Sporty's PIREPs

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

Landing an airplane is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to the bounced landing which occurs when the airplane contacts the ground with a sharp impact as the result of an improper landing attitude or an excessive sink rate. Though the airplane's tires and struts provide some springing action, the airplane does not bounce like a rubber ball. Instead, it rebounds into the air because the wing's angle of attack was abruptly increased, producing a sudden addition of lift.

When the bounce is very slight and there is no extreme change in the airplane's pitch attitude and sufficient runway remains, a follow-up landing may be executed by applying just enough power to cushion the subsequent touchdown.

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

Zachary Erck is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship, an award he intends to apply toward accomplishing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Since that magical first flight more than 20 years ago, Erck, with the help of his supportive family, has taken several more Discovery Flights.  Until recently, though, he had never been in a position to pursue aviation as a career.

The legendary T-38 Talon has been the aerial classroom for generations of Air Force pilots, and Matt Johnson spent many hours teaching there. He shares what he learned from that time, including the benefits of standardization, the importance of pre-flight briefings, and when to let a student make a mistake. These days Matt flies a Citation and a Lancair IVP, so he talks about applying those Air Force lessons to GA operations, and some mistakes he’s made along the way. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn how to give a good discovery flight, what SR-71 pilots called the airplane, and how cold it really is in his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.

As 2024 comes to a close, Sporty’s is thrilled to showcase the year’s most innovative and in-demand products. These top picks highlight cutting-edge technology, enhanced functionality, and thoughtful designs. Sporty’s 2024 Gear of the Year is sure to inspire, from groundbreaking tools for pilot training to must-have accessories for every flight deck, so get ready to explore these industry-leading essentials. 

Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.

One of the many pre-flight tasks pilots perform on aircraft involves fuel, and it’s not just confirming you have enough for your flight and required reserve. Specifically, pilots need to inspect the fuel to make sure it’s the right type and that it is free from contaminants. That is where a fuel tester comes into play.

Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.