Paula’s Discovery Flight – Private pilot training tips with Spencer Suderman (episode 4)

In this episode, Spencer takes Paula (a new student pilot) out for her first flight lesson in a Cessna 172. You will see what it's like to learn the basics of airplane control and how your CFI will coach you along the way to make each lesson a fun learning experience.

Video tip: Techniques for better takeoffs

The takeoff is one of the exhilarating parts of flying, but requires some basic knowledge of aircraft control and the airport environment. Here we'll look at a series of tips to help ensure each of your takeoffs are executed both smoothly and safely.

Video tip: how to land an airplane

Landing an airplane is one of the most challenging, yet satisfying tasks you'll learn to master on your path towards becoming a private pilot. This week's tip shows how to fly a stabilized final approach and help you visualize the steps necessary to transition from the roundout and flare to the touchdown.

How to identify airport runways and traffic patterns (video tip)

A standard traffic pattern is normally flown when setting up to approach and land at an airport. In this video, we'll take a look at the standard ways to both enter and depart a traffic pattern, as well as look at how runways are identified based on their location and orientation.

Ground reference maneuvers with Spencer Suderman (episode 2)

In this episode, Spencer demonstrates how to fly several of the common ground reference maneuvers, including turns around a point and the rectangular course.

The four fundamentals of flight with Spencer Suderman (episode 1)

What should you expect on your first flight lesson? Sporty’s has once again partnered with airshow pilot and flight instructor Spencer Suderman, this time for a new video series to answer questions like that

Video tip: how to spot in-flight traffic

Collision avoidance skills are emphasized early on in the flight training process, and it's important that you make an effort to keep your eyes out the window as much as possible when practicing maneuvers. This week's video takes a look at a few tips you can incorporate on your next flight to help spot nearby traffic, along with some new technology innovations that allow you to display nearby traffic right on your favorite aviation iPad app.

Video tip: The aerodynamics of induced and parasite drag

During your flight training you'll learn all about the 4 forces acting on the airplane in flight, including lift, thrust, weight and drag. This week's tip takes a closer look at the aerodynamic forces that cause the rearward force of drag, including a breakdown of parasite vs. induced drag.

Pilot’s guide to flying in Class E and G airspace (video tip)

The vast majority of airspace below 18,000' in the US is classified as either Class E or Class G and does not require communication with ATC to enter. This video explores how you can identify the boundaries of Class E and G airspace on a sectional chart and the operational considerations when flying in each.

Video tip: How thunderstorms form

Thunderstorms can cause considerable aircraft damage on the ground and in flight. Even airlines take extra precautions to divert around convective activity for the comfort of the passengers and the safety of the flight. In this week's video tip, you'll learn the three conditions necessary for the formation of a thunderstorm. A thorough understanding of how and when thunderstorms develop will allow you to plan your flight to avoid dangerous weather.