your preflight preparation, when you can determine which system you’ll see for a particular runway. Here’s the ILS Runway 29R approach at Torrance, California. Notice the A-5 found in the briefing strip on the approach chart.
Now look in the supplement to find that A-5 represents a medium intensity approach lighting system, or M-A-L-S-R, with runway alignment indicator lights. The inverted dark coloring of the A5 symbol means the approach lights are pilot-controlled.
Approach lighting systems are critical during low ceiling and low visibility conditions when you must decide whether to continue to land or execute a missed approach. If when reaching the minimum descent altitude or decision altitude on the approach and you have the approach lights in sight, you are permitted to descend to 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation published for the runway. When reaching 100 feet above the touchdown zone, you then must have the runway environment in sight (as specified in § 91.175) and verify the flight visibility is above the published minimums to continue the descent to landing.
If a NOTAM indicates part of the lighting system is out of service, refer to the inoperative components table to make adjustments to the landing minimums. Make it a point to check your destination against the inoperative components table each time you fly IFR to see if the airport has any lighting systems affected.
Remember, these approach lighting systems are an important part of your IFR training. When you arrive at an unfamiliar airport with reduced visibility, let your preflight preparation and knowledge of the various systems lead to quick orientation to the runway.
Now let’s take a look at the approach lighting systems you are likely to encounter and see what they may look like in a variety of weather conditions.
Approach Light Systems Simulator
Approach Lighting Systems Scenarios
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/27122351/approach-lighting-systems.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2025-03-31 08:55:502025-03-27 11:12:29Mastering Approach Lighting Systems: Key Insights for IFR Pilots
Each year, the Redbird State of Flight Training Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of flight training, and the 2025 report brings some welcome stability. Despite ongoing discussions about the cost and time required to earn a pilot certificate, this year’s data shows that both remain largely unchanged from previous years. The survey results confirm that training expenses have stabilized, and the time needed to complete a Private pilot certification continues to hold steady, providing predictability for students and instructors alike.
What’s it cost to earn a Private pilot cerificate?
About $14,000 is the median cost to earn a Private license according to the survey. That’s even with 2023 and up 12% from 2022.
How about an Instrument Rating? The median cost in 2024 was $12,750. That’s a 6% increase from 2023 and a 34% increase from 2022.
A Commercial certificate cost $28,000 in 2024 which is down 3% from 2023 and up about 6% from 2022.
The media per hour cost for a training aircraft in 2024 was $180 and the median cost of a line CFI was $65/hour.
How long does it take to earn a certificate?
According to the survey, 24 weeks (about 6 months) is the median length of time to earn a Private license. That’s even with 2023 and down a month from 2022.
An Instrument Rating took 16 weeks (about 4 months) in 2024 versus 18 weeks (4.5 months) in 2022 and 2023.
The median length of time to earn a Commercial certificate was 28 weeks (4.5 months) which is up by 2 weeks on 2023 and down by 2 weeks on 2022.
What are the current checkride pass rates?
First-time pass rates in 2024 as reported by flight training organizations was 86%. DPEs reported a first-time pass rate of 76% in the survey.
The 2025 State of Flight Training Survey can be downloaded at RedBirdFlight.com.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/22103907/state-of-flight-training-results.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2025-03-28 08:55:392025-03-28 09:48:55Redbird’s 2025 Flight Training Survey: Costs and Completion Time Hold Steady
Convective hazards remain a top consideration for pilots when making the go/no-go decision. The week’s tip looks at the Convective Outlook chart, which provides both short and long-term planning guidance for determining the location and intensity of thunderstorm activity.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/26164655/convective-outlook-feature.jpg10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2025-03-26 12:00:032025-03-26 16:50:43How pilots can use Convective Outlook weather charts to avoid thunderstorms
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 checkride.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 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 Complete Learn to Fly Course, which includes 15 hours of HD video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/16124056/TRAFFIC-PATTERN-ENTRY-FLIGHT-MANEUVER.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-03-24 08:55:452025-03-16 12:41:09Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Traffic Pattern Entry Procedures
New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffSporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast has new episodes available with guests that include John Zimmerman marking the 100th episode milestone. Also joining the podcast recently was Chuck Surack. After building a billion-dollar music business, Surack is applying the lessons he learned to save an aviation icon. He talks about his passion for flying helicopters, why he decided to buy Enstrom, and the challenge of restarting production.
Pilot’s Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation’s most interesting people and is hosted by Sporty’s CEO, John Zimmerman. Have a question or a guest suggestion? Email us: podcast@sportys.com.
Pilot technique video: How to recover from a bounced landing
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeNot every approach and landing will be by the book during your training, and you’ll inevitably encounter situations when you round out too high, overshoot the touchdown point or bounce after the initial touchdown. This is perfectly normal and learning how to recover from these scenarios will improve your confidence and help you make better landings in the long run.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
Mastering Approach Lighting Systems: Key Insights for IFR Pilots
/in IFR flying, Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeYou’ve probably seen runway approach lights at larger airports many times during your training and when flying at night. These systems take on additional importance when flying IFR since they provide the basic means to transition from instrument to visual flight for landing.
If an approach lighting system is available for a runway, the symbology will be displayed in both the small airport diagram in line with the runway, and in the briefing strip towards the top of the instrument approach chart. You can then refer to the legend in the digital terminal procedures supplement to determine the specifics of the lighting system.
Approach light systems are a configuration of signal lights starting at the landing threshold and extending into the approach area, at a distance of 2,400 to 3,000 feet for precision instrument runways, and 1,400 to 1,500 feet for non-precision instrument runways. Some systems include sequenced flashing lights which appear to the pilot as a ball of light traveling towards the runway at high speed—nicknamed the rabbit.
Approach light systems deserve special attention twice during each flight. First is during your preflight preparation, when you can determine which system you’ll see for a particular runway. Here’s the ILS Runway 29R approach at Torrance, California. Notice the A-5 found in the briefing strip on the approach chart.
Now look in the supplement to find that A-5 represents a medium intensity approach lighting system, or M-A-L-S-R, with runway alignment indicator lights. The inverted dark coloring of the A5 symbol means the approach lights are pilot-controlled.
Approach lighting systems are critical during low ceiling and low visibility conditions when you must decide whether to continue to land or execute a missed approach. If when reaching the minimum descent altitude or decision altitude on the approach and you have the approach lights in sight, you are permitted to descend to 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation published for the runway. When reaching 100 feet above the touchdown zone, you then must have the runway environment in sight (as specified in § 91.175) and verify the flight visibility is above the published minimums to continue the descent to landing.
If a NOTAM indicates part of the lighting system is out of service, refer to the inoperative components table to make adjustments to the landing minimums. Make it a point to check your destination against the inoperative components table each time you fly IFR to see if the airport has any lighting systems affected.
Remember, these approach lighting systems are an important part of your IFR training. When you arrive at an unfamiliar airport with reduced visibility, let your preflight preparation and knowledge of the various systems lead to quick orientation to the runway.
Now let’s take a look at the approach lighting systems you are likely to encounter and see what they may look like in a variety of weather conditions.
Approach Light Systems Simulator
Approach Lighting Systems Scenarios
Redbird’s 2025 Flight Training Survey: Costs and Completion Time Hold Steady
/in Getting Started, News/by Eric RadtkeEach year, the Redbird State of Flight Training Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of flight training, and the 2025 report brings some welcome stability. Despite ongoing discussions about the cost and time required to earn a pilot certificate, this year’s data shows that both remain largely unchanged from previous years. The survey results confirm that training expenses have stabilized, and the time needed to complete a Private pilot certification continues to hold steady, providing predictability for students and instructors alike.
What’s it cost to earn a Private pilot cerificate?
About $14,000 is the median cost to earn a Private license according to the survey. That’s even with 2023 and up 12% from 2022.
How about an Instrument Rating? The median cost in 2024 was $12,750. That’s a 6% increase from 2023 and a 34% increase from 2022.
A Commercial certificate cost $28,000 in 2024 which is down 3% from 2023 and up about 6% from 2022.
The media per hour cost for a training aircraft in 2024 was $180 and the median cost of a line CFI was $65/hour.
How long does it take to earn a certificate?
According to the survey, 24 weeks (about 6 months) is the median length of time to earn a Private license. That’s even with 2023 and down a month from 2022.
An Instrument Rating took 16 weeks (about 4 months) in 2024 versus 18 weeks (4.5 months) in 2022 and 2023.
The median length of time to earn a Commercial certificate was 28 weeks (4.5 months) which is up by 2 weeks on 2023 and down by 2 weeks on 2022.
What are the current checkride pass rates?
First-time pass rates in 2024 as reported by flight training organizations was 86%. DPEs reported a first-time pass rate of 76% in the survey.
The 2025 State of Flight Training Survey can be downloaded at RedBirdFlight.com.
How pilots can use Convective Outlook weather charts to avoid thunderstorms
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeConvective hazards remain a top consideration for pilots when making the go/no-go decision. The week’s tip looks at the Convective Outlook chart, which provides both short and long-term planning guidance for determining the location and intensity of thunderstorm activity.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Traffic Pattern Entry Procedures
/in Flight Maneuvers/by Flight Training Central StaffWelcome 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 checkride.
Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s 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 Complete Learn to Fly Course, which includes 15 hours of HD video that demonstrates how to fly each maneuver.