Eric Radtke

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts is bringing the allure of the airport home with our new Solar-Powered Runway and Taxiway Lights, designed to replicate the classic look of runway and taxiway lighting. Whether you are lining a driveway, adding flair to your hangar, or creating a one-of-a-kind garden path, these lights add the perfect aviation touch to any outdoor space.

If you’ve been training for a while and your CFI still hasn’t asked you to pull to the side of the ramp so he can endorse your logbook for that first solo, it’s natural to feel anxious and frustrated. Maybe you've logged 15 or 20 hours, and your friend already soloed. And that naturally has you thinking, "Why not me?"

Remember this: soloing is not a race. Every student learns at a different pace, and your instructor’s job is to make sure you're not just technically qualified to solo, but truly ready.

Brett Belingheri is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship—an award he intends to apply toward completing his private pilot training as he navigates a career change to a professional pilot path. Belingheri grew up listening to stories of airplanes, told by his grandfather, who flew the B-24 Liberator in WWII. His interest in learning to fly was further inspired by his growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, near Nellis Air Force Base, where he attended air shows.

Sporty’s Academy, the renowned flight school based at Clermont County Airport (I69) in Batavia, Ohio, has chosen the Flight Gear Pull-Down Tie-Down Kit as the preferred solution for securing its fleet of more than 20 training aircraft. From single-engine Cessnas to the twin-engine Piper Aztec, Sporty’s Academy aircraft endure a variety of weather conditions that require a reliable and easy-to-use tie-down system.

Katia Van Horn, a full-time flight instructor from Missouri, is the winner of the 2025 Richard L. Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. Her article, Cruising Through the Soaring Blues, was selected as the entry that best answered this year’s writing prompt: “My Most Memorable Flight.” Van Horn describes the triumphs and tribulations of her first soaring competition as her most memorable flight.

Maneuvering speed is considered to be the accelerated stall speed at the positive limit load factor (LLF) for the category of aircraft. Practically speaking, maneuvering speed (VA) provides a margin of safety. If the airplane is slower than VA, it cannot exceed the LLF without stalling so you can maneuver the airplane without the risk of exceeding its structural limit. Since VA is related to the stall speed, it will also decrease with a decrease in weight. 

Pilot’s Discretion has always been about more than just aviation; it is about connecting pilots, enthusiasts, and industry leaders with stories and insights that entertain, inspire, and educate. From day one, our mission has been to bring value to the aviation community through thought-provoking discussions and expert perspectives. We are proud to say that, thanks to your support, Pilot’s Discretion consistently ranks among the top 10 aviation podcasts.

Struggling to decode your FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report? Sporty’s has introduced a free Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis Tool, designed to instantly identify your deficient knowledge areas and help you focus your study efforts. This powerful AI-driven feature is part of our Aviation Intelligence℠ (AI) tools, delivering a detailed breakdown of your missed FAA test questions in seconds. Simply upload a photo or scan of your written test report, and our AI will extract the relevant Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes along with descriptions of the topics you need to review. No more flipping through pages of ACS documents—get instant clarity on where to focus your studies!

Long flights can be draining, especially when hydration takes a backseat. The Flight Gear Cooler Caddy addresses this issue head-on with a leak-proof main compartment that can handle ice and keep your beverages cold—and handy—for hours. The two integrated beverage holders (designed to fit bottles up to 3” in diameter) keep your drinks secure and prevent them from rolling around in the bumps—a thoughtful touch for summer flying. 

BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. To fly under BasicMed, pilots must print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician. Then complete an online medical course and you’re ready to fly! An important note is that third-class medical reform does not alleviate the need for pilots to continually self-certify when it comes to being fit for flight.