Pilot Training app brings a variety of aviation training courses to one location.
Sporty’s innovative Pilot Training app brings a variety of aviation training courses to one location, allowing you to access all of your Sporty’s aviation content on dedicated iPhone and iPad apps, Mac app, an Android app, online, and on the TV using the included apps for AppleTV, FireTV, AndroidTV, Roku and Chromecast. Moreover, the platform continues to grow with innovative new content, training tools, and technological enhancements.
In its recent release, Sporty’s Pilot Training app adds:
FAA Knowledge Test preparation resources
Video training
FAA resource library
Articles, webinars and related content
Free Learn to Fly ebook – A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training
FAA Knowledge Test preparation resources – allows you to study individual groups of questions with real-time feedback and detailed answer explanations, which is very helpful when studying for the FAA Knowledge Test. You can then use Test Mode to take a simulated FAA Practical Test to gauge your preparedness for the real thing. A free account allows you to study all question categories with performance indicators; take FAA practice tests; and review your five most recent sessions.
Study individual groups of questions with real time feedback and detailed answer explanations
Video training – Sporyt’s pilot training app allows you to access quality, engaging content from each course before signing up and even includes a free course – Get Started with Learning to Fly. The course features videos, articles, and other resources for the brand-new pilot. You also gain access to a searchable flight school directory, Cessna fight deck posters, and helpful links to other resources and essential pilot supplies.
Access quality, engaging content from all of the app platforms.
FAA resource library including up-to-date FARs – everything from the current aviation regulations (FARs) to the AIM, advisory circulars, handbooks and more is available free in the extensive resource library. Each book includes interactive outlines and search capabilities to quickly locate key topics, and the ability to highlight and even add bookmarks to help organize your studying.
Each book includes interactive outlines and search capabilities
Articles, webinars and content – A menu on the bottom of the app home screen provides pilots with quick access to Sporty’s comprehensive library of free flight training blogs, aviation podcasts, and webinar recordings. Quickly read, listen to or watch the latest aviation-themed content. Podcasts load in the app’s audio player. All of these resources are completely free and do not require the user to purchase a course first.
Sporty’s team of instructors, shares honest advice based on decasdes of experience operating a flight school.
Free ebook – A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training – Sporty’s team of instructors share honest advice based on decades of experience operating a flight school. You’ll have all of the basic questions answered that relate to learning to fly, including how much and how long. Get expert advice on evaluating flight schools and flight instructors and helpful tips on making your training experience productive, efficient and fun!
To take advantage of Sporty’s Pilot Training app resources:
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/25130735/Macbook-PT-App-V2a.png13312048Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-03-08 08:55:442024-03-18 16:46:00New free resources available in Sporty’s Pilot Training app
Pilots need to have a good understanding of airplane systems to know how to properly operate their controls and troubleshoot them when things don’t work as expected. This week’s tip examines the Cessna 172 fuel system to show each component and give you a better understanding of how all the parts work together.
During your training, you will be introduced to the rectangular course and other ground reference maneuvers. Ground reference maneuvers integrate the fundamentals of flight and demonstrate that you have competence in manipulating the flight controls and applying control pressures to maintain a pre-determined aircraft course relative to objects on the ground. Applying this skill to the rectangular course is the basis for airport traffic patterns.
To begin the rectangular course maneuver, we’ll first select a prominent rectangular field bounded by four section lines whose sides are approximately equal to a typical traffic pattern. The field selected should be close to a suitable place to land in case of an emergency. We’ll complete the Pre-Maneuver Checklist and ensure the areas is clear of any traffic.
The airplane will be flown at 1,000’ AGL parallel to and at an equal distance from the field boundaries – about ½ – ¾ miles from the boundary as you would fly a traffic pattern. To maintain this equal distance on all legs of the maneuver, we will have to adjust bank angles during the turns and apply wind correction angles to prevent drifting toward or away from the field boundaries. The airspeed flown should be what’s recommended by the manufacturer, but at an airspeed not to exceed maneuvering speed.
The entry into the maneuver should be accomplished downwind as you would enter the traffic pattern where groundspeed will be the greatest. On the downwind leg, there should be no wind correction angle if the wind is directly behind us, but with any type of quartering tailwind, some drift correction will be necessary. The turn from the downwind leg onto the base leg is entered with a relatively steep bank angle since the groundspeed is greatest. The steeper bank angle is necessary in order to maintain the equal distance from the boundaries.
Enter the rectangular course maneuvers on a 45 degree angle to the downwind leg.
As the airplane turns onto the following base leg, the tailwind will decrease and becomes a crosswind. The bank angle should be reduced gradually with coordinated aileron and rudder input. The pilot should be prepared for the necessary crosswind correction and compensate by turning more than 90° angling toward the inside of the rectangular course.
The turn from downwind leg to base leg will be more than 90 degrees to compensate for the increasing crosswind.
The next leg is where the airplane turns from a base leg position to the upwind leg. Ideally, on the upwind, the wind is directly on the nose of the airplane resulting in a direct headwind and decreased groundspeed; however, some drift correction will be necessary for any type of quartering headwind. The pilot should roll the airplane into a medium-banked turn with coordinated aileron and rudder input.
As the airplane turns onto the upwind leg, the crosswind lessens and becomes a headwind, and the bank angle is gradually reduced with coordinated aileron and rudder pressures. Because the pilot was angled into the wind on the base leg, the turn to the upwind leg is less than 90°.
The next leg is where the airplane turns from an upwind leg position to the crosswind leg. The pilot should slowly roll the airplane into a shallow-banked turn (the shallowest bank of the maneuvers since groundspeed is the slowest into the headwind). As the airplane turns onto the crosswind leg, the headwind lessens and becomes a crosswind. To compensate for the crosswind, the pilot maintains an angle into the wind, toward the outside of the rectangular course, which requires the turn to be less than 90°.
The final turn is back to the downwind leg, which requires a medium-banked angle and a turn greater than 90° since we were angled into the wind and away from the field boundary on the previous leg. The groundspeed will be increasing as the turn progresses and the bank should be held and then rolled out using coordinated aileron and rudder input.
Throughout the maneuver it’s important to maintain positive, coordinated control at a constant airspeed, altitude and distance from the field boundary. It’s also important to continue to be aware of your surroundings by scanning for other traffic or obstacles.
To summarize:
Standards:
Altitude: ±100 feet
Airspeed: ±10 knots
Bank: Avoids banking in excess of 45°
Procedures:
Select an altitude of 1000’ AGL/or an appropriate traffic pattern altitude.
Select a prominent rectangular field bounded by four section lines whose sides are approximately equal to a typical traffic pattern. The major axis of the rectangle should be approximately parallel to wind direction at flight altitude. The field should also be close to a suitable place to land in case of an emergency.
Perform Pre-Maneuver Checklist and clear the area.
Establish the appropriate cruise airspeed (not to exceed maneuvering speed) and enter the maneuver at a 45° to the downwind. The first circuit should be to the left.
Establish the proper Wind Correction Angle to maintain a uniform distance from the field boundaries.
Commence and complete turns abeam the field boundaries.
Vary the bank angle (not to exceed 45°) to maintain a constant radius during the turns.
Common Errors:
Failure to adequately clear the area.
Poor reference selection.
Failure to establish proper altitude, prior to entry. (Typically entering the maneuver while descending).
Failure to establish appropriate wind correction angle resulting in drift.
Gaining or losing altitude.
Poor coordination. (Typically skidding in turns from a downwind heading and slipping in turns from an upwind heading).
Abrupt control usage.
Inability to adequately divide attention between airplane control and maintaining ground track.
Improper timing in beginning and recovering from turns.
Inadequate visual lookout for other aircraft.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/29100539/rectangular-course.png525748Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2024-03-04 08:55:222024-03-04 10:07:47How to fly a rectangular course
Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast has new episodes available with guests that include Dr. Mike Jones on why small airports are mismanaged; CFI-I, Ryan Koch, on keeping your instrument skills sharp; and helicopter CFI, Randy Waldman, talks about the similarities between music and flying.
Pilot’s Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation’s most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly.
Pilot’s Discretion is hosted by Sporty’s President, John Zimmerman. Have a question or a guest suggestion? Email us: [email protected].
Sporty’s President and Air Facts Editor John Zimmerman for 20 questions on a wide variety of IFR topics. From departure procedures to weather to WAAS approaches, you’ll learn practical tips for safer instrument flying in this webinar recording.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/28113906/image-1.png6431000Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-02-29 14:00:032024-03-11 13:20:54Sporty’s webinar video: 20 questions to test your IFR knowledge
The two most useful benefits have been ADS-B datalink weather and a real-time traffic display in the cockpit, delivered by the network of ADS-B ground stations in the U.S. These free services are available to pilots of all aircraft types (even drones) thanks to the widespread availability of inexpensive, portable ADS-B receivers and rapid developments in mobile app and panel-mount avionics technology.
There is a lot more to gain from these NextGen services than just being able to see the location of thunderstorm cells on your iPad in flight, or noting the location of an airliner passing 10 miles in front of you. When used strategically you can use this information to gain additional insight into what’s going on in the airspace around you and make more informed decisions on each flight, giving you an edge when dealing with air traffic control.
Until recently we had no other choice but to rely on ATC and Flight Service as the primary source of information. How is the weather developing? Call the controller or a flight service specialist. Where is the traffic? Wait for ATC to inform you of a potential conflict. What is the best IFR route and which approach can I expect? ATC will tell you when it’s convenient for them.
These challenges and unknowns have always been a part of flying IFR, but with NextGen that’s starting to change. This new technology has eliminated many of these unknowns, providing pilots with the information needed to make more-informed decisions during every phase of flight, from preflight to shutdown.
Let’s start with the IFR route selection process. Gone are the days of making an educated guess on a route, only to have ATC respond with a full route clearance with intersections and airways. It now takes only a moment in ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot or FltPlan.com to enter a departure and destination airport and then see recently issued clearances to other aircraft flying the same route. They’re even sorted by altitude so you can find the option that best matches the performance of your airplane. File one of these routes and you’re almost guaranteed a “cleared as filed” from clearance delivery.
On that same topic, the need to “call” clearance delivery is no longer a requirement at all airports. Both ForeFlight and FltPlan.com offer GA pilots convenient access to the Pre-Departure Clearance system that the airlines have been using for years. After enrolling in this service, and when departing from one of over 70 approved airports in the U.S., your IFR clearance will be sent via email and text message 30 minutes before departure.
Currently, this works at airports served by airlines in busy Class B and C airspace where you’re also most likely to receive a complex IFR clearance. The textual clearance also includes a digital transcription of the current ATIS. With routine these tasks out of the way before you step foot in the airplane, you can devote 100% of your attention to programming the GPS and preparing for taxi instead of studying IFR charts and departure procedures searching for obscure waypoints and other gotchas.
After takeoff, you can use the datalink weather component of NextGen to stay ahead of ATC when flying near convective weather. Prior to ADS-B, you had to rely on the advice of ATC, Flight Watch and Flight Service to guide you around the storms and hold on tight if the ride got rough. Now you can easily identify thunderstorms, icing or turbulence threats hundreds of miles away and request to modify your route accordingly. The controllers prefer you handle weather avoidance in this manner as well with a predetermined route, as opposed to flying up to the weather and then making multiple heading requests.
On longer flights, the best time to start planning for the arrival and approach is when things are quiet during cruise and while several hundred miles from the destination. The problem is you may not be able to receive the ATIS at this range, so there’s no way to confirm which runway or instrument approach is in use to begin preparing for the approach. Don’t give up there – all it takes is a little detective work with the traffic layer in your mobile app to determine the active runway.
First, make sure you have an unrestricted or unfiltered traffic layer enabled on the moving map, zoom into the destination airport, and turn on the extended centerlines feature. Now keep an eye out for traffic approaching and descending towards the airport and you’ll be able to see which runway is in use. I used this trick when flying into Nashville recently and was able to determine they were using the ILS or RNAV Runway 20L approach and using runway 20C for departures. All of this was observed by tracking another airplane’s final approach course on the map while I was still 250 miles southeast of the airport.
You can use the nearby traffic depiction to expedite the issuance of a visual approach clearance too when flying into a busy towered airport. When the weather is VFR, it’s not uncommon to be vectored into a sequence behind multiple aircraft. The inefficiency occurs as ATC has to build in extra spacing between each airplane to ensure adequate separation, leading to time-consuming vectors. But here’s where your NextGen tools can help. After visually locating the airport, begin developing a mental picture of the preceding aircraft and try to find their location on the traffic display on your iPad. This should make it much easier to spot them visually, at which point you can let ATC know you have both airport and traffic in front and sight. If they’re on top of things, the controller can now clear you for the visual approach sooner since you have the airplane you’re following in sight.
This is just the beginning of what NextGen has to offer to make our flights more efficient and interactions with ATC more meaningful. The next 10 years will be even more exciting, as internet connectivity reaches the GA cockpit and ATC communications transition to digital messages. I’m personally looking forward to retiring the phrase “say again” and forgetting how to adjust squelch on analog radios.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/06105953/IMG_8432-scaled.jpg19202560Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2024-02-29 08:55:592024-02-12 11:06:12Keeping One Step Ahead of ATC when flying IFR
New free resources available in Sporty’s Pilot Training app
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffPilot Training app brings a variety of aviation training courses to one location.
Sporty’s innovative Pilot Training app brings a variety of aviation training courses to one location, allowing you to access all of your Sporty’s aviation content on dedicated iPhone and iPad apps, Mac app, an Android app, online, and on the TV using the included apps for AppleTV, FireTV, AndroidTV, Roku and Chromecast. Moreover, the platform continues to grow with innovative new content, training tools, and technological enhancements.
In its recent release, Sporty’s Pilot Training app adds:
FAA Knowledge Test preparation resources – allows you to study individual groups of questions with real-time feedback and detailed answer explanations, which is very helpful when studying for the FAA Knowledge Test. You can then use Test Mode to take a simulated FAA Practical Test to gauge your preparedness for the real thing. A free account allows you to study all question categories with performance indicators; take FAA practice tests; and review your five most recent sessions.
Study individual groups of questions with real time feedback and detailed answer explanations
Video training – Sporyt’s pilot training app allows you to access quality, engaging content from each course before signing up and even includes a free course – Get Started with Learning to Fly. The course features videos, articles, and other resources for the brand-new pilot. You also gain access to a searchable flight school directory, Cessna fight deck posters, and helpful links to other resources and essential pilot supplies.
Access quality, engaging content from all of the app platforms.
FAA resource library including up-to-date FARs – everything from the current aviation regulations (FARs) to the AIM, advisory circulars, handbooks and more is available free in the extensive resource library. Each book includes interactive outlines and search capabilities to quickly locate key topics, and the ability to highlight and even add bookmarks to help organize your studying.
Each book includes interactive outlines and search capabilities
Articles, webinars and content – A menu on the bottom of the app home screen provides pilots with quick access to Sporty’s comprehensive library of free flight training blogs, aviation podcasts, and webinar recordings. Quickly read, listen to or watch the latest aviation-themed content. Podcasts load in the app’s audio player. All of these resources are completely free and do not require the user to purchase a course first.
Sporty’s team of instructors, shares honest advice based on decasdes of experience operating a flight school.
Free ebook – A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training – Sporty’s team of instructors share honest advice based on decades of experience operating a flight school. You’ll have all of the basic questions answered that relate to learning to fly, including how much and how long. Get expert advice on evaluating flight schools and flight instructors and helpful tips on making your training experience productive, efficient and fun!
To take advantage of Sporty’s Pilot Training app resources:
Video tip: the Cessna 172 fuel system
/in Video Tips/by Bret KoebbePilots need to have a good understanding of airplane systems to know how to properly operate their controls and troubleshoot them when things don’t work as expected. This week’s tip examines the Cessna 172 fuel system to show each component and give you a better understanding of how all the parts work together.
The video clip is from Sporty’s 2024 Learn to Fly Course
How to fly a rectangular course
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeDuring your training, you will be introduced to the rectangular course and other ground reference maneuvers. Ground reference maneuvers integrate the fundamentals of flight and demonstrate that you have competence in manipulating the flight controls and applying control pressures to maintain a pre-determined aircraft course relative to objects on the ground. Applying this skill to the rectangular course is the basis for airport traffic patterns.
To begin the rectangular course maneuver, we’ll first select a prominent rectangular field bounded by four section lines whose sides are approximately equal to a typical traffic pattern. The field selected should be close to a suitable place to land in case of an emergency. We’ll complete the Pre-Maneuver Checklist and ensure the areas is clear of any traffic.
The airplane will be flown at 1,000’ AGL parallel to and at an equal distance from the field boundaries – about ½ – ¾ miles from the boundary as you would fly a traffic pattern. To maintain this equal distance on all legs of the maneuver, we will have to adjust bank angles during the turns and apply wind correction angles to prevent drifting toward or away from the field boundaries. The airspeed flown should be what’s recommended by the manufacturer, but at an airspeed not to exceed maneuvering speed.
The entry into the maneuver should be accomplished downwind as you would enter the traffic pattern where groundspeed will be the greatest. On the downwind leg, there should be no wind correction angle if the wind is directly behind us, but with any type of quartering tailwind, some drift correction will be necessary. The turn from the downwind leg onto the base leg is entered with a relatively steep bank angle since the groundspeed is greatest. The steeper bank angle is necessary in order to maintain the equal distance from the boundaries.
Enter the rectangular course maneuvers on a 45 degree angle to the downwind leg.
As the airplane turns onto the following base leg, the tailwind will decrease and becomes a crosswind. The bank angle should be reduced gradually with coordinated aileron and rudder input. The pilot should be prepared for the necessary crosswind correction and compensate by turning more than 90° angling toward the inside of the rectangular course.
The turn from downwind leg to base leg will be more than 90 degrees to compensate for the increasing crosswind.
The next leg is where the airplane turns from a base leg position to the upwind leg. Ideally, on the upwind, the wind is directly on the nose of the airplane resulting in a direct headwind and decreased groundspeed; however, some drift correction will be necessary for any type of quartering headwind. The pilot should roll the airplane into a medium-banked turn with coordinated aileron and rudder input.
As the airplane turns onto the upwind leg, the crosswind lessens and becomes a headwind, and the bank angle is gradually reduced with coordinated aileron and rudder pressures. Because the pilot was angled into the wind on the base leg, the turn to the upwind leg is less than 90°.
The next leg is where the airplane turns from an upwind leg position to the crosswind leg. The pilot should slowly roll the airplane into a shallow-banked turn (the shallowest bank of the maneuvers since groundspeed is the slowest into the headwind). As the airplane turns onto the crosswind leg, the headwind lessens and becomes a crosswind. To compensate for the crosswind, the pilot maintains an angle into the wind, toward the outside of the rectangular course, which requires the turn to be less than 90°.
The final turn is back to the downwind leg, which requires a medium-banked angle and a turn greater than 90° since we were angled into the wind and away from the field boundary on the previous leg. The groundspeed will be increasing as the turn progresses and the bank should be held and then rolled out using coordinated aileron and rudder input.
Throughout the maneuver it’s important to maintain positive, coordinated control at a constant airspeed, altitude and distance from the field boundary. It’s also important to continue to be aware of your surroundings by scanning for other traffic or obstacles.
To summarize:
Standards:
Procedures:
Common Errors:
New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast
/in News/by Eric RadtkeSporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast has new episodes available with guests that include Dr. Mike Jones on why small airports are mismanaged; CFI-I, Ryan Koch, on keeping your instrument skills sharp; and helicopter CFI, Randy Waldman, talks about the similarities between music and flying.
Pilot’s Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation’s most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly.
Pilot’s Discretion is hosted by Sporty’s President, John Zimmerman. Have a question or a guest suggestion? Email us: [email protected].
Sporty’s webinar video: 20 questions to test your IFR knowledge
/in Webinars/by Flight Training Central StaffSporty’s President and Air Facts Editor John Zimmerman for 20 questions on a wide variety of IFR topics. From departure procedures to weather to WAAS approaches, you’ll learn practical tips for safer instrument flying in this webinar recording.
Keeping One Step Ahead of ATC when flying IFR
/in IFR flying, Tips and technique/by Bret KoebbeThe two most useful benefits have been ADS-B datalink weather and a real-time traffic display in the cockpit, delivered by the network of ADS-B ground stations in the U.S. These free services are available to pilots of all aircraft types (even drones) thanks to the widespread availability of inexpensive, portable ADS-B receivers and rapid developments in mobile app and panel-mount avionics technology.
Until recently we had no other choice but to rely on ATC and Flight Service as the primary source of information. How is the weather developing? Call the controller or a flight service specialist. Where is the traffic? Wait for ATC to inform you of a potential conflict. What is the best IFR route and which approach can I expect? ATC will tell you when it’s convenient for them.
These challenges and unknowns have always been a part of flying IFR, but with NextGen that’s starting to change. This new technology has eliminated many of these unknowns, providing pilots with the information needed to make more-informed decisions during every phase of flight, from preflight to shutdown.
Let’s start with the IFR route selection process. Gone are the days of making an educated guess on a route, only to have ATC respond with a full route clearance with intersections and airways. It now takes only a moment in ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot or FltPlan.com to enter a departure and destination airport and then see recently issued clearances to other aircraft flying the same route. They’re even sorted by altitude so you can find the option that best matches the performance of your airplane. File one of these routes and you’re almost guaranteed a “cleared as filed” from clearance delivery.
On that same topic, the need to “call” clearance delivery is no longer a requirement at all airports. Both ForeFlight and FltPlan.com offer GA pilots convenient access to the Pre-Departure Clearance system that the airlines have been using for years. After enrolling in this service, and when departing from one of over 70 approved airports in the U.S., your IFR clearance will be sent via email and text message 30 minutes before departure.
Currently, this works at airports served by airlines in busy Class B and C airspace where you’re also most likely to receive a complex IFR clearance. The textual clearance also includes a digital transcription of the current ATIS. With routine these tasks out of the way before you step foot in the airplane, you can devote 100% of your attention to programming the GPS and preparing for taxi instead of studying IFR charts and departure procedures searching for obscure waypoints and other gotchas.
On longer flights, the best time to start planning for the arrival and approach is when things are quiet during cruise and while several hundred miles from the destination. The problem is you may not be able to receive the ATIS at this range, so there’s no way to confirm which runway or instrument approach is in use to begin preparing for the approach. Don’t give up there – all it takes is a little detective work with the traffic layer in your mobile app to determine the active runway.
First, make sure you have an unrestricted or unfiltered traffic layer enabled on the moving map, zoom into the destination airport, and turn on the extended centerlines feature. Now keep an eye out for traffic approaching and descending towards the airport and you’ll be able to see which runway is in use. I used this trick when flying into Nashville recently and was able to determine they were using the ILS or RNAV Runway 20L approach and using runway 20C for departures. All of this was observed by tracking another airplane’s final approach course on the map while I was still 250 miles southeast of the airport.
You can use the nearby traffic depiction to expedite the issuance of a visual approach clearance too when flying into a busy towered airport. When the weather is VFR, it’s not uncommon to be vectored into a sequence behind multiple aircraft. The inefficiency occurs as ATC has to build in extra spacing between each airplane to ensure adequate separation, leading to time-consuming vectors. But here’s where your NextGen tools can help. After visually locating the airport, begin developing a mental picture of the preceding aircraft and try to find their location on the traffic display on your iPad. This should make it much easier to spot them visually, at which point you can let ATC know you have both airport and traffic in front and sight. If they’re on top of things, the controller can now clear you for the visual approach sooner since you have the airplane you’re following in sight.
This is just the beginning of what NextGen has to offer to make our flights more efficient and interactions with ATC more meaningful. The next 10 years will be even more exciting, as internet connectivity reaches the GA cockpit and ATC communications transition to digital messages. I’m personally looking forward to retiring the phrase “say again” and forgetting how to adjust squelch on analog radios.