Eric Radtke

PilotWorkshops has released a new training resource designed to help instrument rating applicants prepare for the practical test with greater confidence and less stress. Checkride Insights: Instrument Rating is a fully annotated version of the FAA’s Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS), enhanced with practical explanations, examiner insights, and real-world IFR scenarios.

Flying in south Florida recently, I heard a Baron on an IFR flight plan call on 121.5 asking other pilots for help finding the correct ATC frequency. Apparently somewhere along the way, contact had been lost during a handoff, and the pilot wasn’t sure who he should be talking to next. It’s more common than many pilots realize and has happened to me on multiple occasions.

Sporty’s and PilotWorkshops have expanded their training partnership once again with the addition of VFR Mastery and IFR Mastery to the Sporty’s Pilot Training platform, delivering ongoing scenario-based proficiency training for pilots both online and via the dedicated Pilot Training app for iOS.  Long regarded as one of aviation’s most respected continuing education programs, the PilotWorkshops Mastery series helps pilots sharpen real-world decision-making skills through interactive monthly scenarios focused on both VFR and IFR flying.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hal Shevers on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Founder and longtime chairman of Sporty’s, Hal was a pioneering force in pilot training and a beloved leader in the aviation community. Hal’s life’s work shaped the landscape of general aviation for more than six decades.

For Addison Morgan, aviation has long been part of the background—but in late 2024, at a crossroads in his career, it moved to the forefront. Now nearing his Private Pilot checkride, Addison has been awarded Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship to help him complete the final cross-country requirements of his training.

Just in time for those long summer days on the ramp and evenings at the hangar, Sporty’s has introduced a new lineup of AeroWear Polo shirts. These performance shirts combine aviation-inspired design with performance comfort that pilots are sure to appreciate.

At our home airport (I69), the traffic pattern stays busy—especially with our flight school airplanes. It’s common to have multiple airplanes in the pattern, a steady stream of radio calls, and a lot happening in a short amount of time. For many student pilots, that’s where things start to feel overwhelming.

A pilot’s headset is one of the most valuable pieces of gear they own; so protecting it on every flight isn’t optional:  it’s essential. That’s why the pilots at Sporty’s designed the Flight Gear® Molded Headset Case, a purpose-built solution that delivers durable, compact protection for everyday flying.

If you’re on final, slightly high, a touch fast, maybe not perfectly lined up, your first instinct is often to try to “fix” it. After all, we don’t want to fail, especially after a good pattern. That’s exactly when you should start thinking about a go-around. Waiting too long usually comes down to ego and fear of “failure” or the hope you can salvage the landing—and that’s when things get tricky.

Designed as the ultimate “Plan B” in the cockpit, the PJ2 GPS adds essential navigation capabilities to its core communication role. Built-in GPS provides critical in-flight data, including groundspeed, altitude, and track, along with simplified waypoint navigation to help pilots get home in an emergency.