Sporty's PIREPs

PilotWorkshops Premier is a new, comprehensive membership program designed to help pilots build and maintain proficiency between flights. Developed directly from customer feedback, Premier delivers an integrated training ecosystem for aviators seeking direct access to flight instructors, real-time interactive training, and continuous decision-making practice.

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing.

The pitot tube is a small but important part of your airplane's pitot-static system. It measures the pressure of the air entering its forward-facing opening as the airplane moves through the air. Combined with static pressure from the static ports, that information allows the airspeed indicator to calculate indicated airspeed.

Learning to fly involves more than passing a written test. It takes quality instruction, practice, and the ability to apply what you have learned in the airplane. The 2027 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course adds new 4K video lessons, expanded Flight Instructor Focus segments, updated test preparation, and new ways to study with Sporty’s Aviation Intelligence℠ (AI) tools. Because Sporty’s courses include lifetime access, these updates are included automatically for existing customers at no additional cost.

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat.

Sporty’s has introduced the Compact Pilot Gel Seat Cushion, a lightweight, foldable seat cushion designed to add comfort to airplane seats without taking up valuable space in a flight bag.  The cushion has a breathable honeycomb gel design that provides soft, supportive seating while promoting airflow.  Its compact size makes it well suited for long cross-country flights, training sessions, and older aircraft with well-used seats.

Oxygen can make a noticeable difference on a long cross-country, but traditional tanks aren’t always convenient to carry or use. The Inogen Rove 6 takes a different approach, producing oxygen on demand without a tank to fill or ration. We took this portable oxygen concentrator flying to see how it works in a GA cockpit—and whether it’s a practical option for pilots.

Let’s face it—not every training airplane has a first-class seat. Some of the airplanes we fly have been working hard since the 1970s (or earlier), and after thousands of hours of students climbing in and out, the seats can leave a little to be desired. Fortunately, you don’t have to redo the entire interior to make your next flight more comfortable. Here are four of our favorite ways to upgrade your seat.

For many pilots, the first step is becoming a flight instructor. Instructing allows you to get paid to fly while building the experience needed to qualify for more advanced flying jobs. It's also a good way to develop skills that aren't always measured by your logbook, such as communication, decision-making, and crew resource management.

Sporty’s has announced its upcoming webinar schedule, featuring four free online presentations covering new avionics, modern autopilots, handheld radios, and iPad flight tools. All webinars begin at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and are open to pilots of all experience levels.