From copying ATC clearances to taxi instructions and non-towered airport procedures, effective communication is a critical part of safe flying—and one of the easiest places for small mistakes to creep in. This quiz will test your knowledge of common communications scenarios, including clearances, transponder usage, traffic advisories, and ground operations. Take a few minutes and see how sharp your comms really are.
As standard operating practice, all inbound traffic to an airport without a control tower should continuously monitor the appropriate facility from a distance of
Correct!Wrong!
An ATC clearance provides
Correct!Wrong!
When making routine transponder code changes, pilots should avoid inadvertent selection of which codes?
Correct!Wrong!
When an air traffic controller issues radar traffic information in relation to the 12-hour clock, the reference the controller uses is the aircraft's
Correct!Wrong!
If instructed by ground control to taxi to Runway 9R, the pilot may proceed
Still have more answers? Take all our other quizzes.
Want to learn more about airplane performance planning? Check out Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course for in-depth training on this subject.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/06102241/quiz-how-solid-are-your-radio-skills.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2026-02-09 08:59:382026-02-11 22:21:35Quiz: How Solid Are Your Radio Skills?
All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.
This video tip is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.
Choosing an online ground school is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make as a student pilot. A quick search will turn up plenty of “best online ground school” lists and AI-generated summaries, but those superficial answers rarely explain what actually matters once flight training begins. Learning styles vary, goals differ, and the right choice depends on more than a few bullet points.
Still, when student pilots search for “the best online ground school,” or “what online training should I choose,” they’re usually asking this question: Which course will prepare me to pass the written test; help me succeed in the airplane during flight training; and allow me to walk into my checkride prepared?
To answer that, it helps to define what “best” actually means.
A good ground school helps you pass the written test. A great one supports your entire training journey from first solo to checkride and beyond. Based on instructor experience and student outcomes, several factors consistently matter most.
1) Instructional Quality
The best courses are developed by experienced CFIs and peer-reviewed.
The best ground schools are:
Developed by experienced CFIs and peer-reviewed
Aligned with FAA publications and the Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
Updated regularly as training standards and technique evolve
2) FAA Knowledge Test Preparation
Effective test prep goes beyond rote memorization:
Practice questions and study sessions reinforce understanding
Written test prep supports flight training and checkride success
The endorsement process is clear and objective
3) Learning Tools Beyond Video
Modern ground schools need more than video lessons.
Modern ground schools need more than video lessons:
Tools that are customizable and identify weak areas
Summaries and support tools for retention
Flexible study options for different learning styles
4) Flight Maneuver Training and Practical Application
Ground school should directly support flying:
Visual, step-by-step maneuver training
Instructor commentary and insights into common errors
Clear links between ground lessons and in-airplane application
5) Checkride and Oral Exam Preparation
The best programs continue well beyond the written test:
Scenario-based training
Delivery that explains concepts, not just gives answers
Training that builds confidence and a plan for continued proficiency
A Closer Look at Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
Sporty’s has been a trusted name in pilot training for decades, and its Learn to Fly Course is one of the most widely used online ground schools in the world. Designed as a complete training system, the course provides lifetime access and updates at no additional cost.
The current 2026 edition reflects a shift toward more immersive instruction, with expanded flight maneuver training and aviation-specific AI tools that support students throughout their training experience.
How Sporty’s Measures Up to the “Best Ground School” Criteria
Instructor-Led, Real-World Training
Sporty’s course content is developed and maintained by experienced flight instructors, with lessons aligned to FAA publications and the ACS. The emphasis is on understanding why concepts matter, not just memorizing rules and numbers.
FAA Knowledge Test Prep That Builds Understanding
Written test prep is integrated throughout the course, not treated as a standalone. Students earn their FAA knowledge test endorsement by completing structured practice exams that reinforce learning and mimic actual FAA knowledge tests.
Modern Learning Tools Designed for Pilots
One of Sporty’s standout strengths is its aviation-specific AI tools. Unlike generic chatbots, these are built and tested by instructors to support pilot training.
Students can:
Use ChatFAR to ask any FAR-related question and get plain-language explanations
Use ChatDPE to practice interactive Q&A sessions to mirror a real FAA checkride
Use ChatCFI to ask any aviation question and get in-depth answers with helpful links
These tools function like an on-demand virtual instructor.
Flight Maneuver Training
The 2026 course introduces new 4K flight maneuver videos covering key private pilot tasks, including slow flight, stalls, steep turns, and more. Instructor-focused segments break each maneuver down step by step, highlight common mistakes, and explain examiner expectations.
From Written Test to Checkride Confidence
After completing the FAA knowledge test, students can upload their results to receive a custom ACS-based study guide. Missed topics are decoded and linked directly to course content—an especially valuable tool for oral exam prep.
Who Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Is Best For
Sporty’s tends to work especially well for:
Student pilots who want depth, not shortcuts
Pilots balancing training with busy work, school, or family schedules
Learners who benefit from structured review and modern tools
Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for You?
The “best” online ground school depends on how you learn and what you value most. Some students prioritize speed over traditional instruction, while others want the most comprehensive training possible.
For pilots looking for trusted, instructor-led content; strong FAA knowledge test preparation; modern tools that support real learning; and dedicated checkride prep, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course sets the bar. It’s available for $299 and includes lifetime access and unlimited updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sporty’s a good online ground school for first-time student pilots?
Yes. The course is designed for students with no prior experience and progresses logically, with strong instructor guidance and simple, visual explanations.
Does Sporty’s include a written test endorsement?
Yes. Students receive their FAA knowledge test endorsement by completing the required video training and practice tests within the course.
Is Sporty’s ground school updated regularly?
Yes. The Learn to Fly Course is updated continually with questions and content, and all updates are included free for existing users.
Can Sporty’s help with oral exam and checkride prep?
Yes. ACS-based review tools, AI features like ChatDPE and ChatCFI, lesson summaries, and plain-language explanations support oral exam and practical test preparation.
Can I access the course on multiple devices?
Yes. The course is available on iPad, iPhone, Android, web, and smart TVs, with progress synced automatically via the Sporty’s Pilot Training app.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/16130800/best-online-ground-school.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2026-02-02 08:55:352026-01-20 10:17:14Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for Private Pilots?
Most pilots reach a point where flying becomes second nature. You know the flows, you know the airspace, and you anticipate what’s coming next. The good landings far outnumber the not-so-good. That’s not a bad thing—it’s proficiency. But it’s also when many pilots start looking for something that challenges them to think a little differently. Seaplane flying does exactly that.
Seaplane flying challenges pilots to think a little differently.
Flying on water forces you to slow down, look outside more, and make decisions based on what you see instead of what’s painted on the runway. Wind matters more. Surface conditions matter more. Judgment matters more. The airplane hasn’t changed—but the environment has, and so has the way you fly it.
That’s why so many pilots eventually put a seaplane rating on their “someday” list. Maybe because it feels exotic, but also because it sharpens skills that carry over to every other kind of flying.
Flying Where the Runway Doesn’t Exist
Water is never static. It moves, reflects, deceives, and demands respect. Seaplane pilots don’t just land on it—they read it as part-mariner, part pilot.
That’s part of what makes seaplane training so valuable, even beyond the rating itself. You learn to evaluate conditions visually instead of relying on pavement markings and how to anticipate how wind, surface texture, and obstacles interact. Few maneuvers illustrate this better than glassy water landings.
With no wind and a mirror-smooth surface, depth perception disappears. The water offers no visual cues. What looks calm and inviting can quickly become unforgiving if the approach isn’t disciplined and precise.
In the video above, you’ll see how a proper glassy water landing relies on planning, power, pitch, and patience—holding a precise attitude, managing descent rate, and resisting the urge to flare. It’s one of the clearest examples of how seaplane flying sharpens a pilot’s judgment.
Training That Goes Beyond the Checkride
Filmed on location in Florida, Maine, and Alaska, and hosted by aviation legend, Patty Wagstaff, the new Seaplane Rating Course from Sporty’s shows seaplane flying as it really happens—on moving water, in changing conditions, and in some of the most beautiful flying environments in the world.
The training walks pilots from foundational skills like taxiing, takeoffs, and landings, into more advanced territory:
Glassy and rough water operations
Confined areas and river flying
Flap management and hull speed awareness
Docking, beaching, and securing a seaplane
These aren’t abstract concepts. They’re practical techniques rooted in experience—the kind of knowledge pilots don’t always find in a checklist or POH.
The training walks pilots from foundational skills like taxiing, takeoffs, and landings, into more advanced territory.
Learning from Experience—And Enjoying the View
One of the unique aspects of the course is its 360°/VR Adventure Flying module. These aren’t lessons or tests. They’re immersive flights designed to let pilots simply experience seaplane flying.
From classic floatplanes in Alaska to unique aircraft in unforgettable settings, the adventure chapters offer a front-row seat to real-world seaplane operations and a behind-the-scenes look at how the course was created. It’s also provides an opportunity to relax, observe, and absorb.
It’s the kind of content that reminds you why you started flying in the first place.
The Course includes immersive flights designed to let pilots simply experience seaplane flying.
An Aspiration Worth Chasing
Not every pilot will earn a seaplane rating. But many will find themselves drawn to it—by the challenge, the scenery, and the chance to fly in a way that feels both demanding and deeply rewarding.
If you’ve ever looked at a quiet lake and imagined what it would be like to lift off from its surface, this kind of training isn’t just educational—it’s an invitation.
Learn More
The Seaplane Rating Course is available for $99 at Sportys.com and includes lifetime access and updates. The content is available on all of your devices via the Sporty’s Pilot Training app.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/16110651/Why-Seaplane-Flying-Belongs-on-Every-Pilots-Bucket-List.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2026-01-30 08:55:432026-01-16 11:17:14Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List
Flying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success:
Know the Airspace Dimensions: Class D airspace typically extends from the surface up to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation, but it can vary. Always check the specifics for the airport you’re operating near, as depicted on the sectional chart.
Communication is Key: You must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower before entering Class D airspace. This means you need to contact the tower on the appropriate frequency and receive a response.
Read Back Clearances: When you receive instructions or clearances from the tower, read them back to confirm you’ve understood them correctly. This helps prevent miscommunication.
Be Aware of Traffic: Class D airspace is often busy, especially around airports with a lot of flight activity. Keep a vigilant lookout for other aircraft and listen carefully to the control tower’s instructions and advisories.
Practice Good Radio Etiquette: Monitor the ATIS before contacting the tower. Use clear and concise language, avoid unnecessary transmissions, and be courteous. This helps maintain efficient and safe operations.
Prepare for your arrival at a Class D airport by listening to the automated weather once in range during a quiet en route portion of the flight. Take your time and listen to all of the details. When you are 20-25 miles from the airport, you should listen again to see if the message has changed. If you hear a new phonetic identifier for the ATIS, note any changes. With the weather information and identifier in hand, contact the tower at approximately 15 miles out. You may not enter the Class D airspace until you have established radio contact with the controller. This means the controller must acknowledge you with your call sign.
Your entry into the traffic pattern at a tower-controlled airport may be on any of the four legs. The tower controller will advise his instructions based upon the runway in use and the direction from which you are approaching. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. Unless it will interfere with current autopilot operations, set the heading bug or HSI to the assigned runway. This provides a memory and visual aid to ensure your arrival on the correct runway.
At some point, the tower controller will clear you to land. Unless you hear this clearance and confirm it with a read back, do not land.
After landing and reaching taxi speed, you should exit the runway promptly at the first available taxiway or on an ATC-instructed taxiway. Do not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. Do not stop or reverse course on the runway without ATC approval. Taxi clear of the runway and bring your aircraft to a stop unless otherwise directed by ATC.
Change to the ground control frequency when advised by the tower or after clearing the runway. The tower may omit the ground control frequency if the controller believes you will know the frequency. At slower times, the tower controller may be fulfilling the function of ground control as well. He may have you stay on the tower frequency during taxi operations. Follow his instructions.
Obtain your taxi instructions from the ground controller. Read back the instructions and comply with any hold short requirements that you are assigned. Compare the instructions to your taxiway charts and signs that you see after you have completed your read back. When taxiing, you must receive a specific runway crossing clearance to cross or operate on any active, inactive, or closed runway along your route.
Once you are clear of the movement area, you are no longer under the control of ATC.
This content is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/25114158/Class-D-Arrival-FTC-Video.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2026-01-28 10:00:152026-01-28 11:21:54Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport
With winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.
I recommend a simple two-phase approach. First, review the NOTAMs for runway condition information. Second—and just as important—call someone at the destination airport for a first-hand report of actual conditions, whether that’s the FBO or airport management.
The FAA uses a standardized method for reporting runway conditions. Today, airport operators use a defined matrix to evaluate runway surfaces and report conditions to pilots via NOTAMs using Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC). These codes range from 6 (dry pavement) down to 0 (no braking capability) and give pilots a common language to assess runway performance.
Airport personnel assess the runway surface, identify any contaminants present, and use the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix to determine the appropriate numerical code. Through the Federal NOTAM System, this information is then made available to pilots as a Field Condition (FICON) NOTAM. Pilots can use these codes to better understand how a given runway condition may affect braking and aircraft performance during landing or departure.
Each third of the runway is evaluated and reported separately. For example, a NOTAM reading “RWY 22 FICON 5/5/3” means the first and second thirds of the runway have a RwyCC of 5 (good braking), while the final third has a value of 3 (medium braking).
One practical tip: download the PDF version of the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix and keep it on your iPad for quick reference, both on the ground and in the cockpit. Also remember that these codes apply only to runways. If taxiways, ramps, or parking areas aren’t specifically addressed in the NOTAMs, that follow-up phone call becomes even more valuable for getting the full picture before you arrive.
Quiz: How Solid Are Your Radio Skills?
/in Quiz/by Flight Training Central StaffFrom copying ATC clearances to taxi instructions and non-towered airport procedures, effective communication is a critical part of safe flying—and one of the easiest places for small mistakes to creep in. This quiz will test your knowledge of common communications scenarios, including clearances, transponder usage, traffic advisories, and ground operations. Take a few minutes and see how sharp your comms really are.
Share the quiz to show your results !
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Still have more answers? Take all our other quizzes.
Want to learn more about airplane performance planning? Check out Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course for in-depth training on this subject.
Video tip: Airport runway signs and markings
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeAll airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and many non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to call out important parts of an airport runway. In this video, we’ll explore the location and meaning of each in a simulated 3D airport environment so that you’ll be well prepared when operating at a large airport.
This video tip is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.
Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for Private Pilots?
/in Getting Started/by Eric RadtkeThe best course goes beyond written test prep.
Choosing an online ground school is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make as a student pilot. A quick search will turn up plenty of “best online ground school” lists and AI-generated summaries, but those superficial answers rarely explain what actually matters once flight training begins. Learning styles vary, goals differ, and the right choice depends on more than a few bullet points.
Still, when student pilots search for “the best online ground school,” or “what online training should I choose,” they’re usually asking this question: Which course will prepare me to pass the written test; help me succeed in the airplane during flight training; and allow me to walk into my checkride prepared?
To answer that, it helps to define what “best” actually means.
In This Article:
What Makes an Online Ground School “The Best”?
A Closer Look at Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
How Sporty’s Measures Up to the “Best Ground School” Criteria
Flight Maneuver Training
From Written Test to Checkride Confidence
Who Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Is Best For
Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Survey
What Makes an Online Ground School “The Best”?
A good ground school helps you pass the written test. A great one supports your entire training journey from first solo to checkride and beyond. Based on instructor experience and student outcomes, several factors consistently matter most.
1) Instructional Quality
The best courses are developed by experienced CFIs and peer-reviewed.
The best ground schools are:
2) FAA Knowledge Test Preparation
Effective test prep goes beyond rote memorization:
3) Learning Tools Beyond Video
Modern ground schools need more than video lessons.
Modern ground schools need more than video lessons:
4) Flight Maneuver Training and Practical Application
Ground school should directly support flying:
5) Checkride and Oral Exam Preparation
The best programs continue well beyond the written test:
A Closer Look at Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
Sporty’s has been a trusted name in pilot training for decades, and its Learn to Fly Course is one of the most widely used online ground schools in the world. Designed as a complete training system, the course provides lifetime access and updates at no additional cost.
The current 2026 edition reflects a shift toward more immersive instruction, with expanded flight maneuver training and aviation-specific AI tools that support students throughout their training experience.
How Sporty’s Measures Up to the “Best Ground School” Criteria
Instructor-Led, Real-World Training
Sporty’s course content is developed and maintained by experienced flight instructors, with lessons aligned to FAA publications and the ACS. The emphasis is on understanding why concepts matter, not just memorizing rules and numbers.
FAA Knowledge Test Prep That Builds Understanding
Written test prep is integrated throughout the course, not treated as a standalone. Students earn their FAA knowledge test endorsement by completing structured practice exams that reinforce learning and mimic actual FAA knowledge tests.
Modern Learning Tools Designed for Pilots
One of Sporty’s standout strengths is its aviation-specific AI tools. Unlike generic chatbots, these are built and tested by instructors to support pilot training.
Students can:
These tools function like an on-demand virtual instructor.
Flight Maneuver Training
The 2026 course introduces new 4K flight maneuver videos covering key private pilot tasks, including slow flight, stalls, steep turns, and more. Instructor-focused segments break each maneuver down step by step, highlight common mistakes, and explain examiner expectations.
From Written Test to Checkride Confidence
After completing the FAA knowledge test, students can upload their results to receive a custom ACS-based study guide. Missed topics are decoded and linked directly to course content—an especially valuable tool for oral exam prep.
Who Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Is Best For
Sporty’s tends to work especially well for:
Is Sporty’s the Best Online Ground School for You?
The “best” online ground school depends on how you learn and what you value most. Some students prioritize speed over traditional instruction, while others want the most comprehensive training possible.
For pilots looking for trusted, instructor-led content; strong FAA knowledge test preparation; modern tools that support real learning; and dedicated checkride prep, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course sets the bar. It’s available for $299 and includes lifetime access and unlimited updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sporty’s a good online ground school for first-time student pilots?
Yes. The course is designed for students with no prior experience and progresses logically, with strong instructor guidance and simple, visual explanations.
Does Sporty’s include a written test endorsement?
Yes. Students receive their FAA knowledge test endorsement by completing the required video training and practice tests within the course.
Is Sporty’s ground school updated regularly?
Yes. The Learn to Fly Course is updated continually with questions and content, and all updates are included free for existing users.
Can Sporty’s help with oral exam and checkride prep?
Yes. ACS-based review tools, AI features like ChatDPE and ChatCFI, lesson summaries, and plain-language explanations support oral exam and practical test preparation.
Can I access the course on multiple devices?
Yes. The course is available on iPad, iPhone, Android, web, and smart TVs, with progress synced automatically via the Sporty’s Pilot Training app.
Why Seaplane Flying Belongs on Every Pilot’s Bucket List
/in Having fun, News/by Eric RadtkeMost pilots reach a point where flying becomes second nature. You know the flows, you know the airspace, and you anticipate what’s coming next. The good landings far outnumber the not-so-good. That’s not a bad thing—it’s proficiency. But it’s also when many pilots start looking for something that challenges them to think a little differently. Seaplane flying does exactly that.
Seaplane flying challenges pilots to think a little differently.
Flying on water forces you to slow down, look outside more, and make decisions based on what you see instead of what’s painted on the runway. Wind matters more. Surface conditions matter more. Judgment matters more. The airplane hasn’t changed—but the environment has, and so has the way you fly it.
That’s why so many pilots eventually put a seaplane rating on their “someday” list. Maybe because it feels exotic, but also because it sharpens skills that carry over to every other kind of flying.
Flying Where the Runway Doesn’t Exist
Water is never static. It moves, reflects, deceives, and demands respect. Seaplane pilots don’t just land on it—they read it as part-mariner, part pilot.
That’s part of what makes seaplane training so valuable, even beyond the rating itself. You learn to evaluate conditions visually instead of relying on pavement markings and how to anticipate how wind, surface texture, and obstacles interact. Few maneuvers illustrate this better than glassy water landings.
With no wind and a mirror-smooth surface, depth perception disappears. The water offers no visual cues. What looks calm and inviting can quickly become unforgiving if the approach isn’t disciplined and precise.
In the video above, you’ll see how a proper glassy water landing relies on planning, power, pitch, and patience—holding a precise attitude, managing descent rate, and resisting the urge to flare. It’s one of the clearest examples of how seaplane flying sharpens a pilot’s judgment.
Training That Goes Beyond the Checkride
Filmed on location in Florida, Maine, and Alaska, and hosted by aviation legend, Patty Wagstaff, the new Seaplane Rating Course from Sporty’s shows seaplane flying as it really happens—on moving water, in changing conditions, and in some of the most beautiful flying environments in the world.
The training walks pilots from foundational skills like taxiing, takeoffs, and landings, into more advanced territory:
These aren’t abstract concepts. They’re practical techniques rooted in experience—the kind of knowledge pilots don’t always find in a checklist or POH.
The training walks pilots from foundational skills like taxiing, takeoffs, and landings, into more advanced territory.
Learning from Experience—And Enjoying the View
One of the unique aspects of the course is its 360°/VR Adventure Flying module. These aren’t lessons or tests. They’re immersive flights designed to let pilots simply experience seaplane flying.
From classic floatplanes in Alaska to unique aircraft in unforgettable settings, the adventure chapters offer a front-row seat to real-world seaplane operations and a behind-the-scenes look at how the course was created. It’s also provides an opportunity to relax, observe, and absorb.
It’s the kind of content that reminds you why you started flying in the first place.
The Course includes immersive flights designed to let pilots simply experience seaplane flying.
An Aspiration Worth Chasing
Not every pilot will earn a seaplane rating. But many will find themselves drawn to it—by the challenge, the scenery, and the chance to fly in a way that feels both demanding and deeply rewarding.
If you’ve ever looked at a quiet lake and imagined what it would be like to lift off from its surface, this kind of training isn’t just educational—it’s an invitation.
Learn More
The Seaplane Rating Course is available for $99 at Sportys.com and includes lifetime access and updates. The content is available on all of your devices via the Sporty’s Pilot Training app.
Pilot Tip: How to Communicate when Arriving at a Class D Airport
/in Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeFlying to and from an airport in Class D airspace is one of the more common communication scenarios a pilot will encounter. While no two airports will function exactly the same, here are some key tips for confidence and success:
Prepare for your arrival at a Class D airport by listening to the automated weather once in range during a quiet en route portion of the flight. Take your time and listen to all of the details. When you are 20-25 miles from the airport, you should listen again to see if the message has changed. If you hear a new phonetic identifier for the ATIS, note any changes. With the weather information and identifier in hand, contact the tower at approximately 15 miles out. You may not enter the Class D airspace until you have established radio contact with the controller. This means the controller must acknowledge you with your call sign.
Your entry into the traffic pattern at a tower-controlled airport may be on any of the four legs. The tower controller will advise his instructions based upon the runway in use and the direction from which you are approaching. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. Unless it will interfere with current autopilot operations, set the heading bug or HSI to the assigned runway. This provides a memory and visual aid to ensure your arrival on the correct runway.
At some point, the tower controller will clear you to land. Unless you hear this clearance and confirm it with a read back, do not land.
After landing and reaching taxi speed, you should exit the runway promptly at the first available taxiway or on an ATC-instructed taxiway. Do not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. Do not stop or reverse course on the runway without ATC approval. Taxi clear of the runway and bring your aircraft to a stop unless otherwise directed by ATC.
Change to the ground control frequency when advised by the tower or after clearing the runway. The tower may omit the ground control frequency if the controller believes you will know the frequency. At slower times, the tower controller may be fulfilling the function of ground control as well. He may have you stay on the tower frequency during taxi operations. Follow his instructions.
Obtain your taxi instructions from the ground controller. Read back the instructions and comply with any hold short requirements that you are assigned. Compare the instructions to your taxiway charts and signs that you see after you have completed your read back. When taxiing, you must receive a specific runway crossing clearance to cross or operate on any active, inactive, or closed runway along your route.
Once you are clear of the movement area, you are no longer under the control of ATC.
This content is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.
Understanding Runway Condition Codes for Winter Operations
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeWith winter weather affecting airports across the country, understanding Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC) is essential for pilots planning flights in snow or ice. These codes, published in FICON NOTAMs, give a standardized view of runway surface conditions, helping you evaluate braking performance and make safer go/no-go decisions before landing or departing.
I recommend a simple two-phase approach. First, review the NOTAMs for runway condition information. Second—and just as important—call someone at the destination airport for a first-hand report of actual conditions, whether that’s the FBO or airport management.
The FAA uses a standardized method for reporting runway conditions. Today, airport operators use a defined matrix to evaluate runway surfaces and report conditions to pilots via NOTAMs using Runway Condition Codes (RwyCC). These codes range from 6 (dry pavement) down to 0 (no braking capability) and give pilots a common language to assess runway performance.
Airport personnel assess the runway surface, identify any contaminants present, and use the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix to determine the appropriate numerical code. Through the Federal NOTAM System, this information is then made available to pilots as a Field Condition (FICON) NOTAM. Pilots can use these codes to better understand how a given runway condition may affect braking and aircraft performance during landing or departure.
Each third of the runway is evaluated and reported separately. For example, a NOTAM reading “RWY 22 FICON 5/5/3” means the first and second thirds of the runway have a RwyCC of 5 (good braking), while the final third has a value of 3 (medium braking).
One practical tip: download the PDF version of the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix and keep it on your iPad for quick reference, both on the ground and in the cockpit. Also remember that these codes apply only to runways. If taxiways, ramps, or parking areas aren’t specifically addressed in the NOTAMs, that follow-up phone call becomes even more valuable for getting the full picture before you arrive.