Every year, hundreds of new products make their way into the cockpit—but only a few stand out as must-haves. Sporty’s Gear of the Year winners are selected by both pilots and its team of expert staff. These are the tools and gadgets that actually get used, get talked about, and make flying easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
This compact receiver hits the sweet spot for price, capability, and portability. With WAAS GPS, dual-band ADS-B weather and traffic, built-in AHRS, a CO detector, and long battery life, it’s a complete situational awareness package.
The only handheld radio with built-in PJ headset jacks on top, so you can plug in directly without adapters. A large display, oversized keypad, and USB-C charging make it easy to use anywhere in the cockpit.
A smartwatch designed for pilots. It’s packed with aviation features, a bright color touchscreen, fitness tracking, notifications, and even a built-in flashlight for night ops.
This high-capacity battery keeps your iPad, ADS-B receiver, and other gear powered all day. Multiple USB ports and a real-time power display make managing cockpit electronics easy.
Imagine having a flight instructor on call 24/7. ChatCFI lets you ask questions during videos or practice tests and get instant answers without leaving the course.
With red and white lighting options, a floodlight, battery display, and versatile clip, this flashlight is ready for any preflight, postflight, or emergency situation.
Comfortable, high-tech, and connected. FrameFit™ ear seals, dual Bluetooth, and an AI-enhanced mic make it ideal for long flights in the cockpit or simulator.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/30120851/gear-of-the-year-2025.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2026-01-02 08:55:522025-12-30 12:09:53The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s
During your flight training, you’ll learn all about the four forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week’s tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.
This video tip 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/2024/08/29142954/video-tip-induced-and-parasite-drag.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-31 08:55:142025-12-29 14:30:34Video Tip: The Aerodynamics of Induced and Parasite Drag
Flight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a knowledge test, sharpening your skills before a checkride, or just trying to fly a little better each lesson, these are the articles that resonated most with fellow students this year.
Here are the 10 most-read Flight Training Central posts of 2025.
I have heard from a couple of different pilot examiner friends that there are a number of basic aerodynamic concepts that are often misunderstood by pilot applicants. At the private pilot level, this is disappointing, but may be understandable. What is not understandable or acceptable is seeing a number of their commercial and CFI applicants having little more than a cursory understanding of some of these key concepts.
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
Talking on the radio can be one of the most intimidating parts of flight training. Whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country to unfamiliar airspace, clear communication with Air Traffic Control is essential for safety and efficiency—but also a skill that takes practice. The good news? Most of the issues student pilots run into are both common and easily corrected.
All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. Test your knowledge of their location and meaning in this interactive exercise so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes—and have the chance to learn from them.
Aircraft engines can provide thousands of hours of reliable service, provided that they are maintained and operated properly. From the pilot’s perspective, this involves learning the best practices for power control, leaning procedures, cooling, and other operational considerations. This quiz tests your understanding of everyday engine operating decisions that directly affect performance, reliability, and engine longevity.
You received an extensive checkout in a Globe Swift five years ago when you bought the airplane. During the checkout, and as part of your pre-takeoff briefing, you considered scenarios for an engine failure after takeoff at a variety of altitudes. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.
You’ll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/17214637/top-posts-2025-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-29 08:55:052025-12-22 11:11:07Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
The VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops is an innovative online training program designed to enhance the skills and decision-making abilities of pilots flying VFR. It offers real-world scenarios that challenge pilots to think critically and apply their aeronautical knowledge to make safe and informed decisions during flight.
In this sample scenario, MOA or Marathon, you’re in the cockpit with a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance—enough to question whether flying still makes sense—while going direct raises airspace, communication, and risk-management considerations. The scenario challenges pilots to weigh efficiency, compliance, and real-world pressure while making a time-sensitive decision in the air.
Step 1: Watch the VFR Mastery Scenario
Step 2: Make your choice
Now make your choice, and see what other pilots would choose.
Step 3: Learn from an expert then enter for a chance to win a home flight sim
In the expert response video below, instructor Steve Tupper walks through how he would handle this MOA dilemma, drawing on his experience as a flight instructor and professional aviator. He breaks down the practical considerations behind each option and explains how to balance efficiency, safety, and communication. And when the video wraps up, you’ll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a fully equipped, wide-screen home flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s—a perfect way to build and maintain your flying skills at home.
Win a home flight simulator valued at more than $3,500!
Be sure to click the “enter to win” button at the conclusion of the expert video (above) for a chance to win this fully equipped, wide-screen monitor flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s. The sim includes:
High-performance PC optimized for flight simulation
X-Plane version 12 pre-installed
Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator
49″ Super Ultra-Wide Monitor
Honeycomb Alpha Flight Simulator Yoke
Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant
Thrustmaster Flight Rudder Pedals
Flight Simulator Headset from Thrustmaster
Video quick-start guide for setting up and using this sim
The simulator drawing ends December 31, 2025.
VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshop
Subscribers to the VFR Mastery Series can continue to an audio recording of a roundtable discussion where five additional experts offer their opinions on the best choice. And it’s rare that all the experts agree (although one might agree with your choice). The highlights from these roundtables are compiled for each scenario. Subscribers can continue the discussion among themselves along with the experts in a dedicated forum and have access to quizzes as well as all previous scenarios.
If you are interested in learning more or subcribing to VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops, click the banner below and begin your free trial.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22112926/vfr-challenge-moa-or-marathon.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngEric Radtke2025-12-26 08:55:422025-12-26 11:38:34VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
In this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload, drawing directly from the methods taught in the course. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately in the cockpit, along with a clearer understanding of why certain techniques work—and when they don’t.
Want to learn more about airplane engine operations? Explore the complete online Airplane Engine Operations Course.
What’s included:
Video lessons, showing techniques in action
Lesson review notes to reinforce key points
Review quiz to test your knowledge and help with retention
Completion certificate to document your learning
Airplane Engine Operations is available with lifetime access for just $99, in the online Sporty’s Pilot Training app or for iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
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 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.
Power-off stalls—especially in the landing configuration—are designed to teach recognition, not surprise. In this spotlight, we’ll focus on identifying the cues of an imminent and full stall, maintaining coordination throughout the maneuver, and executing a smooth, prompt recovery with minimal altitude loss. We’ll also highlight common errors instructors see during training and on practical tests, so you can build confidence and consistency long before checkride day.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrate how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22110345/maneuver-spotlight-power-off-stalls-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-12-22 10:56:342025-12-22 11:03:52Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Power-Off Stalls
The 2025 Gear of the Year Winners from Sporty’s
/in News, Pilot Gear/by Flight Training Central StaffEvery year, hundreds of new products make their way into the cockpit—but only a few stand out as must-haves. Sporty’s Gear of the Year winners are selected by both pilots and its team of expert staff. These are the tools and gadgets that actually get used, get talked about, and make flying easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Here’s a look at the 2025 winners:
Most Popular ADS-B Receiver: ForeFlight Sentry
This compact receiver hits the sweet spot for price, capability, and portability. With WAAS GPS, dual-band ADS-B weather and traffic, built-in AHRS, a CO detector, and long battery life, it’s a complete situational awareness package.
Best Portable Radio: PJ2+
The only handheld radio with built-in PJ headset jacks on top, so you can plug in directly without adapters. A large display, oversized keypad, and USB-C charging make it easy to use anywhere in the cockpit.
Best Watch: Garmin D2 Air X15
A smartwatch designed for pilots. It’s packed with aviation features, a bright color touchscreen, fitness tracking, notifications, and even a built-in flashlight for night ops.
Best Backup Battery: Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX (27,600 mAh)
This high-capacity battery keeps your iPad, ADS-B receiver, and other gear powered all day. Multiple USB ports and a real-time power display make managing cockpit electronics easy.
Best New Online Course Feature: ChatCFI
Imagine having a flight instructor on call 24/7. ChatCFI lets you ask questions during videos or practice tests and get instant answers without leaving the course.
Best Hidden Gem: Flight Gear Magnetic Charging Cable
These cables use built-in magnets to stay neat and organized—no more tangled cords in your flight bag.
Best Flashlight: Flight Gear Rechargeable Smart Flashlight
With red and white lighting options, a floodlight, battery display, and versatile clip, this flashlight is ready for any preflight, postflight, or emergency situation.
Best Flight Bag: Flight Gear Stealth Bag
Durable, all-black, and built to carry everything from headsets to laptops, this bag is perfect for busy training days or weekend trips.
Top Aviation Gift Product: Solar Powered Runway Lights (Blue), Set of 6
A fun addition for pilot offices, hangars, or desks. These solar lights are colorful, practical, and perfect for day or night display.
Best Headset: Lightspeed Zulu 4
Comfortable, high-tech, and connected. FrameFit™ ear seals, dual Bluetooth, and an AI-enhanced mic make it ideal for long flights in the cockpit or simulator.
Learn to Fly Course
/in Video Tips/by Flight Training Central StaffDuring your flight training, you’ll learn all about the four forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week’s tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.
This video tip is from the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes complete training for Private and Sport Pilots.
Flight Training Central Top Posts 2025
/in News, Tips and technique/by Flight Training Central StaffFlight Training Central’s most popular articles of 2025 focused on what student pilots struggle with most: understanding tricky concepts, avoiding common mistakes, and making better decisions in real-world scenarios. From interactive quizzes to clear explanations of frequently missed test questions, these posts helped turn confusion into confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a knowledge test, sharpening your skills before a checkride, or just trying to fly a little better each lesson, these are the articles that resonated most with fellow students this year.
Here are the 10 most-read Flight Training Central posts of 2025.
10) The Most Misunderstood Aerodynamic Concepts
I have heard from a couple of different pilot examiner friends that there are a number of basic aerodynamic concepts that are often misunderstood by pilot applicants. At the private pilot level, this is disappointing, but may be understandable. What is not understandable or acceptable is seeing a number of their commercial and CFI applicants having little more than a cursory understanding of some of these key concepts.
Read more.
9) Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
Read more.
8) The ABCs of Emergencies
While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. If faced with an engine failure, or training for your next engine failure with your instructor, act quick and decisively by remembering what you learned in kindergarten – your ABCs.
Read more.
7) Avoid These 5 Common ATC Communication Mistakes
Talking on the radio can be one of the most intimidating parts of flight training. Whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country to unfamiliar airspace, clear communication with Air Traffic Control is essential for safety and efficiency—but also a skill that takes practice. The good news? Most of the issues student pilots run into are both common and easily corrected.
Read more.
6) What does that airport sign mean? Take our interactive quiz.
All airports with ATC control towers in the U.S. (and some non-towered airports) use a standard set of pavement markings and elevated signs to guide pilots from the parking airport to the active runway. Test your knowledge of their location and meaning in this interactive exercise so that you’ll be well prepared on what to expect when taxiing at a large airport.
Read more.
5) Sporty’s Most Frequently Missed Test Questions—Summer 2025
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course generates thousands of simulated Private Pilot exams every month, giving us a clear picture of where students struggle most. The same problem areas keep surfacing: detailed regulations, subtle planning considerations, and complex weather scenarios. By spotlighting these questions, you’ll see exactly where others are making mistakes—and have the chance to learn from them.
Read more.
4) Test Your Knowledge on Airplane Engine Operations
Aircraft engines can provide thousands of hours of reliable service, provided that they are maintained and operated properly. From the pilot’s perspective, this involves learning the best practices for power control, leaning procedures, cooling, and other operational considerations. This quiz tests your understanding of everyday engine operating decisions that directly affect performance, reliability, and engine longevity.
Read more.
3) Engine Failure After Takeoff—What Would You Do?
You received an extensive checkout in a Globe Swift five years ago when you bought the airplane. During the checkout, and as part of your pre-takeoff briefing, you considered scenarios for an engine failure after takeoff at a variety of altitudes. Some of those improvisations could turn an off-field crash into an uneventful runway landing—or a disaster.
Read more.
2) Quiz: Airspace Classifications and Rules
You’ll likely pass through several classes of airspace on every flight, whether it’s your first solo or a cross-country flight to the beach. Each class of airspace is depicted with unique markings on the sectional chart and different VFR weather minimums and equipment requirements. Take our latest quiz and test your knowledge of the U.S. airspace system.
Read more.
1) A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center.
Read more.
VFR Challenge: MOA or Marathon—Enter Now for a Chance to Win a Flight Simulator
/in News, Video Tips/by Eric RadtkeThe VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops is an innovative online training program designed to enhance the skills and decision-making abilities of pilots flying VFR. It offers real-world scenarios that challenge pilots to think critically and apply their aeronautical knowledge to make safe and informed decisions during flight.
In this sample scenario, MOA or Marathon, you’re in the cockpit with a VFR pilot flying with his son to a weekend baseball tournament in Wisconsin. En route, an active MOA sits directly on the planned course, and ATC appears reluctant to allow non-participating VFR traffic through the hot MOA. Going around would add significant time and distance—enough to question whether flying still makes sense—while going direct raises airspace, communication, and risk-management considerations. The scenario challenges pilots to weigh efficiency, compliance, and real-world pressure while making a time-sensitive decision in the air.
Step 1: Watch the VFR Mastery Scenario
Step 2: Make your choice
Now make your choice, and see what other pilots would choose.
Step 3: Learn from an expert then enter for a chance to win a home flight sim
In the expert response video below, instructor Steve Tupper walks through how he would handle this MOA dilemma, drawing on his experience as a flight instructor and professional aviator. He breaks down the practical considerations behind each option and explains how to balance efficiency, safety, and communication. And when the video wraps up, you’ll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a fully equipped, wide-screen home flight simulator from XForcePC and Sporty’s—a perfect way to build and maintain your flying skills at home.
Win a home flight simulator valued at more than $3,500!
The simulator drawing ends December 31, 2025.
VFR Mastery from PilotWorkshop
Subscribers to the VFR Mastery Series can continue to an audio recording of a roundtable discussion where five additional experts offer their opinions on the best choice. And it’s rare that all the experts agree (although one might agree with your choice). The highlights from these roundtables are compiled for each scenario. Subscribers can continue the discussion among themselves along with the experts in a dedicated forum and have access to quizzes as well as all previous scenarios.
If you are interested in learning more or subcribing to VFR Mastery Series from PilotWorkshops, click the banner below and begin your free trial.
Webinar Video: Airplane Engine Operations
/in News, Webinars/by Eric RadtkeIn this webinar, Ryan Koch—Director of Product Development at Pilot Workshops and instructor for the Airplane Engine Operations course—explores what effective engine management really looks like in day-to-day flying. Rather than promoting a single “right” technique, Ryan walks through the real-world tradeoffs pilots make between efficiency, economy, performance, and workload, drawing directly from the methods taught in the course. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately in the cockpit, along with a clearer understanding of why certain techniques work—and when they don’t.
Want to learn more about airplane engine operations? Explore the complete online Airplane Engine Operations Course.
What’s included:
Video lessons, showing techniques in action
Lesson review notes to reinforce key points
Review quiz to test your knowledge and help with retention
Completion certificate to document your learning
Airplane Engine Operations is available with lifetime access for just $99, in the online Sporty’s Pilot Training app or for iOS, Android, and smart TVs.
Flight Maneuver Spotlight: Power-Off Stalls
/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 private pilot 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.
Power-off stalls—especially in the landing configuration—are designed to teach recognition, not surprise. In this spotlight, we’ll focus on identifying the cues of an imminent and full stall, maintaining coordination throughout the maneuver, and executing a smooth, prompt recovery with minimal altitude loss. We’ll also highlight common errors instructors see during training and on practical tests, so you can build confidence and consistency long before checkride day.
These step-by-step instructions are part of the Flight Maneuvers Guide in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video that demonstrate how to fly each maneuver, along with complete FAA test prep features.