Sporty's PIREPs

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. 

For pilots, an aviation headset is more than just an accessory—it’s an essential tool for clear communication and in-flight comfort. The ideal headset should provide superior noise reduction, crystal-clear audio, and all-day comfort without breaking the bank. That’s exactly what the Kore Aviation KA-1 delivers.

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.

In this special episode, we turn the tables on host John Zimmerman and put him in the guest chair to reflect on a Pilot’s Discretion milestone. Sporty’s Eric Radtke asks John about his favorite episodes, what he’s learned about the aviation community by talking to 99 pilots, and his predictions for the industry’s future. You’ll also learn about John’s background, including why he learned to fly in high school and why he thinks writing is so important. In the Ready to Copy segment, John talks about live music, baseball rule changes, and his favorite aviation book. Plus, we introduce our new show, Air Facts Podcast: The Story Behind the Story, where we talk to AirFactsJournal.com contributors to hear what inspired their articles and the lessons behind them.

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. 

The first big aviation event of the year is about to kick off, and Sporty's will be there in a big way. The annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, which takes place in sunny Lakeland, Florida (LAL), runs from April 1 - April 6 this year. Stop by Sporty's big tent - just outside Hangar A on the main ramp - for new products, interactive demos, product experts, and much more.

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.

After building a billion-dollar music business, Chuck Surack is applying the lessons he learned to save an aviation icon. He talks about his passion for flying helicopters, why he decided to buy Enstrom, and the challenge of restarting production. Chuck also offers plenty of tips for growing a business and creating a culture of excellence, with some peeks behind the scenes at Sweetwater. In the Ready to Copy segment, Chuck shares his favorite place to land a helicopter, what he looks for when hiring an employee, and what it was like to work with Stevie Wonder.