Spring and summer weather offers some of the best flying opportunities for pilots; however, pilots also must have a proper understanding of all types of potential weather hazards before launching into the sky. Thunderstorms, in particular, provide a challenge to all pilots and understanding the warning signs and dangers associated with thunderstorms can be a lifesaver.
Before pilots can learn how to avoid thunderstorms they must be aware of the weather conditions or ingredients that are most conducive to thunderstorm formation. The basic ingredients include unstable air, an initial updraft, and high moisture content. These conditions are most prevalent in the spring and summer months. Pilots must contend with thunderstorms of varying intensities in virtually all parts of the country. As a pilot, you should be aware that all thunderstorm cells progress through three distinct stages more commonly called the lifecycle of the storm that includes the cumulus, mature and dissipating stages.
The cumulus or developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being forced upward by a rising column of air (updraft). The cumulus cloud soon looks like a tower (called towering cumulus) as the updraft continues to develop and is usually easy to identify. There is little to no rain during this stage but occasional lightning.
The mature stage is the most violent time period of the thunderstorm’s life cycle. At this point, drops of moisture, whether rain or ice, are too heavy for the cloud to support and precipitation begins falling in the form of rain or hail. This creates a downward motion of the air. Warm, rising air and cool, precipitation-induced descending air; along with potentially violent turbulence all exist within and near the cloud.
Once the vertical motion near the top of the cloud slows, the top of the cloud spreads out and takes on an anvil-like shape. At this point, the storm enters the dissipating stage. This is when the downdrafts spread out and replace the updrafts needed to sustain the storm. It is important to understand that all thunderstorms are dangerous to all aircraft no matter the stage they display.
While we may long for the capability of jet aircraft in topping some thunderstorms, it is impossible to fly over thunderstorms in light aircraft. Severe thunderstorms can punch through the tropopause and reach staggering heights of 50,000 to 60,000 feet depending on latitude. Flying under thunderstorms can subject aircraft to rain, hail, damaging lightning, and violent turbulence. The clear answer is to stay completely away from thunderstorms.
So how do we avoid thunderstorms while we are flying? A good rule of thumb is to never fly closer than five miles to any visible storm cloud with overhanging areas and strongly consider increasing that distance to 20 miles or more if possible. It’s possible to encounter hail and violent turbulence anywhere within 20 miles of very strong thunderstorms. If you see weather conditions that display signs of a developing thunderstorm, the best course of action is to turn to the nearest airport and wait for the conditions to subside.
In the situation that you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm, there are actions that you must take immediately to affect the best possible outcome. First, at the first sign of turbulence, reduce airspeed immediately to the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed for turbulent air penetration for a specific gross weight (that is, maneuvering speed, or Va). If the aircraft inadvertently penetrates the thunderstorm, do your best to maintain a straight and level attitude on a heading that will take you through the storm area in the minimum time. If time and conditions permit, seek the assistance of ATC in plotting an escape route and don’t hesitate to declare an emergency.
Never let compulsion take the place of good judgment. By understanding basic weather theories, a pilot can make sound decisions during flight planning after receiving weather briefings. With a proper weather briefing before departing, pilots can avoid days and situations that are conducive to thunderstorms. Taking proper steps and having an understanding of this type of weather could save your life.
It’s always the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid other air traffic and effective collision avoidance is an active process. Sporty’s CFI, Trent Grothaus, discusses the importance of employing sound collision avoidance techniques.
Join Sporty’s course development team as they demo the latest new features in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course. This webinar recording shows all the new features in Sporty’s award-winning pilot training course how to use it to save time and money during your flight training. Presented by Sporty’s Eric Radtke and Bret Koebbe.
Visit Sportys.com/Demo to check out the course for free. Includes online, iPhone/iPad, Android, AppleTV access.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/05165407/Course-webinar.jpg499900Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngBret Koebbe2021-05-13 10:34:502021-08-19 14:18:37Video: behind the scenes with Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
Join Bret Koebbe and Eric Radtke from Sporty’s course development team as they demo the new features in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course. This live presentation shows all the new features in Sporty’s award-winning pilot training course and offers tips on how to use it to save time and money during your flight training.
Sign up today to save your spot, and join us live on Wednesday, May 12, at 3pm eastern.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/05164925/Sportys-2018-Learn-to-Fly-Course-Online-scene-shot-laptop-1.jpg10801920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2021-05-08 10:00:052021-06-08 19:22:42Free Webinar Wednesday: Behind the Scenes of Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
Everyone was a student pilot once, including the most seasoned Navy pilots who land on aircraft carriers in the middle of the ocean. In this video, you’ll get to ride along with one such pilot, as she learns how to land the C2-A twin turboprop on the pitching deck. It’s a little more complicated than landing a Cessna 172 on a long runway, but the fundamentals of pitch and power are the same.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/05165653/C2-trap.jpg6741200John Zimmermanhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngJohn Zimmerman2021-05-07 08:44:172021-08-19 13:29:46Video: learning how to land on an aircraft carrier
Sporty’s courses are the ideal pilot training companion – everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your certificate or rating, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training all in one easy-to-use system. New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty’s 2021 course editions. And better yet, your training content is accessible anywhere, on any device.
For a single purchase, you gain access to all available formats: the online course, iPad/iPhone app, Android app, Apple TV and Roku TV apps at no additional cost. Once enrolled in the course, your access never expires and includes lifetime updates.
How can you gain the most from your investment in a Sporty’s course?
Video Training
Complete the core, video-based training from start to finish in the order in which it is presented. The video-based training will build a solid foundation and provide a valuable perspective for all of your future training. Don’t worry, Sporty’s courses do not include boring classroom lectures. You’ll be trained in a modern style with small, manageable training segments and engaging video shot in and around airplanes. Your video training is complemented with sophisticated graphics and animations.
When a topic has been viewed, it is noted with a green checkmark helping you recall where to resume your study and providing an easy-to-interpret snapshot of your progress. There will be some topics you may choose to review depending on how well you’ve comprehended the information. You can search for a topic at any time with the new search tool, to find specific videos based on the video script and keywords.
Many of the video training segments include on-screen quizzes and review notes to further assess your progress. To learn more about any question, press the Play Explanation button and the course will jump right to the spot in the video training that covers that specific topic.
Each video segment includes review notes which summarize key learning points along with a full transcript to cater to diverse learning styles.
Flight Maneuvers Guide
As you prepare for each flight lesson, you’ll want to use the Flight Maneuvers component to study step-by-step instructions on how to complete each flight maneuver.Each maneuver, like takeoffs or ground reference maneuvers, includes text and animations so that you can view a complete maneuver in an artificial, 3D environment.
It’s important to review a plan with your instructor after each flight lesson to know what maneuvers are planned for the next lesson and study them here first. You’ll find this extra preparation will pay off big time in the airplane, as you’ll know what to expect when flying each maneuver.
Test prep
With video training complete, transition to the dedicated test preparation module. Sporty’s test prep includes multiple modes of operation. Start in the Study Categories mode to select specific areas of study or choose a random mix of questions. Answering each question provides real-time feedback with detailed explanations and references. Question references link to the specific FAA resource for further review – learn the material, don’t rely on rote memory.
Be sure to mark questions that you don’t fully understand or that you want to review later. You’re able to create future study sessions based on incorrect or marked questions. There’s also a Smart Study session option, which will automatically generate a session that focuses on your weakest subject area – great for a quick study session without having to select any options.
After proceeding through each category at least once, the performance analysis charts will provide a clear indication of weak versus strong subjects so you may continue focusing on your lower-performing categories.
After strengthening any weak subject areas, transition to the test mode that will generate a random mix of questions to provide a simulated exam – just like the real thing. After grading a session, you’ll have the option to begin a new test based on only those questions answered incorrectly.
Further testing on deficient areas will help maximize your performance. The completion of at least two tests with a minimum score of 80% are required to earn the written exam endorsement. When you’ve completed the course and received your written test endorsement, you can log it in your ForeFlight digital logbook – complete with instructor signature.
FAA Handbooks and Resources
Your course includes access to all the digital FAA books, like the Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Each book is presented in a full-featured digital reader, complete with annotation and bookmarking features. We’d suggest referencing these on an as-need basis when you’d like to learn more on a particular topic when progressing through the video training or studying FAA test prep questions.
When you’re looking for information on flight maneuvers, like slow flight or landings, check out the Airplane Flying Handbook. For more technical subjects, like weather or airplane systems, you’ll want to reference the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (this is a great reference when you want to learn more about a specific test prep question). The digital reader interface includes a search function, making it easy to jump right to any section based on keywords.
You’ll also find Sporty’s Training Course Outline (TCO) in the Resources section of the course. This is a detailed flight training syllabus to serve as a bridge between your online training and the training with your instructor, to provide structure for your training. And the Interactive Airman Certification Standards (ACS) is the FAA’s outline of all the knowledge and skill areas you need to know regarding the certificate you are pursuing. It’s even cross-referenced to the appropriate video training segment within Sporty’s course.
CFI Sharing and CloudAhoy
Along the way, you have the option to share your learning progress with your CFI. Once you’ve granted access, your instructor will see your video training progress and your practice test sessions. He will also have the option to view how you answered each question so that he may provide further guidance in your study.
After transitioning to the airplane you can connect your CloudAhoy account so any flights logged with CloudAhoy will sync, including a listing of each flight maneuver from the lesson.
Checkride Prep
The final phase of studying in the course takes place in the Checkride Prep. First watch the FAA Checkride Tips and Tricks video segment, presented by an FAA-designated examiner, to learn what the expectations are on the checkride. You can then use the Checkride Prep Flashcards to review a comprehensive set of questions that may be asked of you in the oral portion of the checkride.
FREE demo
A FREE demonstration of each course component is available at www.sportys.com/demo.
New content – ATC Flight Following, cross-country flight planning with iPad, ForeFlight weather briefing and dozens of smaller updates include the latest technology and FAA regulation changes
New online platform
Video transcripts
Test prep question search
Microsoft Flight Simulator lessons
Upload your own documents
Lifetime updates
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/05165649/2021-Learn-to-Fly-Feature.png5411200studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2021-05-03 10:54:172021-06-08 19:22:42Smart study strategies with Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
Thunderstorm avoidance
/in Tips and technique/by Dakota BakerBefore pilots can learn how to avoid thunderstorms they must be aware of the weather conditions or ingredients that are most conducive to thunderstorm formation. The basic ingredients include unstable air, an initial updraft, and high moisture content. These conditions are most prevalent in the spring and summer months. Pilots must contend with thunderstorms of varying intensities in virtually all parts of the country. As a pilot, you should be aware that all thunderstorm cells progress through three distinct stages more commonly called the lifecycle of the storm that includes the cumulus, mature and dissipating stages.
The cumulus or developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being forced upward by a rising column of air (updraft). The cumulus cloud soon looks like a tower (called towering cumulus) as the updraft continues to develop and is usually easy to identify. There is little to no rain during this stage but occasional lightning.
The mature stage is the most violent time period of the thunderstorm’s life cycle. At this point, drops of moisture, whether rain or ice, are too heavy for the cloud to support and precipitation begins falling in the form of rain or hail. This creates a downward motion of the air. Warm, rising air and cool, precipitation-induced descending air; along with potentially violent turbulence all exist within and near the cloud.
Once the vertical motion near the top of the cloud slows, the top of the cloud spreads out and takes on an anvil-like shape. At this point, the storm enters the dissipating stage. This is when the downdrafts spread out and replace the updrafts needed to sustain the storm. It is important to understand that all thunderstorms are dangerous to all aircraft no matter the stage they display.
While we may long for the capability of jet aircraft in topping some thunderstorms, it is impossible to fly over thunderstorms in light aircraft. Severe thunderstorms can punch through the tropopause and reach staggering heights of 50,000 to 60,000 feet depending on latitude. Flying under thunderstorms can subject aircraft to rain, hail, damaging lightning, and violent turbulence. The clear answer is to stay completely away from thunderstorms.
In the situation that you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm, there are actions that you must take immediately to affect the best possible outcome. First, at the first sign of turbulence, reduce airspeed immediately to the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed for turbulent air penetration for a specific gross weight (that is, maneuvering speed, or Va). If the aircraft inadvertently penetrates the thunderstorm, do your best to maintain a straight and level attitude on a heading that will take you through the storm area in the minimum time. If time and conditions permit, seek the assistance of ATC in plotting an escape route and don’t hesitate to declare an emergency.
Never let compulsion take the place of good judgment. By understanding basic weather theories, a pilot can make sound decisions during flight planning after receiving weather briefings. With a proper weather briefing before departing, pilots can avoid days and situations that are conducive to thunderstorms. Taking proper steps and having an understanding of this type of weather could save your life.
CFI Tips: Collision Avoidance
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsIt’s always the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid other air traffic and effective collision avoidance is an active process. Sporty’s CFI, Trent Grothaus, discusses the importance of employing sound collision avoidance techniques.
Video: behind the scenes with Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
/in Pilot Gear/by Bret KoebbeJoin Sporty’s course development team as they demo the latest new features in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course. This webinar recording shows all the new features in Sporty’s award-winning pilot training course how to use it to save time and money during your flight training. Presented by Sporty’s Eric Radtke and Bret Koebbe.
Visit Sportys.com/Demo to check out the course for free. Includes online, iPhone/iPad, Android, AppleTV access.
Free Webinar Wednesday: Behind the Scenes of Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
/in Uncategorized/by studentpltnewsJoin Bret Koebbe and Eric Radtke from Sporty’s course development team as they demo the new features in Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course. This live presentation shows all the new features in Sporty’s award-winning pilot training course and offers tips on how to use it to save time and money during your flight training.
Sign up today to save your spot, and join us live on Wednesday, May 12, at 3pm eastern.
Video: learning how to land on an aircraft carrier
/in Fun Flying Videos/by John ZimmermanEveryone was a student pilot once, including the most seasoned Navy pilots who land on aircraft carriers in the middle of the ocean. In this video, you’ll get to ride along with one such pilot, as she learns how to land the C2-A twin turboprop on the pitching deck. It’s a little more complicated than landing a Cessna 172 on a long runway, but the fundamentals of pitch and power are the same.
Video courtesy of Smithsonian Channel.
Smart study strategies with Sporty’s 2021 Learn to Fly Course
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsSporty’s courses are the ideal pilot training companion – everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your certificate or rating, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training all in one easy-to-use system. New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty’s 2021 course editions. And better yet, your training content is accessible anywhere, on any device.
How can you gain the most from your investment in a Sporty’s course?
Video Training
When a topic has been viewed, it is noted with a green checkmark helping you recall where to resume your study and providing an easy-to-interpret snapshot of your progress. There will be some topics you may choose to review depending on how well you’ve comprehended the information. You can search for a topic at any time with the new search tool, to find specific videos based on the video script and keywords.
Many of the video training segments include on-screen quizzes and review notes to further assess your progress. To learn more about any question, press the Play Explanation button and the course will jump right to the spot in the video training that covers that specific topic.
Each video segment includes review notes which summarize key learning points along with a full transcript to cater to diverse learning styles.
Flight Maneuvers Guide
It’s important to review a plan with your instructor after each flight lesson to know what maneuvers are planned for the next lesson and study them here first. You’ll find this extra preparation will pay off big time in the airplane, as you’ll know what to expect when flying each maneuver.
Test prep
With video training complete, transition to the dedicated test preparation module. Sporty’s test prep includes multiple modes of operation. Start in the Study Categories mode to select specific areas of study or choose a random mix of questions. Answering each question provides real-time feedback with detailed explanations and references. Question references link to the specific FAA resource for further review – learn the material, don’t rely on rote memory.
Be sure to mark questions that you don’t fully understand or that you want to review later. You’re able to create future study sessions based on incorrect or marked questions. There’s also a Smart Study session option, which will automatically generate a session that focuses on your weakest subject area – great for a quick study session without having to select any options.
After proceeding through each category at least once, the performance analysis charts will provide a clear indication of weak versus strong subjects so you may continue focusing on your lower-performing categories.
After strengthening any weak subject areas, transition to the test mode that will generate a random mix of questions to provide a simulated exam – just like the real thing. After grading a session, you’ll have the option to begin a new test based on only those questions answered incorrectly.
Further testing on deficient areas will help maximize your performance. The completion of at least two tests with a minimum score of 80% are required to earn the written exam endorsement. When you’ve completed the course and received your written test endorsement, you can log it in your ForeFlight digital logbook – complete with instructor signature.
FAA Handbooks and Resources
When you’re looking for information on flight maneuvers, like slow flight or landings, check out the Airplane Flying Handbook. For more technical subjects, like weather or airplane systems, you’ll want to reference the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (this is a great reference when you want to learn more about a specific test prep question). The digital reader interface includes a search function, making it easy to jump right to any section based on keywords.
You’ll also find Sporty’s Training Course Outline (TCO) in the Resources section of the course. This is a detailed flight training syllabus to serve as a bridge between your online training and the training with your instructor, to provide structure for your training. And the Interactive Airman Certification Standards (ACS) is the FAA’s outline of all the knowledge and skill areas you need to know regarding the certificate you are pursuing. It’s even cross-referenced to the appropriate video training segment within Sporty’s course.
CFI Sharing and CloudAhoy
Along the way, you have the option to share your learning progress with your CFI. Once you’ve granted access, your instructor will see your video training progress and your practice test sessions. He will also have the option to view how you answered each question so that he may provide further guidance in your study.
After transitioning to the airplane you can connect your CloudAhoy account so any flights logged with CloudAhoy will sync, including a listing of each flight maneuver from the lesson.
Checkride Prep
The final phase of studying in the course takes place in the Checkride Prep. First watch the FAA Checkride Tips and Tricks video segment, presented by an FAA-designated examiner, to learn what the expectations are on the checkride. You can then use the Checkride Prep Flashcards to review a comprehensive set of questions that may be asked of you in the oral portion of the checkride.
FREE demo
A FREE demonstration of each course component is available at www.sportys.com/demo.
Download the Pilot Training app for iPhone/iPad here.
Download the Pilot Training app for Android here.
New for 2021