Eric Radtke

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Donald Ezeude didn’t grow up around airplanes or pilots—but after one life-changing flight on the Fourth of July, he quickly gained more than a passing interest in aviation. Now, just weeks into his flight training, Donald has been awarded Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship to help fund his Private Pilot License.

Sporty’s has released two new portable power solutions designed specifically for pilots: the Flight Gear® Smart Battery Pack and its big brother, the Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX. Both models feature a high-resolution color screen—an uncommon feature in backup batteries—that provides real-time readouts of remaining power, output in watts, temperature, and charging status. Whether you're powering an iPad or a Starlink Mini, these smart batteries offer clean, reliable energy with zero interference.

If you fly regularly at a non-towered airport, radio calls quickly become second nature—a rhythm of position reports that helps everyone stay on the same page. But if you're used to the towered environment, the transition can feel a little disorienting, like you're flying blind. The good news? You’re not alone on frequency, and with a few key calls, you can confidently communicate your intentions and stay in sync and safe while operating with other traffic.