News

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.

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. 

Pilots preparing for their checkrides now have a better way to study. Sporty’s has reprinted the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot in a convenient, spiral-bound format that allows pilots to lay them flat on a desk or table for easy studying and note-taking—no more wrestling with pages that won’t stay open!

The ACS publications outline the knowledge, skills, and risk management elements that pilots must demonstrate to earn their certificates and ratings. These books serve as the FAA’s official guide for both applicants and examiners, making them an essential tool for checkride preparation and success.

Whether you are stopping for a quick visit or parking an aircraft overnight, the ChockMate system offers a quick, reliable, and portable tie-down solution. The anchor brackets double as chocks for added convenience, while the entire kit fits neatly into the included carrying case, making this an easy addition to any pilot’s gear.

Perfect for hanging flight bags, headsets, oxygen bags, or other small accessories, this versatile hook can be positioned on the front or back of your seat for flexible storage and to protect your gear. With a holding capacity of up to 11.5 pounds and compatibility with gaps up to 5.5 inches, it’s a simple solution for keeping your cockpit tidy.

Sporty’s award-winning Instrument Rating Course has been updated for 2025, with a number of significant enhancements that make IFR training more engaging and efficient. If earning an instrument rating is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, now is the time to get started. Updates for 2025 include the introduction of cutting-edge AI tools, new video-based training content, and extensive test prep updates.