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.

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.

Over 40% of active student pilots are under age 30 and Clay Simmons is one of them (he even built a Carbon Cub at age 22). He explains the unique expectations this new generation of pilots has, how the GA industry can be more successful in reaching out, and why mentors are so important. Clay is also an active backcountry pilot, so he shares advice for pilots who want to fly taildraggers and explore off-airport destinations. In the Ready to Copy segment, Clay talks about homebuilding tips, campfire cooking, and great architecture.

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.

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.

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.

Familiarize Yourself with the Format—the Private Pilot written test FAA test contains 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have two hours to complete it. Any of the written tests may also include validation questions, which are questions used to accumulate data for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are non-scored questions, and do NOT count for or against your final test score. The posted number of questions does NOT include validation questions.

A description of each test, allotted times, and total questions are available via the Airman Knowldge Testing Matrix.

Flying IFR can be stressful for some pilots. For many of us, the IFR muscle is one that we don’t exercise too often. But just like in any stressful activity, having the right gear can help alleviate some of the pressure. These are the five items that I don’t get an IFR clearance without. 

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts is thrilled to announce the release of its highly-anticipated 2025 Limited Edition Cessna 172 Die-Cast Model—a must-have for all pilots and for anyone with an affinity for classic aviation.

This exceptional replica is inspired by the 1969 Cessna 172K, N46418, owned by Brandon and Casey Bates, winners of Sporty’s annual contest to select the most worthy aircraft. Sporty’s invited Skyhawk owners everywhere to submit photos of their amazing aircraft and selected tail number N46418, among dozens of submissions, to become legendary.

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.