It’s Learn to Fly Week at Sporty’s and Flight Training Central

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The week of May 12, 2025 is Learn to Fly Week at Sporty’s, a celebration of learning to fly designed to help new pilots achieve their aviation goals. In addition to offering savings on popular pilot gear and training resources, Sporty’s will be posting inspiring content on its social media channels, and delivering valuable flight training resources at FlightTrainingCentral.com.

How Do Your FAA Written Test Scores Stack Up?

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The FAA recently released its 2024 written testing statistics, and the results offer a look at how pilots are performing across the country. Whether you're studying for your Private, Instrument, or Commercial, these numbers can help you benchmark your own performance.

FAA Continues Transition to Graphical Forecasts for Aviation

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The FAA has announced the next step in its ongoing effort to modernize aviation weather products by further transitioning from traditional area forecasts (FAs) to the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) tool. This change, detailed in an Information for Operators (InFO 25004) dated April 8, 2025, reflects the FAA’s strategy to provide pilots with more accurate, accessible, and visual weather information.
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New episodes of Sporty’s Pilot’s Discretion Podcast

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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 world famous airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. No news or fluff, just thought-provoking conversations.

Redbird’s 2025 Flight Training Survey: Costs and Completion Time Hold Steady

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Each year, the Redbird State of Flight Training Survey provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of flight training, and the 2025 report brings some welcome stability. Despite ongoing discussions about the cost and time required to earn a pilot certificate, this year's data shows that both remain largely unchanged from previous years.

Instant FAA Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis–Free from Sporty’s

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Sporty’s has deployed a free Knowledge Test Code Analysis function among its suite of Aviation Intelligence (AI) tools that provides a detailed report of your deficient knowledge areas in a matter of seconds. Simply drop a photo of your written test report into the analysis tool, and AI will retrieve the applicable ACS codes and a description of the deficient topics.

AOPA Names Nation’s Best Flight Schools and Instructors

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Every year, AOPA holds the Flight Training Experience Awards to recognize CFIs and flight schools who have gone above and beyond in providing student pilots with exceptional learning experiences. Instructors and schools were invited to apply and to request reviews from their clients to support their nomination.

Regional Airline Association Opens Application Window for 2025 Scholarship Program

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The Regional Airline Association (RAA) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, which offers financial support to students pursuing careers in aviation. The RAA Scholarship aims to help the next generation of aviation professionals achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening, expanding, and diversifying the aviation industry's future workforce.

Webinar Video: IFR Quiz Hour—10 Questions to Test Your IFR Knowledge

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Sporty's John Zimmerman hosts a fun, fast-paced hour of IFR flying questions and tips, covering everything from approach charts to weather theory. We'll tackle frequently missed questions from the Instrument written and practical tests so you'll be prepared.

FAA Publishes Updated AIM—Basic Manual Effective February 20, 2025

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This change moves the cautionary statement “Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is not an authorization to takeoff” to the first paragraph for emphasis. This change also adds a note advising readers of the increased number of instances where pilots correctly read back LUAW instructions yet depart without a takeoff clearance. It reminds pilots of the need for vigilance during LUAW operations.