Over the course of your flight training there will be times when things feel like they’re happening very fast and it’s tough to keep up with the airplane. This is completely normal and typically happens during the first few weeks of training. It also is common when learning a new maneuver or procedure, or when getting checked out in a high-performance airplane. We all know the airplane isn’t the ideal classroom environment with engine noise to shout over, turbulence to ride through, aircraft instrumentation to interpret, all while your CFI guides you through a lesson plan. Wouldn’t it be nice though, if you could relive your flight lessons in a more controlled environment, to replay the flight and see how you handled each scenario?
The good news is that you can; and it’s never been easier thanks to advancements in a wide-spectrum of mobile technology. New iPad apps and action cameras make it a snap to record the details of each lesson, including your audio communications, cockpit video and GPS flight path. In my experience incorporating these techniques will help you progress more quickly towards your checkride, ultimately saving you time and money.
Audio recording
The easiest way to get started is to record the cockpit audio from your flight using an iPhone or iPad app. You’ll will find it beneficial to go back and listen to the dialogue between yourself and the CFI as they give real-time feedback on maneuvers and procedures from the flight. You’ll hear things you missed, along with reinforcements of what you did right and wrong throughout the flight. This is also useful when learning ATC communications, allowing you to review radio calls from Approach and Tower controllers and analyze your responses.
The simplest way to to do this is to use the included Voice Memos app on your iPhone and an audio adapter cable that interfaces between your intercom jack and headset. If you want to use an iPad or Android phone, a quick search in the app store will reveal several audio recording apps. If you have a newer Lightspeed headset check out the FlightLink app, which seamlessly interfaces with these modern headsets. The app will even record wirelessly over Bluetooth with the new Lightspeed PFX headset.
In-flight cockpit video
To take things to the next level, consider adding a small action camera to record video of your flights. Everyone knows the name GoPro these days, and these mini cameras do an excellent job at recording HD video from your flight. You’ll be able to see the instrument panel, flight controls and each event from the flight. You can even add an audio adapter cable to tie into the aircraft intercom to record both ATC and cockpit audio synced with the video.
Another in-flight camera option is the Garmin Virb, which records high-quality HD video like the GoPro, but also simultaneously logs your GPS position data. This allows you to quickly locate various points in the flight when reviewing the video by seeing your ground track on an adjacent map. The Virb is also a better option when recording cross-countries since it has about double the battery life of the GoPro and lasts about 3 hours. And after you earn your pilot certificate you’ll love taking these cameras with you on all your flights and capturing your experiences out the window as you travel to new airports and destinations.
GPS flight path logging
Ok so we’ve covered options for recording both the video and audio, what’s next? The latest trend in aviation is flight data recording, where you capture your GPS flight path with a portable device, and then analyze the data when back on the ground to visually debrief your maneuvers. Since most pilots are flying with iPads these days, the easiest way to do this is with an iPad/GPS combo and an aviation app. Both ForeFlight and WingX Pro, two of the mainstream aviation apps for pilots, include this capability right in the app.
When back on the ground you can then easily view your flight path on satellite imagery or aviation charts. You can also export the data to Google Earth for a 3D picture of your flight. And for the ultimate review, you can export the flight data to a premium-app like Cloud Ahoy, which will allow you to visualize each maneuver. It’ll even analyze them to show you where you deviated from altitude on steep turns, or heading when performing slow flight, for example.
Another option for data-recording is to use a dedicated device like the Stratus ADS-B receiver, which contains a built-in data recorder. The benefit here is that it starts recording automatically, leaving you with one less task to handle in the airplane. Just like when recording with ForeFlight’s built-in flight tracking feature, you can quickly export this data for review on aviation maps, Google Earth or CloudAhoy.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05182552/Charlie-Chris-flight.png11392047studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-30 10:53:112021-06-08 19:23:46How to pause, rewind and replay your flight lessons
Can you use an iPad during flight training? The answer is almost always yes, but a smart pilot should understand when and how to integrate technology into the learning process. Sporty’s recently hosted a webinar on the topic, which offers over an hour of tips for pilot new to the iPad: popular apps, legal considerations, questions to ask your flight school and much more. Hosted by two senior flight instructors at Sporty’s, you’re sure to learn something from the video below:
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05182600/Screen-Shot-2015-01-23-at-11.16.49-AM.png351634studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-23 11:15:042021-06-08 19:23:46Flight training and the iPad – webinar video
A mere 10 years ago, aircraft were still being manufactured with round (traditional) gauges originally designed for steam engines. Think about the technology in an altimeter. By simply measuring the difference in pressure, two small needles spin around to show you your height above mean sea level (MSL). This simple device is hardly accurate, but we’ve been using it forever so we’ll keep using it forever.
Fast forward to just five years ago and glass displays were becoming common in cockpits from airliners to general aviation aircraft. The costs were relatively low compared to the circle gauges of the past. You want five gauges in one? No problem – sign here and write a check is all it takes.
Then comes the iPad – a revolutionary electronic tablet made for mass consumers. Surely, this $500 magic device that can be bought at Walmart and many other big box retailers can’t be accurate enough for aviation. After all, we aviators take special pride in buying an alternator with an FAA stamp of approval for five times the amount for the same piece of equipment without the FAA blessing.
But wait…
yes, it is that good!
I contend that even the iPad alone is an extremely capable tool, but now we even have the ability to integrate the device with all sorts of good things. I can get real-time weather, charts, airport information, waypoints, terrain alerts, runway incursion prevention, flight computer calculations, electronic logbook, glide paths to nearest airports, traffic, engine gauges, AHRS data, GPS position, ADS-B and a lot of other acronyms that few people (including me) understand. The best part though, are that these systems are dramatically less expensive than the Glass Cockpit movement from five years ago.
So what happens to the gauges? We have the capability for a usable replacement for every gauge in the traditional cockpit to be displayed on one small, electronic screen. And now that this incredible device can fit in the palm of your hand, could we start with a clean sheet of paper for cockpit design – maybe. I’m sure there are others that are already imagining a new generation of flight deck and aircraft design made possible with “iPad technology.” It’s fun to cast old design concepts aside dictated in some respects to what no longer holds true.
When will a major aircraft manufacturer replace 90% of the gauges with nothing but a RAM iPad mount? Can we turn a Beach Baron into something that looks more like a helicopter bubble with wings? How about an airliner where the passengers sit up front? What if we went all Wright Brothers and flew the plane while lying on our stomach? The answer is I’m not sure and likely no time soon, but it’s fun to imagine what could be. Super Man would probably approve.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05182601/ipad-syn-vis.jpg15362048studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-23 10:00:472021-06-08 19:23:46Move over gauges, here comes the iPad
One of aviation’s defining characteristics is its acronyms. FAR, ILS, PTS, WAAS and hundreds more fill our flying conversations, and often confuse new pilots. At the risk of adding to the confusion, I’d like to suggest one more, but it won’t be on the Knowledge Test. FTFA, loosely translated as Fly The Freakin’ Airplane, has come in handy dozens of times over the course of my flying career.
This phrase was a favorite suggestion from one of my early flight instructors, and it while it may sound simple, that’s actually the beauty of it. I’ve found myself saying it to myself (yes, out loud) during emergencies, stressful situations and maximum performance maneuvers – as a way of forcing myself to focus on the basics.
Most recently, I was flying three colleagues in a Piper Aztec when the right-side door popped open during climbout. This is not a critical safety problem, but it does require a landing before the door can be closed again and it’s certainly distracting. During the five minutes it took to turn around and land, it was tempting to try to multi-task by holding the door or talking to the passengers. But I quickly felt myself losing focus, so I gently reminded myself to FTFA. Or as my instructor said one day when explaining his acronym, “forget navigate and communicate; just aviate!”
This advice is as valuable for experienced pilots as new ones. A rash of airline incidents and accidents lately prove that even the pros can get so focused on programming the avionics or talking on the radio that they lose track of the airplane. In one scary incident, a Boeing 757 in England was asked to do a go-around, but while adjusting the autopilot and flaps, the pilots nearly lost control of the airplane. Read the full report – it’s scary but educational reading.
It’s a good reminder that even the smallest things can get us out of our rhythm, and put our brain into a state where it’s doing more harm than good. The “fight or flight” response kicks in and a rush of adrenaline can make us all do silly things. In the case of the 757, the pilots didn’t even do anything wrong at first, but were disrupted by events on the ground. Any change from the normal flow should make your a little paranoid – it’s a good time to say FTFA.
This is also a helpful concept to remember on a long cross country, when everything seems to be going smoothly. During times like this, it’s easy to slip into complacency or lose your edge just a bit, and sophisticated autopilots only reinforce bad habits. A recent study on the subject showed that pilots aren’t so bad at physically flying the airplane, but their ability to keep situational awareness is worn down by the continued use of automation. In this case, FTFA isn’t necessarily a reminder to put your hands on the controls, but rather to keep your head in the game: do you know where you are, where you’re going and what your Plan B is?
It’s important not to confuse this philosophy with aggressiveness. By telling yourself to fly the airplane, you’re actually trying to do less, not more. So resist the urge to flip switches and make radical control inputs. If something happens and the adrenaline starts pumping, focus on maintaining positive control and take a deep breath. I know one pilot who even wrote “Breathe!” at the top of his emergency checklist.
Which brings up another great acronym: TLAR. When you’re concentrating on FTFA, one trap is to focus too much on specific power settings or airspeeds. Especially if it’s an abnormal situation, don’t stress over 76 knots vs. 75 knots – just shoot for “That Looks About Right.” Save your fine tuning for later, when everything is back to normal.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by non-stop radio chatter or a red annunciator light, just tell yourself “FTFA!” And yes, it’s OK to say it out loud.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05182605/keep-calm-sign.jpg400400studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-14 15:00:232021-06-08 19:23:46When all else fails, FTFA!
Similar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear for flying is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. At Sporty’s, we’ve operated our own flight school for decades, so we know what student pilots need – and what they don’t. And since we are the world’s largest pilot shop, we can offer the best selection of high-quality pilot supplies at the best prices. Here’s our selection of helpful tools for learning to fly, all available from Sporty’s:
Learning to fly doesn’t just mean meeting with your instructor. In fact, a lot of learning can happen at home or on your own schedule. Sporty’s offers a variety of study tools, from complete video training courses to FAA textbooks, so you can save time and money on your flight training. Sporty’s award-winning Learn to Fly Course is a great place to start.
A good flight starts with a good preflight, from planning your route to checking the weather and inspecting the airplane. These tools will help you stay safe, but they also make your preflight faster and more convenient. We even have complete iPad and Android apps for pilots. Many of these were developed by Sporty’s at our flight school, and are used every day at our airport.
Once you step into the airplane, you’ll need some important tools. A good flight bag is a critical first step, so don’t skimp on this step. Sporty’s has developed the Flight Gear line of flight bags to offer pilots better construction, more pilot-friendly features and unbeatable prices. A quality headset is another important purchase for a new pilot, and Sporty’s has the best selection of aviation headsets from the names you know: Bose, Lightspeed, Faro, Sigtronics, Telex and more.
Looking for an all-in-one kit with everything you need to get started? Check out Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Kits. They’re packed with all the essentials for a student pilot, including Sporty’s Complete Learn to Fly Course, a genuine Flight Gear bag and much more.
Celebrate your new status as a pilot with some aviation-inspired gifts. Each one is a fun way to keep your head in the sky, even when you’re on the ground, or let the world know you’re a pilot. Visit our Wright Bros. Collection for a wide selection of gifts, models and aviation memorabilia.
To shop our complete selection of pilot supplies, visit Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/05171130/4100-w-ipad-2020.jpg12001200studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2015-01-13 12:16:382021-08-18 19:32:01Student Pilot Store
There’s a lot to learn as a new pilot, but the good news is you can do much of that learning on your own schedule. In between flight lessons, a good home study course is an invaluable tool. You can review your previous lesson, learn the theory behind the maneuvers you fly and prepare for the FAA written test.
For the cost of a single flight lesson, our course will save you hours of time in the air and hundreds of dollars. The step-by-step video lessons are better than ground school, helping you prepare for your next flight lesson ahead of time so you spend less time reviewing and more time learning.
Get your written test endorsement
You’ll ace the written test with our interactive tools. Create unlimited study sessions from our proprietary database of over 1,000 FAA test questions and see the right and wrong answers, plus plain English explanations written by our team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show you which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, take a practice test that simulates the real knowledge exam you’ll have to pass. We’ll even give you the endorsement to take the test—no instructor required.
Pass all your tests—guaranteed!
Our course is so complete we guarantee you’ll pass all three tests: the written, oral and flight. Incredible 3D animations and dynamic in-flight video make complicated subjects like aerodynamics and weather easy to understand, so you’ll impress the examiner. Plus, our Airman Certification Standards Study Guide cross-references every required task to the videos, making it easy to review for the checkride.
Be ready for real world flying
Learning to fly means a lot more than just passing a test. That’s why Sporty’s course goes beyond the textbook to teach you real world flying, making you a safer, more confident pilot. Special Air Facts segments with renowned aviation author Richard Collins are packed with no-nonsense tips you can use after the checkride.
Ten formats, one price
We know you’re busy, so our course is available almost anywhere. Use our online learning platform for complete access to videos and quizzes anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no software to install – just log in and start learning. Or use our dedicated mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, which allow you to download videos for offline viewing. Progress automatically syncs between all formats so you can start a study session on your phone and finish on your laptop without missing a beat.
Free lifetime updates
We are continuously updating our videos to reflect the latest regulations and technology – and app/online customers receive these updates for free. Plus, our iOS app and online course frequently add new features to make them easier to use and more powerful. You get all of this automatically. No subscriptions, no expiration dates, and no upgrade fees!
What’s New
Check out the latest updates to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, including interactive exercises and a Windows tablet app:
How to pause, rewind and replay your flight lessons
/in Tips and technique/by StudentpltnewsThe good news is that you can; and it’s never been easier thanks to advancements in a wide-spectrum of mobile technology. New iPad apps and action cameras make it a snap to record the details of each lesson, including your audio communications, cockpit video and GPS flight path. In my experience incorporating these techniques will help you progress more quickly towards your checkride, ultimately saving you time and money.
Audio recording
The easiest way to get started is to record the cockpit audio from your flight using an iPhone or iPad app. You’ll will find it beneficial to go back and listen to the dialogue between yourself and the CFI as they give real-time feedback on maneuvers and procedures from the flight. You’ll hear things you missed, along with reinforcements of what you did right and wrong throughout the flight. This is also useful when learning ATC communications, allowing you to review radio calls from Approach and Tower controllers and analyze your responses.
The simplest way to to do this is to use the included Voice Memos app on your iPhone and an audio adapter cable that interfaces between your intercom jack and headset. If you want to use an iPad or Android phone, a quick search in the app store will reveal several audio recording apps. If you have a newer Lightspeed headset check out the FlightLink app, which seamlessly interfaces with these modern headsets. The app will even record wirelessly over Bluetooth with the new Lightspeed PFX headset.
In-flight cockpit video
Another in-flight camera option is the Garmin Virb, which records high-quality HD video like the GoPro, but also simultaneously logs your GPS position data. This allows you to quickly locate various points in the flight when reviewing the video by seeing your ground track on an adjacent map. The Virb is also a better option when recording cross-countries since it has about double the battery life of the GoPro and lasts about 3 hours. And after you earn your pilot certificate you’ll love taking these cameras with you on all your flights and capturing your experiences out the window as you travel to new airports and destinations.
GPS flight path logging
Ok so we’ve covered options for recording both the video and audio, what’s next? The latest trend in aviation is flight data recording, where you capture your GPS flight path with a portable device, and then analyze the data when back on the ground to visually debrief your maneuvers. Since most pilots are flying with
iPads these days, the easiest way to do this is with an iPad/GPS combo and an aviation app. Both ForeFlight and WingX Pro, two of the mainstream aviation apps for pilots, include this capability right in the app.
When back on the ground you can then easily view your flight path on satellite imagery or aviation charts. You can also export the data to Google Earth for a 3D picture of your flight. And for the ultimate review, you can export the flight data to a premium-app like Cloud Ahoy, which will allow you to visualize each maneuver. It’ll even analyze them to show you where you deviated from altitude on steep turns, or heading when performing slow flight, for example.
Another option for data-recording is to use a dedicated device like the Stratus ADS-B receiver, which contains a built-in data recorder. The benefit here is that it starts recording automatically, leaving you with one less task to handle in the airplane. Just like when recording with ForeFlight’s built-in flight tracking feature, you can quickly export this data for review on aviation maps, Google Earth or CloudAhoy.
Flight training and the iPad – webinar video
/in Webinars/by StudentpltnewsCan you use an iPad during flight training? The answer is almost always yes, but a smart pilot should understand when and how to integrate technology into the learning process. Sporty’s recently hosted a webinar on the topic, which offers over an hour of tips for pilot new to the iPad: popular apps, legal considerations, questions to ask your flight school and much more. Hosted by two senior flight instructors at Sporty’s, you’re sure to learn something from the video below:
Move over gauges, here comes the iPad
/in Having fun, Personal stories/by StudentpltnewsFast forward to just five years ago and glass displays were becoming common in cockpits from airliners to general aviation aircraft. The costs were relatively low compared to the circle gauges of the past. You want five gauges in one? No problem – sign here and write a check is all it takes.
Then comes the iPad – a revolutionary electronic tablet made for mass consumers. Surely, this $500 magic device that can be bought at Walmart and many other big box retailers can’t be accurate enough for aviation. After all, we aviators take special pride in buying an alternator with an FAA stamp of approval for five times the amount for the same piece of equipment without the FAA blessing.
But wait…
yes, it is that good!
So what happens to the gauges? We have the capability for a usable replacement for every gauge in the traditional cockpit to be displayed on one small, electronic screen. And now that this incredible device can fit in the palm of your hand, could we start with a clean sheet of paper for cockpit design – maybe. I’m sure there are others that are already imagining a new generation of flight deck and aircraft design made possible with “iPad technology.” It’s fun to cast old design concepts aside dictated in some respects to what no longer holds true.
When will a major aircraft manufacturer replace 90% of the gauges with nothing but a RAM iPad mount? Can we turn a Beach Baron into something that looks more like a helicopter bubble with wings? How about an airliner where the passengers sit up front? What if we went all Wright Brothers and flew the plane while lying on our stomach? The answer is I’m not sure and likely no time soon, but it’s fun to imagine what could be. Super Man would probably approve.
When all else fails, FTFA!
/in Tips and technique/by StudentpltnewsOne of aviation’s defining characteristics is its acronyms. FAR, ILS, PTS, WAAS and hundreds more fill our flying conversations, and often confuse new pilots. At the risk of adding to the confusion, I’d like to suggest one more, but it won’t be on the Knowledge Test. FTFA, loosely translated as Fly The Freakin’ Airplane, has come in handy dozens of times over the course of my flying career.
This phrase was a favorite suggestion from one of my early flight instructors, and it while it may sound simple, that’s actually the beauty of it. I’ve found myself saying it to myself (yes, out loud) during emergencies, stressful situations and maximum performance maneuvers – as a way of forcing myself to focus on the basics.
Most recently, I was flying three colleagues in a Piper Aztec when the right-side door popped open during climbout. This is not a critical safety problem, but it does require a landing before the door can be closed again and it’s certainly distracting. During the five minutes it took to turn around and land, it was tempting to try to multi-task by holding the door or talking to the passengers. But I quickly felt myself losing focus, so I gently reminded myself to FTFA. Or as my instructor said one day when explaining his acronym, “forget navigate and communicate; just aviate!”
This advice is as valuable for experienced pilots as new ones. A rash of airline incidents and accidents lately prove that even the pros can get so focused on programming the avionics or talking on the radio that they lose track of the airplane. In one scary incident, a Boeing 757 in England was asked to do a go-around, but while adjusting the autopilot and flaps, the pilots nearly lost control of the airplane. Read the full report – it’s scary but educational reading.
It’s a good reminder that even the smallest things can get us out of our rhythm, and put our brain into a state where it’s doing more harm than good. The “fight or flight” response kicks in and a rush of adrenaline can make us all do silly things. In the case of the 757, the pilots didn’t even do anything wrong at first, but were disrupted by events on the ground. Any change from the normal flow should make your a little paranoid – it’s a good time to say FTFA.
This is also a helpful concept to remember on a long cross country, when everything seems to be going smoothly. During times like this, it’s easy to slip into complacency or lose your edge just a bit, and sophisticated autopilots only reinforce bad habits. A recent study on the subject showed that pilots aren’t so bad at physically flying the airplane, but their ability to keep situational awareness is worn down by the continued use of automation. In this case, FTFA isn’t necessarily a reminder to put your hands on the controls, but rather to keep your head in the game: do you know where you are, where you’re going and what your Plan B is?
It’s important not to confuse this philosophy with aggressiveness. By telling yourself to fly the airplane, you’re actually trying to do less, not more. So resist the urge to flip switches and make radical control inputs. If something happens and the adrenaline starts pumping, focus on maintaining positive control and take a deep breath. I know one pilot who even wrote “Breathe!” at the top of his emergency checklist.
Which brings up another great acronym: TLAR. When you’re concentrating on FTFA, one trap is to focus too much on specific power settings or airspeeds. Especially if it’s an abnormal situation, don’t stress over 76 knots vs. 75 knots – just shoot for “That Looks About Right.” Save your fine tuning for later, when everything is back to normal.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by non-stop radio chatter or a red annunciator light, just tell yourself “FTFA!” And yes, it’s OK to say it out loud.
Student Pilot Store
/in Uncategorized/by StudentpltnewsSimilar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear for flying is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. At Sporty’s, we’ve operated our own flight school for decades, so we know what student pilots need – and what they don’t. And since we are the world’s largest pilot shop, we can offer the best selection of high-quality pilot supplies at the best prices. Here’s our selection of helpful tools for learning to fly, all available from Sporty’s:
Home Study
Learning to fly doesn’t just mean meeting with your instructor. In fact, a lot of learning can happen at home or on your own schedule. Sporty’s offers a variety of study tools, from complete video training courses to FAA textbooks, so you can save time and money on your flight training. Sporty’s award-winning Learn to Fly Course is a great place to start.
Learn to Fly Course Online
Instrument Rating Course
Sporty’s Pilot Training App
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook
Flying with ForeFlight Course
Federal Aviation Regulations Book
Private/Sport Pilot Maneuvers Guide
Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards
Preflight
A good flight starts with a good preflight, from planning your route to checking the weather and inspecting the airplane. These tools will help you stay safe, but they also make your preflight faster and more convenient. We even have complete iPad and Android apps for pilots. Many of these were developed by Sporty’s at our flight school, and are used every day at our airport.
Electronic E6B Flight Computer
E6B App for iPad/iPhone
E6B App for Android
VFR/IFR Flight Plan Forms
Sectional Chart Plotter
Fuel Tester
Flight Gear Flashlight
Flight Gear Headlamp
Pilot’s Flight Log and Record
In the Cockpit
Once you step into the airplane, you’ll need some important tools. A good flight bag is a critical first step, so don’t skimp on this step. Sporty’s has developed the Flight Gear line of flight bags to offer pilots better construction, more pilot-friendly features and unbeatable prices. A quality headset is another important purchase for a new pilot, and Sporty’s has the best selection of aviation headsets from the names you know: Bose, Lightspeed, Faro, Sigtronics, Telex and more.
Flight Gear iPad Bag
Crosswind Flight Gear Bag
Instant IFR Training Glasses
David Clark H10-13.4 Headset
Bose A20 Aviation Headset
Lightspeed Sierra Headset
Aviation Charts
ForeFlight App for iPad
Complete Packages
Looking for an all-in-one kit with everything you need to get started? Check out Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Kits. They’re packed with all the essentials for a student pilot, including Sporty’s Complete Learn to Fly Course, a genuine Flight Gear bag and much more.
Deluxe Learn to Fly Kit (Online and App)
Deluxe Learn to Fly Kit with ForeFlight
Pilot Gifts
Celebrate your new status as a pilot with some aviation-inspired gifts. Each one is a fun way to keep your head in the sky, even when you’re on the ground, or let the world know you’re a pilot. Visit our Wright Bros. Collection for a wide selection of gifts, models and aviation memorabilia.
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
Custom-embroidered Golf Shirt
Aviation Doormat
Honeycomb Flight Simulator Yoke
Solo Recognition Trophy
Garmin D2 Air Watch
Altimeter Desk Clock
To shop our complete selection of pilot supplies, visit Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course
/in Tools/by Eric RadtkeComplete Private Pilot Training
There’s a lot to learn as a new pilot, but the good news is you can do much of that learning on your own schedule. In between flight lessons, a good home study course is an invaluable tool. You can review your previous lesson, learn the theory behind the maneuvers you fly and prepare for the FAA written test.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is a complete companion:
Save time and money
For the cost of a single flight lesson, our course will save you hours of time in the air and hundreds of dollars. The step-by-step video lessons are better than ground school, helping you prepare for your next flight lesson ahead of time so you spend less time reviewing and more time learning.
Get your written test endorsement
You’ll ace the written test with our interactive tools. Create unlimited study sessions from our proprietary database of over 1,000 FAA test questions and see the right and wrong answers, plus plain English explanations written by our team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show you which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, take a practice test that simulates the real knowledge exam you’ll have to pass. We’ll even give you the endorsement to take the test—no instructor required.
Pass all your tests—guaranteed!
Our course is so complete we guarantee you’ll pass all three tests: the written, oral and flight. Incredible 3D animations and dynamic in-flight video make complicated subjects like aerodynamics and weather easy to understand, so you’ll impress the examiner. Plus, our Airman Certification Standards Study Guide cross-references every required task to the videos, making it easy to review for the checkride.
Be ready for real world flying
Learning to fly means a lot more than just passing a test. That’s why Sporty’s course goes beyond the textbook to teach you real world flying, making you a safer, more confident pilot. Special Air Facts segments with renowned aviation author Richard Collins are packed with no-nonsense tips you can use after the checkride.
Ten formats, one price
We know you’re busy, so our course is available almost anywhere. Use our online learning platform for complete access to videos and quizzes anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no software to install – just log in and start learning. Or use our dedicated mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, which allow you to download videos for offline viewing. Progress automatically syncs between all formats so you can start a study session on your phone and finish on your laptop without missing a beat.
Free lifetime updates
We are continuously updating our videos to reflect the latest regulations and technology – and app/online customers receive these updates for free. Plus, our iOS app and online course frequently add new features to make them easier to use and more powerful. You get all of this automatically. No subscriptions, no expiration dates, and no upgrade fees!
What’s New
Check out the latest updates to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, including interactive exercises and a Windows tablet app:
Try it Now
Download a free demo of the iPad/iPhone App.
Download a free demo of the Android App.
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