There are many aviation calculations required for preflight preparation and when planning a cross-country trip. In the early days, pilots used a mechanical circular slide rule, called an E6B. Electronic E6B calculators came next, which were more intuitive to operate and provide more accurate results.
During flight training, you’ll learn to plan your cross-country flights first by hand and use the E6B each step of the way. You’ll also find it to be a handy companion when studying for the FAA knowledge exam. It will assist with flight planning questions and you can bring your electronic E6B into the testing center to use during the actual test. The electronic E6B is equally useful when in the airplane, to help determine actual winds aloft, true airspeed, fuel burn, and descent planning.
We’ll use the Sporty’s electronic E6B flight computer in this quiz when calculating flight planning and navigation questions. You can use any E6B flight computer to answer this quiz, though you may see minor differences in the results due to rounding. For a comprehensive guide to the questions in the quiz plus instructions describing all the remaining functions and features, read the Sporty’s E6B Flight Computer Manual.
Find the density altitude of an airport with a field elevation of 843’, an air temperature of 7º Celsius, and a barometric pressure of 29.83”.
Correct!Wrong!
Find the crosswind component for Runway 36 if the reported wind direction is 320º at 12 knots.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the planned groundspeed if the winds aloft are forecast to be from 250º at 15 knots flying a true course of 130º with a true airspeed of 112 knots.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the flight time for a 45 nautical mile leg using the groundspeed determined in the previous question.
Correct!Wrong!
Determine the fuel required to complete the same 45 nautical mile leg with an estimated fuel burn of 8.5 gallons per hour and the flight time determined from the previous question.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the endurance of an aircraft that contains 53 gallons of fuel and burns 9.8 gallons per hour.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the actual true airspeed given the following flight conditions.
Correct!Wrong!
Determine the actual groundspeed in flight with a leg time of 24.5 minutes and a distance of 54 nautical miles.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the distance flown in nautical miles using the previously calculated ground speed and a leg time of 30 minutes.
Correct!Wrong!
Calculate the actual wind speed using the following conditions.
Are you a VFR pilot that hates being grounded just because there is a cloud layer over the airport? What if you could take off on a day with a 2,000-foot overcast ceiling and then climb through a few hundred feet of clouds to cruise on top in clear weather? An instrument rating unlocks that capability and can help your realize the full potential of your pilot’s license.
Welcome to Sporty’s IFR Insights Series, hosted by Spencer Suderman. Spencer is an airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor and will show what it’s like to fly IFR cross-country trips and instrument approaches.
In this first episode, Spencer flies an RNAV approach through rain showers and a low cloud layer into St. Augustine, FL, in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172.
You can learn more about the course, as well as find a large collection of new articles, videos, quizzes and podcasts all geared towards IFR flying at https://www.sportys.com/IFR
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05160259/IFR-insights-1.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-02-08 08:55:582025-02-05 16:03:11IFR Insights Episode 1: Flying an Instrument Approach in IMC with Spencer Suderman
A seemingly subtle change to § 61.57 that went into effect in early December has a significant affect on PIC currency requirements. Of course, everyone is aware that three takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if required) are required to carry “passengers,” but the recent update to landing currency in § 61.57(a)(b) replaces the word “passengers” with “persons.” Why is this meaningful?
The definition of a passenger specifically excludes a person receiving or providing flight training meaning an instructor and student on an instructional flight did not have to be concerned with landing currency; but now there are specific exceptions that must be followed that would allow a non-current instructor to provide instruction to a non-current client. Those exceptions are outlined in § 61.57(e) and requires that:
the flight training is limited to the purpose of meeting currency requirements
the person receiving flight training meets all other requirements to act as pilot in command of the aircraft; and
the authorized instructor and the person receiving flight training are the sole occupants of the aircraft.
Instructors and students should be aware of scenarios that would require PIC landing currency such as any time working with a student pilot (who would not meet other requirements to act as PIC) or in the case of multiengine instruction where the student/client may also not meet PIC requirements for the aircraft.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/13133342/updated-currency-requirements.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-02-07 08:55:502025-01-13 13:36:34Updated PIC Currency Requirements
Special use airspace includes military operations areas, prohibited areas, alert areas, warning areas, restricted areas and controlled firing areas. This week’s video tip explains how to identify their location and best practices for making sure you don’t accidentally fly into one.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05110557/Special-use-airspace.jpg10001250Bret Koebbehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngBret Koebbe2025-02-05 10:00:482025-02-05 11:06:10Video Tip: Flying in and around special use airspace
Earning an instrument rating is a fun and rewarding experience that will provide you with added confidence and make your pilot’s license more powerful. Pilots with an instrument rating are no longer confined to clear skies and VMC—it opens opportunities for more consistent flying, regardless of weather variability. And for pilots considering a career in aviation, an instrument rating is essential. It’s a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial pilot certificate and other advanced qualifications. While the training is rigorous and requires dedication, the sense of accomplishment after earning the rating is unparalleled.
Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65.
1) Ensure Eligibility
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65. A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
Hold at least a current private pilot certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
2) Complete your ground school & written test
Instrument rating applicants are required to receive and log ground training from an instructor or complete a home-study course of training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas. Sporty’s online Instrument Rating Course will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot. More than 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, interactive exercises, and new Aviation Intelligence features and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
Choosing the right one is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your IFR training.
3) Locate a Flight School and Instructor
Sporty’s flight school database is a good place to start—it shows over 1,000 flight school locations in the US. You can also do a basic search at your favorite internet search engine, or ask other pilots for recommendations. Once you’ve located some schools, choosing the right one is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your IFR training. More than anything, a flight school needs to be a good fit for you–your schedule, your goals and your personality. Visit flight schools near you. Meet with the staff and tour the facilities and airplanes and ensure they have experience in IFR training.
Personal referrals are always a good option. Consider if you are connected to someone who has trained at a specific school and would be willing to recommend the school and/or an instructor. Just like you “interviewed” the flight school, sit down with a prospective instructor and get to know them. Talk about your reasons for earning an instrument rating, your goals and your questions.
4) Complete your IFR flight training
Ensure you’re following a structured training curriculum and be an active participant in the training process.
After you’ve chosen a flight school and instructor, ensure you’re following a structured training curriculum and be an active participant in the training process. Prepare for each lesson with your home study materials and seek feedback from your instructor including any additional study you might accomplish on your own. Once you’ve completed the curriculum, you’ll be ready for the checkride. To be eligible for the checkride, applicants must have logged the required aeronautical experience which includes:
50 hours of cross-country as PIC (at least 10 hours in an airplane)
40 hours of instrument time (simulated or actual) to include 15 hours of instruction
Areas of IFR training include preflight preparation, clearances, basic attitude instrument flying, navigation, emergency operations and post flight procedures. Sporty’s Flight Training Central offers a flight school directory to help you identify a flight school and instructor for your IFR training.
5) Complete your practical test (checkride)
After you’ve completed the requirements above, you’ll be ready for your instructor to provide an endorsement for your IFR checkride. You should enlist the assistance of your instructor or flight school in scheduling the exam. Familiarize yourself with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Instrument Rating—the guide the examiner will use for your evaluation. Ensure your Instrument Rating application (8710) is completed and signed within IACRA and complete any necessary preflight planning.
Congratulations on taking this important first step in understanding the process of earning an Instrument Rating. Best wishes in your journey!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/24114911/getting-started-with-IFR-training.png10001250Eric Radtkehttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngEric Radtke2025-02-03 08:55:192025-02-11 10:22:06Getting Started With IFR Training—Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
Throughout the month of February, Sporty’s is celebratingIFR Month, a month-long focus on the challenges and rewards of instrument flying. In addition to special savings on pilot gear, Sporty’s will offer interactive webinars, articles, instrument flying videos, and answers to common IFR questions. The goal is to encourage pilots to earn their instrument rating, get current, and enjoy more utility from their pilot certificate.
Limited time IFR Month specials will be available on a variety of products, including Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course. This comprehensive course, newly updated for 2025 with aviation intelligence, is available on virtually all mobile platforms and includes engaging IFR training, free lifetime updates, dedicated test preparation modules, and an extensive IFR reference library.
Sporty’s also is producing a series of IFR video tips and other free resources and is collaborating with PilotWorkshops on an “IFR Focus” series. Additionally, we will be highlighting our YouTube video series, “IFR Insights,” hosted by airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor, Spencer Suderman. In each episode, Suderman shows how to use modern tools to make IFR flying safer and easier. Sporty’s team of flight instructors also will be answering common instrument flying questions throughout the month on everything from getting rated to staying current.
Sporty’s IFR Month runs from February 1 through February 28. For more information, and a complete list of content, events and specials, visit Sportys.com/IFR.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23162037/ifr-month.png10001250Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngFlight Training Central Staff2025-01-31 08:55:522025-01-28 12:26:32February is IFR month at Sporty’s
Quiz: Flight Planning with Sporty’s E6B
/in Quiz/by Chris ClarkeThere are many aviation calculations required for preflight preparation and when planning a cross-country trip. In the early days, pilots used a mechanical circular slide rule, called an E6B. Electronic E6B calculators came next, which were more intuitive to operate and provide more accurate results.
During flight training, you’ll learn to plan your cross-country flights first by hand and use the E6B each step of the way. You’ll also find it to be a handy companion when studying for the FAA knowledge exam. It will assist with flight planning questions and you can bring your electronic E6B into the testing center to use during the actual test. The electronic E6B is equally useful when in the airplane, to help determine actual winds aloft, true airspeed, fuel burn, and descent planning.
We’ll use the Sporty’s electronic E6B flight computer in this quiz when calculating flight planning and navigation questions. You can use any E6B flight computer to answer this quiz, though you may see minor differences in the results due to rounding. For a comprehensive guide to the questions in the quiz plus instructions describing all the remaining functions and features, read the Sporty’s E6B Flight Computer Manual.
Share the quiz to show your results !
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IFR Insights Episode 1: Flying an Instrument Approach in IMC with Spencer Suderman
/in Video Tips/by Flight Training Central StaffAre you a VFR pilot that hates being grounded just because there is a cloud layer over the airport? What if you could take off on a day with a 2,000-foot overcast ceiling and then climb through a few hundred feet of clouds to cruise on top in clear weather? An instrument rating unlocks that capability and can help your realize the full potential of your pilot’s license.
Welcome to Sporty’s IFR Insights Series, hosted by Spencer Suderman. Spencer is an airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor and will show what it’s like to fly IFR cross-country trips and instrument approaches.
In this first episode, Spencer flies an RNAV approach through rain showers and a low cloud layer into St. Augustine, FL, in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172.
You can learn more about the course, as well as find a large collection of new articles, videos, quizzes and podcasts all geared towards IFR flying at https://www.sportys.com/IFR
Updated PIC Currency Requirements
/in News, Regulations/by Flight Training Central Staff§ 61.57 Update Replaces Passenger with Person
Video Tip: Flying in and around special use airspace
/in Tips and technique, Video Tips/by Bret KoebbeSpecial use airspace includes military operations areas, prohibited areas, alert areas, warning areas, restricted areas and controlled firing areas. This week’s video tip explains how to identify their location and best practices for making sure you don’t accidentally fly into one.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course
Getting Started With IFR Training—Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
/in IFR flying, Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeEarning an instrument rating is a fun and rewarding experience that will provide you with added confidence and make your pilot’s license more powerful. Pilots with an instrument rating are no longer confined to clear skies and VMC—it opens opportunities for more consistent flying, regardless of weather variability. And for pilots considering a career in aviation, an instrument rating is essential. It’s a prerequisite for obtaining a commercial pilot certificate and other advanced qualifications. While the training is rigorous and requires dedication, the sense of accomplishment after earning the rating is unparalleled.
Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65.
1) Ensure Eligibility
Instrument Rating eligibility is outlined in 14 CFR 61.65. A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
2) Complete your ground school & written test
Instrument rating applicants are required to receive and log ground training from an instructor or complete a home-study course of training on the required aeronautical knowledge areas. Sporty’s online Instrument Rating Course will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot. More than 12 hours of HD video and animations explain everything you need to know to earn your Instrument Rating and feel confident in the clouds. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, interactive exercises, and new Aviation Intelligence features and you have aviation’s most complete training course.
Choosing the right one is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your IFR training.
3) Locate a Flight School and Instructor
Sporty’s flight school database is a good place to start—it shows over 1,000 flight school locations in the US. You can also do a basic search at your favorite internet search engine, or ask other pilots for recommendations. Once you’ve located some schools, choosing the right one is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your IFR training. More than anything, a flight school needs to be a good fit for you–your schedule, your goals and your personality. Visit flight schools near you. Meet with the staff and tour the facilities and airplanes and ensure they have experience in IFR training.
Personal referrals are always a good option. Consider if you are connected to someone who has trained at a specific school and would be willing to recommend the school and/or an instructor. Just like you “interviewed” the flight school, sit down with a prospective instructor and get to know them. Talk about your reasons for earning an instrument rating, your goals and your questions.
4) Complete your IFR flight training
Ensure you’re following a structured training curriculum and be an active participant in the training process.
After you’ve chosen a flight school and instructor, ensure you’re following a structured training curriculum and be an active participant in the training process. Prepare for each lesson with your home study materials and seek feedback from your instructor including any additional study you might accomplish on your own. Once you’ve completed the curriculum, you’ll be ready for the checkride. To be eligible for the checkride, applicants must have logged the required aeronautical experience which includes:
Areas of IFR training include preflight preparation, clearances, basic attitude instrument flying, navigation, emergency operations and post flight procedures. Sporty’s Flight Training Central offers a flight school directory to help you identify a flight school and instructor for your IFR training.
5) Complete your practical test (checkride)
After you’ve completed the requirements above, you’ll be ready for your instructor to provide an endorsement for your IFR checkride. You should enlist the assistance of your instructor or flight school in scheduling the exam. Familiarize yourself with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Instrument Rating—the guide the examiner will use for your evaluation. Ensure your Instrument Rating application (8710) is completed and signed within IACRA and complete any necessary preflight planning.
Sporty’s offers a helpful Instrument Rating Checkride Checklist available here.
Congratulations on taking this important first step in understanding the process of earning an Instrument Rating. Best wishes in your journey!
February is IFR month at Sporty’s
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffIFR Month will be celebrated across Sporty’s Media Network including Flight Training Central, Sporty’s Air Facts, iPad Pilot News and Sporty’s Product PIREPS blog. Each will include articles, videos, and quizzes on instrument flying topics. Webinar topics include using home flight simulators for instrument proficiency, passing the instrument rating knowledge test, and a fun, fast-paced 10 question test of your IFR knowledge.
Limited time IFR Month specials will be available on a variety of products, including Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course. This comprehensive course, newly updated for 2025 with aviation intelligence, is available on virtually all mobile platforms and includes engaging IFR training, free lifetime updates, dedicated test preparation modules, and an extensive IFR reference library.
Sporty’s also is producing a series of IFR video tips and other free resources and is collaborating with PilotWorkshops on an “IFR Focus” series. Additionally, we will be highlighting our YouTube video series, “IFR Insights,” hosted by airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor, Spencer Suderman. In each episode, Suderman shows how to use modern tools to make IFR flying safer and easier. Sporty’s team of flight instructors also will be answering common instrument flying questions throughout the month on everything from getting rated to staying current.
Sporty’s IFR Month runs from February 1 through February 28. For more information, and a complete list of content, events and specials, visit Sportys.com/IFR.