Eric Radtke

What is ground effect?

Many student pilots notice that their airplane seems to float just above the runway during landing. This is due to ground effect, an aerodynamic phenomenon that every pilot should understand. Ground effect occurs when an airplane is flying close to the surface, usually within a distance equal to the wingspan of the aircraft. The presence of the ground reduces wingtip vortices and downwash, which in turn reduces induced drag and increases lift.

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Posted in Ask a CFI

Sporty’s Announces Fall/Winter Webinar Series for Pilots

Sporty’s free webinar series continues into fall and winter with a mix of timely topics designed to help pilots stay informed, proficient, and safe. Each interactive session is led by an experienced flight instructor or industry expert and includes a live Q&A session.

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Posted in News

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts Introduces Modern MA-1 AeroWear™ Jacket

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts has launched a new flight jacket that pays tribute to one of aviation’s most iconic flight jackets—the MA-1 bomber jacket. First issued to Air Force and Navy pilots in the 1950s, the MA-1 became a symbol of American airpower and aviation heritage. Now, Sporty’s brings that same spirit into the 21st century with its exclusive Modern MA-1 AeroWear™ Jacket, designed as the ultimate all-season jacket.

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Posted in News

Do airplanes have speed limits?

Speed enroute is a nice problem to have—flying fast enough that you actually need to worry about speed limits. Many student pilots spend most of their training days flying less than 100 knots, so the idea of going too fast in an airplane can sound like a luxury. But yes, there are speed limits, and pilots are expected to know and follow them.

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Posted in Ask a CFI

Sporty’s and PilotWorkshops Launch Real World Flight Review Course

Sporty’s has combined two powerful training programs into one comprehensive offering: Real World Flight Review. This new course pairs Sporty’s acclaimed Flight Review online video course with PilotWorkshops’ Real World VFR program, creating the most complete and practical flight proficiency resource available today.

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Posted in News

Aviation-Inspired Picture Frames from Sporty’s Aviation Gifts

Sporty’s latest addition to its Aviation Gifts collection takes inspiration directly from the beauty and nostalgia of commercial airline travel. The new Cast Aluminum Aircraft Window Picture Frames replicate the timeless look of jet windows, making them the perfect way to display favorite memories with a bold aviation touch.

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Posted in News

Sporty’s Introduces Snug Seal Cowl Plugs for Aircraft Protection

Sporty’s has introduced its new line of Snug Seal Cowl Plugs, designed to protect aircraft engines from birds, critters, and debris while providing a secure, tangle-free fit.

Cowl plugs are an essential safeguard for parked airplanes, preventing foreign objects from entering the engine compartment. Birds and rodents can quickly turn an aircraft’s cowling into a nesting site, while leaves, twigs, and other debris pose risks of clogs, corrosion, and even fire hazards during startup.

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Posted in News

What Happens If I Lose My Logbook?

First, take a deep breath, you’re not starting from zero just because you can’t find your logbook. While the FAA requires pilots to log training and aeronautical experience to prove eligibility for certificates and ratings (FAR 61.51) and currency, there’s no requirement that those records be kept in a single physical book or in any particular format. The real key is proof—you must be able to substantiate the experience you claim.

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Posted in Ask a CFI

Sporty’s Releases ATP Knowledge Test and Checkride Prep Course

Sporty’s has released a new Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Test Prep and Checkride Course, available now in the Sporty’s Pilot Training platform. Designed specifically for ATP Multiengine applicants, this all-digital course goes beyond rote memorization to deliver deep understanding, scenario-based learning, and oral exam readiness—all in one integrated solution.

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Posted in News

Charles Blondeau Wins Sporty’s Fun Flying Challenge

Sporty’s has announced the winner of its 50 Fun Flying Destinations summer challenge: Charles Blondeau. Charles and a friend spent the summer flying a Piper Arrow from the East Coast to Alaska, with several memorable stops inspired by Sporty’s free Fun Flying Destinations guide and ForeFlight content pack.

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