Aviation consumer's Top pick

New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty's Learn to Fly Course. The powerful test prep tools mean you’ll be prepared to ace the written test, but that’s just the beginning. In depth video segments focus on real world flying, detailed lesson plans help organize your training, and Sporty’s flight instructors are always available to help.

What's new:

• Android app: watch video on your tablet, phone or Chromecast, plus take interactive FAA tests (iOS app also available)
• Roku channel: watch videos on your smart TV (Apple TV app also available)
• Powerful test prep analytics: detailed progress tracking by category and smart study sessions help you drill efficiently
• Comprehensive video search: quickly search every word of the video segments, ideal for checkride review
• CloudAhoy integration: sync training flights to Sporty's course for maneuver-by-maneuver review
• Enhanced flight instructor tracking: CFIs can track specific video segments and test prep session scores
• Interactive answer references: every quiz question includes links for further study
• Updated video segments: ADS-B technology, glass cockpits, iPad tips, instrument flying, and more
• FAA handbooks: comprehensive library of online books for in-depth study

10 reasons pilots prefer Sporty's courses:

1. Five formats, one price

We know you’re busy, so our course is available almost anywhere. Use our online learning platform for complete access to videos and quizzes anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no software to install – just log in and start learning. Or use our dedicated mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, and Roku, which allow you to download videos for offline viewing. Progress automatically syncs between all formats so you can start a study session on your phone and finish on your laptop without missing a beat.

2. Get your written test endorsement

When you complete the course, we’ll  give you the flight instructor endorsement to take the written test—instantly! You can take this endorsement to the FAA testing center, and log it in your ForeFlight logbook. It's complete preparation for the FAA Knowledge Test.

3. Pass all your tests—guaranteed!

Our course is so complete we guarantee you’ll pass all three tests: the written, oral and flight. Our video segments make complicated subjects like aerodynamics and weather easy to understand, so you’ll impress the examiner. Plus, our Airman Certification Standards Study Guide cross-references every required task to the videos, making it easy to review for the checkride.

4. Dynamic in-flight video

Sporty’s courses are famous for their HD video and 3D animations. Not a boring ground school, we put you in the cockpit for a real world look at what flying is all about. You’ll see the flight maneuvers from the left seat, and you’ll hear actual communications with air traffic control. Plus, each video segment includes helpful review notes for efficient studying, and many also have review quizzes to reinforce key concepts. 

5. 32 fully-narrated hd maneuvers

In addition to the comprehensive video segments, Sporty’s Learn to Fly course also includes a detailed maneuvers guide. All 32 maneuvers you might be tested on are included, with a 3D animation of the maneuver, narrated procedures, common errors, and completion standards. It’s a great way to review for the checkride.

6. Powerful test prep tools

You’ll ace the written test with our interactive tools. Create customized study sessions from the actual FAA test questions and see the right and wrong answers, plus plain English explanations written by our team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show you which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, take a practice test that simulates the real knowledge exam you'll have to pass. 

7. Flight instructor tracking

We make it easy for your instructor to follow your progress through the course, so you always stay in sync with your in-person lessons. Invite a CFI to see your practice test scores and review your video progress.

8. Ask a CFI

If you're stumped by a difficult subject, talk to the experienced flight instructors at Sporty's. We have a team of over 25 CFIs on staff at our flight school, training students every day just like you, so they can offer quick, helpful answers. Just click the Ask a CFI button to send a message.

9. Complete training syllabus and ACS

Research shows that pilots learn better when they use a high quality syllabus. We include a complete Training Course Outline as part of our course – the same one we use in our flight school. It includes detailed outlines for both ground and flight lessons. Think of it as a bridge between your at-home study and flight training. Our course also includes the full text of the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) - your guide to the checkride - and cross-references each task to the video segments.

10. Free Lifetime Updates

When you buy a Sporty's course, you're gaining access to a a training platform that's always up to date and always improving. We are continually adding new video segments to reflect new regulations and technology. We also refresh our FAA test question database regularly, so you don't study outdated topics. There's no additional fee or subscription to receive these updates - just log in and learn!

More Powerful Features:

• Covers Private, Recreational, and Sport Pilot - train for one or all three certificates with one course.
• Download videos for offline viewing in the app or stream them with an internet connection.
• Automatic progress sync between all formats.
• Air Facts segments go beyond the textbook to make you a proficient pilot.
• Review notes and quick quizzes after most videos help you review your progress.
• Closed captioned videos help students whose first language is not English.
• Connect to your ForeFlight logbook to log your written test endorsement.
• Redbird GIFT integration: use Sporty's course with Redbird simulators.
• Earn FAA WINGS credit and save on your insurance.
• Automatic updates mean you learn the latest information.

The Aviation Consumer's top pick

“The course videos are professional, well-organized and come with a highly useful search function.”

“It’s nearly impossible to find fault with this course.”

“It puts worthy focus on aeronautical decision-making and real-world flying scenarios.”

“Our top pick... Its content is engaging, intuitive, highly portable and provides the greatest number of study options for all aspects of initial training.”

Platform Partners

Attention flight schools

Want to use Sporty's courses in your flight school? We can help! Sign up to be a Sporty's Dealer and enjoy attractive wholesale pricing on many Sporty's training products. Our courses are used in dozens of flight schools every day, from small Part 61 schools to large Part 141-approved schools, and can improve both customer satisfaction and completion rates. Contact Mark Wiesenhahn with questions.

  
Sporty's Flight Crew

Want unlimited access to Sporty's courses plus free shipping and flight training scholarships? Join Sporty's Flight Crew, an all-in-one membership program that includes access to our Learn to Fly Course, plus much more. Plans start at just $39.99/month. Click here for details

More Info:

• More about our modular training philosophy
• Integrating written test prep into your training
• More about our cross-referenced Airman Certification Standards
• More about our Interactive Maneuvers Guide
• More about our lesson-by-lesson syllabus

AVAILABLE ON ALL YOUR DEVICES, TRY FOR FREE:

Online Course using a web browser – Login here

iPhone/iPad in Sporty's Pilot Training app – Apple App Store

AppleTV app – 4th Generation AppleTV or newer

Android in Sporty's Pilot Training app – Google Play Store

RokuTV App – search for the Sporty's Pilot Training Channel on your Roku device

Fly at Sporty’s Academy

Stop dreaming and start flying at Sporty’s world headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. The same experienced, professional instructors that bring you Sporty’s award-winning pilot training courses on DVD or online are available to fly with you at the renowned Sporty’s Academy Flight Training Center – Clermont County Airport (I69). Whether you want to enroll in a training course to earn a pilot certificate or simply take a flight, Sporty’s Academy is here to serve your aviation needs in a fleet of impeccably maintained aircraft. SportysAcademy.com or email Fly@SportysAcademy.com.

Course Content

Course Update History

What's New in Version 5.5 - June 7, 2019

The Learn to Fly Course in the mobile Pilot Training app for iOS and Android now includes all the FAA Handbooks for convenient studying. These are viewable in a new powerful document reader in both app platforms, that allows for easier reading, searching and bookmarking when viewing each document.

What's New in Version 5.4 - February 15, 2019

Five new video segments added covering pilot communication procedures at non-towered airports, Class B, Class C, Class D airspace and airports, and en route communications with ATC.

What's New in Version 5.3 - January 31, 2019

New Sporty's Roku Pilot Training Channel allows you to access the Learn to Fly Course on the popular Roku smartTV platform. Also adds Chromecast support for the Android version of the Pilot Training app.

What's New in Version 5.2 - December 23, 2018

The iPhone and iPad apps were updated with an improved Test Prep interface. The new design includes colorblind accessibility enhancements and provide a better experience when studying for FAA tests on the iPhone's smaller screen.

What's New in Version 5.1 - December 7, 2018

The Android app now includes complete FAA test prep features, allowing you to study test prep questions, answers and detailed explanations for the Private, Sport and Recreational Pilot tests. The app also now allows you to take simulated practice tests and earn your knowledge test endorsement based on your Android test results.

What's New in Version 5.0 - October 24, 2018

Updated to the new Sporty's 2019 Learn to Fly Course

Online Course Features
- Video Search: quickly find a specific video segment based on a keyword search
- All new FAA Test Prep: a new faster test prep module features 3 new study modes, Smart Study, Marked Question Study and Incorrectly Answered Questions study
- Test Prep Analytics: see detailed reports on past performance in each category of question
- Test Prep Answer References: each question includes a link to view the specific FAA reference book or resource from which the question is based.
- CFI Progress Sharing: this feature was enhanced to allow you to share the specific video segments you've completed, and how you answered each question on practice tests
- CloudAhoy Integration: Connect your CloudAhoy account to view an analysis of the maneuvers completed on each flight, with links to view the corresponding flight training video segment from the course
- FAA Handbooks: quick access to all the FAA handbooks and reference guides

NEW Android App
- view all the video segments on an Android phone or tablet
- progress automatically syncs with the online course and iOS app
- automatically included with the 2019 Learn to Fly Course

iPhone/iPad App
- Video Search: quickly find a specific video segment based on a keyword search
- Test Prep Answer References: each question includes a link to view the specific FAA reference book or resource from which the question is based.

What's New in Version 4.1 - June 11, 2018

What's New in Version 4.0.2 - February 15, 2018

The Pilot Training iOS app for iPhone/iPad was updated to prevent downloaded video files from being included in daily iCloud backups.

What's New in Version 4.0.1 - November 13, 2017

The Pilot Training iOS app for iPhone/iPad adds support for iPhone X. The video player in the app was updated to include a faster and improved video player with new features: rewind/fast-forward 15 seconds, AirPlay directly to AppleTV, video subtitles.

What's New in Version 4.0 - October 19, 2017

The 2018 Learn to Fly Course now includes all 3 platforms for the same price: online, iPhone/iPad app and AppleTV app. This update also includes a new tracking system to keep your video and test score progress in sync between all 3 platforms.

New features:

- All-new iOS app available in the app store, called Sporty's Pilot Training
- 32 fully-narrated HD maneuvers
- Flight instructor tracking: invite your CFI to monitor your progress
- Review notes with each video allow you to quickly review segments with text and video
- Enhanced review quizzes allow you to jump to the section of the video for a thorough explanation

- Subtitles added to all videos

- Redbird GIFT integration allows you to use Sporty’s course with Redbird simulators

What's New in Version 3.9.1 - June 12, 2017

- updated to include the 2017 Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Private Pilot, which is fully integrated with the video training to cover each task and maneuver required for your checkride.

What's New in Version 3.9 - May 19, 2017

- the interactive maneuvers guide has come to life with 31 new animated HD videos, each narrated with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the maneuver.

Added new HD video segments covering the following topics:

• 6 rules for VFR Cross-Country Flying
• Your Deceptive Flying Mind
• Runway Markings
• The Private Pilot Oral and Flight Test
• Flying the Cessna Skylane
• Remote Communications

What's New in Version 3.8 - January 10, 2017

- includes new high-resolution figures and images for the written test prep component of the course, providing much greater detail when answering questions.

What's New in Version 3.7 - December 21, 2016

- updated quiz questions following video segments for more accurate review
- new video segments covering ATC, staying calm in the clouds, instrument tips, and more
- Lightspeed Tryout program offers access to Sierra ANR headset for monthly fee

What's New in Version 3.6 - October 26, 2016

- added the latest FAA test questions to the written test prep component of the course
- incorporates the latest version of the Airman Knowledge Test Supplement for the FAA test prep questions

What's New in Version 3.5 - October 13, 2016

Added new HD video segments covering the following topics:

- ADS-B surveillance, traffic and in-flight weather
- Aircraft performance charts
- Maximum performance takeoffs and landings
- Advanced weather theory
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

What's New in Version 3.4 - June 15, 2016

- includes the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the private pilot, including the ability to review video segments directly from each task in the ACS
- added the latest FAA test questions to the written test prep component of the course
Added new HD video segments covering the following topics: new student pilot certificate, Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

What's New in Version 3.3 - March 1, 2016

Added new HD video segments covering the following topics:

• Go/No-Go decision
• Training airplanes
• Introduction to the Cockpit
• How airplane engines work
• Prop, fuel and electrical systems
• Preflight
• Starting the engine
• Radio communications
• Taxiing the airplane
• Traffic pattern operations

What's New in Version 3.1 - January 6, 2016

Adds new HD video segments on the following topics:

• Ground Reference Maneuvers (S-turns across a road and turns around a point)
• Steep Turns
• Touch and Go Landings
• Emergency Procedures
• Weather Theory (Fog, Atmospheric Pressure and Thunderstorms
• Weather Forecasts & Reports (METARs, TAFs, Radar imagery)
• Pitot/Static System
• Runway Safety
• Aerodynamics
• Aeromedical Factors
• Medical Certificates

What's New in Version 3.0 - November 1, 2015

Improved HD Video Playback—We've completely revamped the video playback in the course for a much better viewing experience. The course now detects your bandwidth and automatically play the highest quality video available (including full 1080p HD when available). The new video player also makes it much easier to fast forward within a video segment, and includes better progress tracking logic.

When watching on an iPad or iPhone in the Safari web browser, you can also take advantage of the iOS 9 picture-in-picture multitasking feature. This allows you to "pop" the video out of the web browser and continue to watch the video while using another app.

What's New in Version 2.9 - September 24, 2015

Ask a CFI—This new feature allows you to get in touch with the experienced CFIs at Sporty's Academy right from the course to ask questions about the course training materials, content in the FAA written test or other aviation topics related to your flight training.

What's New in Version 2.8 - September 3, 2015

Adds all new HD video segments on the following topics:

• Ground reference maneuvers

• Taxi Tips

• Airplane Engines

• Aerodynamics

• Closer Look at Angle of Attack

• Slow Flight (flight maneuver)

• Power-on and Power-off Stalls

What's New in Version 2.7 - February 11, 2015

We've enhanced the Knowledge Test Endorsement request feature -- you'll now receive your endorsement certificate immediately after completing the course. And now your request FAA Wings credit will be processed immediately after course completion.

What's New in Version 2.6 - October 18, 2014

We added all new HD video sections to the course covering night flying, aviation charts, flight planning, weather theory, airspace and cross-country flying

What's New in Version 2.5 - June 1, 2014

This update adds a new course management feature, allowing you to view completion status and access all your Sporty's online courses from a single location

What's New in Version 2.4 - February 10, 2014

This update adds the new FAA test prep supplement required for Private, Recreational and Sport Pilot written testing. The figures and legends are now displayed as full-color, high-resolution images, making it easier to see and interpret the information required to answer the FAA questions in the test prep section of the course.

What’s New in Version 2.3 - October 4, 2013

This update adds a new feature to the video training section of the app. Now after viewing select video segments you’ll be presented with a short quiz containing FAA test questions covering content from that video segment.

What’s New in Version 2.2 - July 9, 2013

We’ve added a helpful new feature in the test prep section of the course that allows you to pause and save your progress during a knowledge test session, and return later to finish. You can also now review a detailed record of your past test prep sessions, and see your answer selections and explanations for each question.

What’s New in Version 2.1 - October 1, 2012

Added compatibility with Internet Explorer 10

What’s New in Version 2.0 - March 1, 2012

Sporty’s is proud to announce all new content and a brand new modern HTML5 interface for the Learn to Fly Course, and the upgrade is free for existing users:

• New HTML5 design means the course is compatible with all popular web browsers and mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and Android.
• The Learn to Fly Course now includes training for all 3 pilot certificates: Private, Recreational and Sport. You choose the track that’s right for you.
• Improved video streaming for lighting-fast playback.
• After successfully completing the course, you can now receive both FAA Wings credit and an endorsement to take the FAA knowledge test

Works with:

Internet Explorer

Firefox

Chrome

Safari

iPad/iPhone

Apple TV

Notes:

• Requires Chrome, Safari 5+, FireFox 9+, Internet Explorer 10, iPad browser.
• iOS app requires version 10.0 or higher
• AppleTV app requires 4th generation AppleTV or newer
• Accepted for FAA Wings Credit