Sporty’s recently hosted a webinar presentation on iPad proficiency on the flight deck including a wide range of practical topics on flying with the iPad & the ForeFlight Mobile app. The webinar was presented by Bret Koebbe, a flight instructor at Sporty’s Pilot Shop and editor of iPad Pilot News. This informative presentation includes:
What to look for when buying or upgrading your iPad
Fly like a pro pilot with your iPad: developing your own standard operating procedures
How ForeFlight can improve your preflight planning
How to take advantage of automated iPad features and use it as a Digital Copilot
In-flight weather on the iPad (ADS-B & SiriusXM)
How to use the new ADS-B weather products
Must-have iPad accessories for the cockpit
Here’s a list of articles for additional information on topics covered in the webinar:
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/05172452/7592b.jpg10001000studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-11-19 10:00:092021-06-08 19:23:08Flying with the iPad as your digital copilot – new webinar recording
We asked the pilots here at Sporty’s what they thought student pilots should avoid. We’re talking about bad habits that can get in the way of your goal of earning your wings. Here are the six bad habits to avoid when you begin your flight training.
Don’t be late for your lessons.
This is an obvious but a sure-fire way to get off on the wrong foot with your training. Not only will your instructor be annoyed, but you’ll soon realize how much money that wastes over time. Flight time isn’t free. The more delays you encounter, the more time you’ll spend relearning the material. Do yourself a favor and aim to there 30 minutes early for every lesson. You’ll have time to review your notes from the last session and get a head start on your preflight.
Don’t go broke.
This is good advice for any endeavor, but it definitely rings true with flight training. Lack of continuity is a killer. Better to wait a couple of months to save up so you can take your lessons one after the other than to have long breaks in between your flying lessons. There are many options like flight simulators and online training courses that will help you save money on your training. Consider utilizing these resources to save you money for flight time.
Don’t go it alone.
Find the pilot community, join an organization like EAA or AOPA and make an effort to make new friends at the airport that are either going through the same training or can mentor you. It’s a friendly group of people that can boost your encouragement on learning to fly.
Don’t lose sight of the fun.
Taking the time to enjoy your flight training can be really helpful. You’ll be more confident if you’re enjoying your lessons. And the more confidence you have, the faster you’ll pick up the skills needed to become a great aviator. So what do you do to have more fun while flying? Add a breakfast or lunch run to your cross countries. The almighty hundred dollar hamburger is a perfect way to lift you and your instructor’s mood.
Don’t get discouraged.
Just because your last landing wasn’t the best doesn’t mean your next one won’t be. Stay on the wagon – you’re building a skill set that takes time to acquire. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen with practice and study. Something that not every pilot will tell you is that learning plateaus are common and nothing to stress about. Talk with your instructor and start mixing up your lessons so you don’t stall in your training.
Don’t rely on YouTube.
Everyone on YouTube thinks they’re an expert, but few of them are. Relying on these short videos to learn aerodynamics is a bad idea. The person on YouTube is probably not as good of a pilot as they say they are, just like people on Facebook aren’t actually as happy as they would have you believe. While there are plenty of online resources to aid your training, we recommend that you verify the source before taking their word for it. YouTube is great for sparking the passion for flying or getting ideas for new places to visit, but don’t depend on it for technical knowledge and in-flight instruction.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/05171655/Video-Tip-Crosswind-Takeoffs.jpg9841749studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-11-18 10:00:572021-06-08 19:23:086 bad habits to avoid as a student pilot
Having fun as a pilot isn’t just about flying, although when you’re in a taildragger landing on dirt strips next to a river, it is pretty fun. But as Trent Palmer shows in this video, general aviation is about the people as much as the airplanes. Ride along as he and some friends explore some remote areas in their bush planes.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/05171626/Screen-Shot-2019-11-07-at-5.15.51-PM.png446795studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-11-15 08:54:522021-06-08 19:23:08Video: bush fly’n and BS’n
Thinking of becoming a pilot? A surging demand for pilots, technological advancements, and access to modern learning resources make for an ideal time to begin your journey.
The demand for professional pilots has never been greater. Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes and increased demand for air travel have had far-reaching industry effects, and flight departments are experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots. Nearly 100% of regional airlines are recruiting pilots.
We’ve seen starting pay at the regional airlines rise, along with new, creative compensation packages. In the airline industry, where seniority is supreme and determines everything from pay to aircraft assignments and quality of life, the opportunity exists to land destination jobs much earlier in your career than has ever been possible.
Modern technologies are commonplace in training aircraft. You likely will have access to electronic flight displays and moving maps, on-board weather and pilot information, autopilot systems and advanced navigation equipment. These transformative capabilities are making flying more fun and accessible and allowing pilots to build unprecedented safety systems on reliable information.
Advanced training resources allow pilots to train more efficiently and consistently and allow training content to be accessed anywhere that is convenient. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is an ideal flight training companion; it’s everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your pilot certificate, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training, all in one easy-to-use package.
With a single purchase, you gain access to five formats: the online course, iPad/iPhone app, Android app, Roku app, and Apple TV app at – no additional cost. Your progress is automatically tracked and synced between devices, and you’re eligible to receive your written exam endorsement directly from the course.
Regardless of the path you choose or your motivation to begin, time is of the essence. Don’t delay, as each year of inaction is time wasted not enjoying this amazing adventure—and time could literally be costing you hundreds of thousands in future earnings.
Explore this opportunity further here at Student Pilot News, designed for pilots just like YOU.
Still have questions? Talk to our team of flight instructors: [email protected]
The pilot: Wilkes Ellsworth (right) with instructor Dustin Yockey
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: C172S
The memory: I have wanted to fly an airplane my entire life and can honestly say it was one of the happiest and most fulfilling days I have ever experienced. I can’t wait to continue my training and see where it and the aircraft will take me next.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/05171621/Wilkes-Ellsworth-handshake.jpg12421489studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-11-08 10:00:462021-06-08 19:23:08Friday photo: Wilkes Ellsworth first solo
One of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course has been a popular option for decades, and is famous for its relentless pace of innovation. Every year, we add new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements. 2020 is no exception, with a host of upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
Expanded Video Training
With over 15 hours of HD video and stunning animations, the video segments make up the heart of Sporty’s course. Much more than just slideshows or lectures on video, we put you in the cockpit for a pilot’s-eye view of every maneuver so you can really understand the subjects presented. And since technology is always changing, we’re constantly adding new videos.
Expanded segments this year cover some of the most important topics for student pilots, including: real world communication scenarios (at Class B, C, and D airports), tips for safely integrating tablets into your flight training, key concepts of glass cockpits (like the Garmin G1000), how to use new weather forecast tools, how to make perfect crosswind landings, how to recover from unstabilized approaches, and what to consider when transitioning to high performance or complex airplanes. You’ll learn the latest material, with no outdated sections to get in the way.
New Test Prep Tools
Passing the FAA Knowledge Test can be a hassle, but it’s much easier with the right tools. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes over 1000 practice questions – and we’re constantly updating our database – so you won’t be surprised on test day. Each question includes plain English explanations written by Sporty’s team of flight instructors, which encourages understanding instead of just memorization.
Sporty’s Pilot Training app, available for iOS and Android and included with your purchase, adds a number of powerful test prep tools. The app tracks your progress in multiple subject areas, so you can focus on your weakest topics for maximum efficiency. Once you’ve studied each area, create a study session based on all marked questions or all missed questions. You can also create a smart study session, where the app learns from your progress and creates customized quizzes to drill on topics that need improvement. You’ll spend less time studying what you already know, and more time filling in any gaps.
Best of all, your study sessions always stay in sync between devices. You can start a quiz on your laptop then review the results on your iPad without missing a beat.
Smart TV Apps
Another signature feature of Sporty’s courses is their support for multiple platforms. You can study on almost any device, and now that extends beyond computers, phones, and tablets to smart TVs. New for 2020, full Chromecast integration and an all-new RokuTV channel (in addition to our existing Apple TV app) mean you can watch Sporty’s videos almost anywhere. Just download the free app on your TV and sign in; in seconds you’ll be watching the latest aviation training videos from the comfort of your couch.
FAA Handbook
While videos and interactive test prep are the best ways to learn, sometimes you can’t beat a textbook, so the 2020 Learn to Fly Course includes access to over 25 popular FAA resources. From the Airplane Flying Handbook to important Advisory Circulars, it’s all here – over $300 in books for free. In the Pilot Training app, you can view full resolution color PDFs and use powerful document tools like bookmarks and search to organize your studying. With this addition, Sporty’s course really is a complete training resource.
Checkride Prep
The final step to becoming a pilot is the practical test, commonly called the checkride. Preparing for this event can be stressful, so we’ve added three new tools to make sure you’re ready for the examiner. First, interactive Checkride Prep Flashcards are an easy way to test your knowledge of key subjects, ensuring you’ll be ready to talk about regulations, airspace, and systems. Next, a complete practical test checklist explains everything you need for the big day, from certificates to logbook entries. Finally, a special video segment shows you what to expect on the checkride, with tips from an active pilot examiner. You’ll arrive for the test ready to excel.
Video Review Notes
Now you can quickly review the key points from every video segment with this handy document. Included free with the course, it’s easy to read as you watch each segment, or you can print out the entire document for use as a refresher. It’s ideal for last minute preparation.
Mobile-friendly Online Portal
Sporty’s Pilot Training app is a powerful tool for training on the go, but sometimes you can’t beat a web browser. With that in mind, we’ve completely redesigned our online training portal to be simpler, faster, and mobile-friendly. It’s easy to use on all your devices, and there’s no software to download. Perfect for studying when you don’t have your iPad with you.
Lifetime Updates
Never worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever – no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
A good home study course is one of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot). While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
More Information
Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course is available for $249, which includes all platforms with sync and those lifetime updates.
Flying with the iPad as your digital copilot – new webinar recording
/in Tips and technique, Webinars/by studentpltnewsHere’s a list of articles for additional information on topics covered in the webinar:
What’s the best iPad for pilots?
What you need to know about charging your iPad
Electronic flight bag (EFB) legal briefing
iPad battery analysis
How to mount your iPad in the cockpit
Kneeboard options for iPad
How to preflight your iPad in less than 5 minutes
How to use Pre-Departure Clearances (PDC)
Understanding ForeFlight alerts and notifications
ADS-B weather receivers for iPad
New ADS-B weather products
6 bad habits to avoid as a student pilot
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsWe asked the pilots here at Sporty’s what they thought student pilots should avoid. We’re talking about bad habits that can get in the way of your goal of earning your wings. Here are the six bad habits to avoid when you begin your flight training.
This is an obvious but a sure-fire way to get off on the wrong foot with your training. Not only will your instructor be annoyed, but you’ll soon realize how much money that wastes over time. Flight time isn’t free. The more delays you encounter, the more time you’ll spend relearning the material. Do yourself a favor and aim to there 30 minutes early for every lesson. You’ll have time to review your notes from the last session and get a head start on your preflight.
This is good advice for any endeavor, but it definitely rings true with flight training. Lack of continuity is a killer. Better to wait a couple of months to save up so you can take your lessons one after the other than to have long breaks in between your flying lessons. There are many options like flight simulators and online training courses that will help you save money on your training. Consider utilizing these resources to save you money for flight time.
Find the pilot community, join an organization like EAA or AOPA and make an effort to make new friends at the airport that are either going through the same training or can mentor you. It’s a friendly group of people that can boost your encouragement on learning to fly.
Taking the time to enjoy your flight training can be really helpful. You’ll be more confident if you’re enjoying your lessons. And the more confidence you have, the faster you’ll pick up the skills needed to become a great aviator. So what do you do to have more fun while flying? Add a breakfast or lunch run to your cross countries. The almighty hundred dollar hamburger is a perfect way to lift you and your instructor’s mood.
Just because your last landing wasn’t the best doesn’t mean your next one won’t be. Stay on the wagon – you’re building a skill set that takes time to acquire. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen with practice and study. Something that not every pilot will tell you is that learning plateaus are common and nothing to stress about. Talk with your instructor and start mixing up your lessons so you don’t stall in your training.
Everyone on YouTube thinks they’re an expert, but few of them are. Relying on these short videos to learn aerodynamics is a bad idea. The person on YouTube is probably not as good of a pilot as they say they are, just like people on Facebook aren’t actually as happy as they would have you believe. While there are plenty of online resources to aid your training, we recommend that you verify the source before taking their word for it. YouTube is great for sparking the passion for flying or getting ideas for new places to visit, but don’t depend on it for technical knowledge and in-flight instruction.
Video: bush fly’n and BS’n
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsHaving fun as a pilot isn’t just about flying, although when you’re in a taildragger landing on dirt strips next to a river, it is pretty fun. But as Trent Palmer shows in this video, general aviation is about the people as much as the airplanes. Ride along as he and some friends explore some remote areas in their bush planes.
Video courtesy of Trent Palmer.
Stop dreaming, start flying!
/in Career/by Eric RadtkeThinking of becoming a pilot? A surging demand for pilots, technological advancements, and access to modern learning resources make for an ideal time to begin your journey.
The demand for professional pilots has never been greater. Recent data indicates that pilot certification changes and increased demand for air travel have had far-reaching industry effects, and flight departments are experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots. Nearly 100% of regional airlines are recruiting pilots.
We’ve seen starting pay at the regional airlines rise, along with new, creative compensation packages. In the airline industry, where seniority is supreme and determines everything from pay to aircraft assignments and quality of life, the opportunity exists to land destination jobs much earlier in your career than has ever been possible.
Modern technologies are commonplace in training aircraft. You likely will have access to electronic flight displays and moving maps, on-board weather and pilot information, autopilot systems and advanced navigation equipment. These transformative capabilities are making flying more fun and accessible and allowing pilots to build unprecedented safety systems on reliable information.
Advanced training resources allow pilots to train more efficiently and consistently and allow training content to be accessed anywhere that is convenient. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is an ideal flight training companion; it’s everything you need to prepare for your written test and earn your pilot certificate, with ground school, test prep, and real-world training, all in one easy-to-use package.
With a single purchase, you gain access to five formats: the online course, iPad/iPhone app, Android app, Roku app, and Apple TV app at – no additional cost. Your progress is automatically tracked and synced between devices, and you’re eligible to receive your written exam endorsement directly from the course.
Regardless of the path you choose or your motivation to begin, time is of the essence. Don’t delay, as each year of inaction is time wasted not enjoying this amazing adventure—and time could literally be costing you hundreds of thousands in future earnings.
Explore this opportunity further here at Student Pilot News, designed for pilots just like YOU.
Still have questions? Talk to our team of flight instructors: [email protected]
Friday photo: Wilkes Ellsworth first solo
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: First solo
The pilot: Wilkes Ellsworth (right) with instructor Dustin Yockey
The place: Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, OH
The aircraft: C172S
The memory: I have wanted to fly an airplane my entire life and can honestly say it was one of the happiest and most fulfilling days I have ever experienced. I can’t wait to continue my training and see where it and the aircraft will take me next.
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Sporty’s releases 2020 Learn to Fly Course
/in Pilot Gear/by studentpltnewsOne of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot) is a good home study course. While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course has been a popular option for decades, and is famous for its relentless pace of innovation. Every year, we add new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements. 2020 is no exception, with a host of upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.
Expanded Video Training
With over 15 hours of HD video and stunning animations, the video segments make up the heart of Sporty’s course. Much more than just slideshows or lectures on video, we put you in the cockpit for a pilot’s-eye view of every maneuver so you can really understand the subjects presented. And since technology is always changing, we’re constantly adding new videos.
Expanded segments this year cover some of the most important topics for student pilots, including: real world communication scenarios (at Class B, C, and D airports), tips for safely integrating tablets into your flight training, key concepts of glass cockpits (like the Garmin G1000), how to use new weather forecast tools, how to make perfect crosswind landings, how to recover from unstabilized approaches, and what to consider when transitioning to high performance or complex airplanes. You’ll learn the latest material, with no outdated sections to get in the way.
New Test Prep Tools
Passing the FAA Knowledge Test can be a hassle, but it’s much easier with the right tools. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course includes over 1000 practice questions – and we’re constantly updating our database – so you won’t be surprised on test day. Each question includes plain English explanations written by Sporty’s team of flight instructors, which encourages understanding instead of just memorization.
Sporty’s Pilot Training app, available for iOS and Android and included with your purchase, adds a number of powerful test prep tools. The app tracks your progress in multiple subject areas, so you can focus on your weakest topics for maximum efficiency. Once you’ve studied each area, create a study session based on all marked questions or all missed questions. You can also create a smart study session, where the app learns from your progress and creates customized quizzes to drill on topics that need improvement. You’ll spend less time studying what you already know, and more time filling in any gaps.
Best of all, your study sessions always stay in sync between devices. You can start a quiz on your laptop then review the results on your iPad without missing a beat.
Smart TV Apps
Another signature feature of Sporty’s courses is their support for multiple platforms. You can study on almost any device, and now that extends beyond computers, phones, and tablets to smart TVs. New for 2020, full Chromecast integration and an all-new RokuTV channel (in addition to our existing Apple TV app) mean you can watch Sporty’s videos almost anywhere. Just download the free app on your TV and sign in; in seconds you’ll be watching the latest aviation training videos from the comfort of your couch.
FAA Handbook
While videos and interactive test prep are the best ways to learn, sometimes you can’t beat a textbook, so the 2020 Learn to Fly Course includes access to over 25 popular FAA resources. From the Airplane Flying Handbook to important Advisory Circulars, it’s all here – over $300 in books for free. In the Pilot Training app, you can view full resolution color PDFs and use powerful document tools like bookmarks and search to organize your studying. With this addition, Sporty’s course really is a complete training resource.
Checkride Prep
The final step to becoming a pilot is the practical test, commonly called the checkride. Preparing for this event can be stressful, so we’ve added three new tools to make sure you’re ready for the examiner. First, interactive Checkride Prep Flashcards are an easy way to test your knowledge of key subjects, ensuring you’ll be ready to talk about regulations, airspace, and systems. Next, a complete practical test checklist explains everything you need for the big day, from certificates to logbook entries. Finally, a special video segment shows you what to expect on the checkride, with tips from an active pilot examiner. You’ll arrive for the test ready to excel.
Video Review Notes
Now you can quickly review the key points from every video segment with this handy document. Included free with the course, it’s easy to read as you watch each segment, or you can print out the entire document for use as a refresher. It’s ideal for last minute preparation.
Mobile-friendly Online Portal
Sporty’s Pilot Training app is a powerful tool for training on the go, but sometimes you can’t beat a web browser. With that in mind, we’ve completely redesigned our online training portal to be simpler, faster, and mobile-friendly. It’s easy to use on all your devices, and there’s no software to download. Perfect for studying when you don’t have your iPad with you.
Lifetime Updates
Never worry about out-of-date materials or missing features with Sporty’s free lifetime updates. Simply buy the course once and you own it forever – no subscriptions and no upgrade fees required. Every time you log in to the online training portal or open up the Pilot Training app, you’ll have access to the latest video segments, test question updates, and training features. It’s an incredible value: for the price of one flight lesson, you’ll save thousands of dollars over your flying career.
A good home study course is one of the best investments you can make as a student pilot (or a rusty pilot). While your flight lessons will form the core of your training, there’s a lot of work to be done in between trips to the airport. Sure, you’ll need something to help you prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test, but the benefits of a course go far beyond that. It will also help you save a significant amount of time and money by preparing for each lesson at home. Most importantly, you’ll be a safer, more well-rounded pilot after you earn your certificate.
More Information
Sporty’s 2020 Learn to Fly Course is available for $249, which includes all platforms with sync and those lifetime updates.
To try the course, check out the free online demo or download the Pilot Training app for iOS and Android.
You can also learn more in this video demo: