2019 Course Now Available!

New content, flexible app options, and smart study tools all combine to offer an unmatched training experience in Sporty's 2019 Instrument Rating 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:

• New Android app: watch video on your tablet or phone, plus take interactive FAA tests
• New Roku channel: watch videos on your home 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
• 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
• Learn more about what's new in this blog post

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 low instrument approaches from the left seat, and you’ll hear real world 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. 27 fully-narrated hd maneuvers

In addition to the comprehensive video segments, Sporty’s Instrument Rating course also includes a detailed maneuvers guide. All 27 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

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.

10. Airman Certification Standards

Our Learn to Fly Course 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. Our course also emphasizes deep understanding instead of just memorizing questions, something the FAA now discourages.

More Powerful Features:

• 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.
• Earn FAA WINGS credit and save on your insurance.
• Automatic updates mean you learn the latest information.

Platform Partners

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

Try the course for free!

• Free Online Demo
• Free iOS App Demo 
• Free Android App Demo

Already own the course? Sign in here:

• Access the online course here, and sign in with your sportys.com account.
• Download the free Sporty's Pilot Training app in the iTunes App Store, then sign in with your sportys.com account.

The instrument training experts

At Sporty’s, we pioneered weekend instrument ground schools over 50 years ago, traveling the country to teach pilots the keys to IFR flying in just 3 days. Today, we operate an active flight school at our home airport (I69) with over 100 flight students. This everyday practical experience with instrument students makes us uniquely qualified to offer the most complete, up-to-date training courses available. When you learn with Sporty’s, you’re learning from the best.

Train at Sporty's Academy

Ready to put that instrument knowledge to work? You can earn your instrument rating at the home of Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. Train with the same instructional staff that brings you Sporty’s Complete Instrument Rating Course on DVD or online. Based at Clermont County Airport (I69), Sporty’s Flight Training Center offers accelerated instrument training in an impeccable fleet of well-equipped aircraft. SportysAcademy.com or email Fly@SportysAcademy.com

What you'll learn

Course Update History

What's New in Version 3.2 - December 23, 2018

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

What's New in Version 3.1 - 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 Instrument Rating test. 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 3.0 - October 24, 2018

Updated to the new Sporty's 2019 Instrument Rating 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
- 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
- study test prep questions in Learning and Test Modes
- progress automatically syncs with the online course and iOS app
- automatically included with the 2019 Instrument Rating 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 2.3 - August 1, 2018

The second volume of the Instrument Rating Course, Air Traffic Control, was updated with all new HD video content. New segments were also added on Departure and Arrival Procedures, ATC Technology, IFR Communication tips, IFR flight plan analysis, ADS-B transponders and GPS.

What's New in Version 2.2 - February 15, 2018

The first volume of the Instrument Rating Course, Instrument Flying Fundamentals, was updated with all new HD video content. New segments were also added on using flight simulator during your training, dealing with turbulence and increased workload in the clouds, incorporating an EFB (iPad) into your instrument flying and tips for flying with a glass cockpit instrument panel.

The Instrument Rating Course iOS app for iPhone/iPad was also updated to prevent downloaded video files from being included in daily iCloud backups.

What's New in Version 2.1 - December 28, 2017

The Instrument Flight Maneuvers Guide added 25 new narrated HD animations showing how to fly each type of instrument approach, holding patterns and more.

What's New in Version 2.0.1 - November 13, 2017

The Instrument Rating Course 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 2.0 - October 19, 2017

The 2018 Instrument Rating Course now includes all 3 platforms for the same price: online, iPhone/iPad app and AppleTV app. This update also adds 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
- New AppleTV app to watch video segments on the big screen at home
- 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

What's New in Version 1.9.1- August 1, 2017

- the test prep feature in the course was updated to incorporate the new FAA Test Prep Figures Supplement, FAA-CT-8030-3F

- includes 250 new instrument test prep questions referencing the new high-resolution color figures and legends

What's New in Version 1.9 - October 13, 2016

- new feature: try out the written test prep component in the free version of the app - iOS 10 compatibility updates

What's New in Version 1.8 - June 15, 2016

- includes the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the instrument rating, 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

What's New in Version 1.7.6 - January 6, 2016

Now includes iOS 9 Picture-in-Picture video playback, allowing you to continue to watch videos segments while interacting with other features in the app.

What's New in Version 1.7.3 - September 3, 2015

• Upgraded for compatibility with iOS 9

What's New in Version 1.7.2 - March 25, 2015

• We've enhanced the Knowledge Test Endorsement request feature -- you'll now receive your endorsement certificate immediately after completing the course.
• Includes the option to request FAA Wings credit immediately after course completion

What's New in Version 1.7 - September 26, 2014

• Upgraded for compatibility with iOS 8 and the iPhone 6 Plus
• Performance improvements and bug fixes

What's New in Version 1.6 - May 6, 2014

• New Achievements feature allows you to earn flight training achievements as you progress throughout the course. After completing video segments, test prep sessions, flight maneuvers and more, you'll be presented with the option to share these accomplishments with your flight instructor, family or friends with convenient Twitter, Facebook, mail and messaging options.
• New Progress section displays a snapshot of your video training progress and an overview of your test prep scores.

What's New in Version 1.5 - February 17, 2014

• Includes a new figure viewer display that allows you to view all FAA figures and legends when answering a question, not just the one required for the question you're currently viewing
• You'll now see the question text in the same window as the figure viewer to make it easier to answer questions requiring a figure 
• Interface improvements for iOS 7

What's New in Version 1.4 - December 13, 2013

• Added review quizzes after the video segments containing FAA test question covering content from that segment

What's New in Version 1.3 - November 20, 2013

• New written test progress reports store a detailed history of all test prep sessions for later review
• Added ability to pause a written test prep session and resume it later
• Video training includes a resume feature, allowing you to watch part of a video segment and return later to resume viewing at the spot you left off
• Added all test prep figures to main menu, allowing review when outside of a session
• New iCloud features: all test prep progress reports and video progress is stored in iCloud and always kept in sync among all your devices

What's New in Version 1.0 - January 11, 2013

• Initial launch of Sporty's award-winning Instrument Rating Course in a new dedicated mobile app format for iPhone and iPad:
• Includes over 13 hours of high-quality streaming video and animations with training for all 3 tests required for the Instrument Rating--Written, Oral and Flight tests 
• Offers the ability to save video segments for offline viewing when internet is not available
• Universal aviation app – purchase once and use it on all your devices

Accepted for FAA Wings Credit 

Works with:

Internet Explorer

Firefox

Chrome

Safari

iPad/iPhone

Apple TV

• Online version requires Chrome, Safari 5+, Firefox 9+, Internet Explorer 10, or iPad browser.
• iOS app requires version 10.0 or higher
• AppleTV app requires 4th generation AppleTV or newer