Online ground schools are wonderful in that you can study and learn on your own time, but the downside is that simply watching a video or someone talking on camera may not be terribly effective. The folks at Sporty’s Pilot Shop have known this for years, and the latest update for their online courses recognizes this with significant enhancements designed to make the training more efficient and engaging.
“The course started in the 1980s and 1990s with VHS tapes then went to DVDs in the 2000s when we launched the test prep course,” said Bret Koebbe, senior vice president of Sporty’s. “We try to make the best use of technology, so it’s not just test prep.”
According to Koebbe, Sporty’s took care that this update can be viewed on any digital platform, including a Windows-based Surface tablet, something that customers had asked for over the years. Much of the content is also driven by feedback from pilot candidates and instructors. Both are easy to reach as Sporty’s flight school has more than 200 active learners at a given time and a cadre of instructors ready to offer suggestions and field test materials.
Interactive Scenarios
Koebbe noted that in the 2024 versions of the private, instrument, and commercial ground schools there is an emphasis on teaching the concepts, then an interactive video demonstrates how to put it into practice in the flying environment.
“For example, we cover runway incursions with more focus on runway signs and the markings on the pavement. We go beyond the basics by adding tips to make the most of your ipad for situational awareness, such as the alerts that callout distance remaining,” said Koebee, adding that, since the course is developed by professional pilots for a customer base that will likely become professional pilots, it often takes what they do in the cockpit and brings it to the course.
The knowledge test aspect of the course has also been revamped and reorganized so it more closely aligns with the airmen certification standards. This will help answer the questions of “why am I learning this and how do I know if I am doing it correctly?” along with enabling the learner to apply the knowledge in the flying environment.
“It has to be more than just rote memorization,” said Koebbe. “The traffic pattern is a good example. They learn the basics of the pattern—what is upwind, crosswind, etc.—and then we create scenarios that put the learner in different locations asking. Wwhat is the best way to enter the pattern?’ This is more than a ground school. The learners are being taught how to operate in the flight environment.”
The learner’s study experience is enhanced through interactive exercises and smart notes. For example, on the instrument course the simulation technology “allows knobs to be twisted, demonstrating the needle swing on the panel, chart quizzes help teach complicated symbols, and detailed systems diagrams simulate failure modes of the pitot tube or static port.”
There is also a way for learners to review through Smart Notes, an interactive tool that allows the user to click or tap the floating “New Note” button at the bottom right of the screen and the interface will appear. As many notes as needed can be added, and they are organized with a simple menu system. The Smart Notes are easily organized because when a new note is generated from a video lesson, it will automatically insert the name of the lesson and generate a clickable link to allow the learner to jump back to that lesson.
Keeping Everyone in the Loop
Last year, Sporty’s added the instructor portal that enabled CFIs to monitor their learner’s progress. This can expedite the learning process as the instructor can modify lessons to help the student improve their knowledge and skills in an area where they are struggling.
This year, Sporty’s has added a portal to allow a flight school administrator, such as the chief CFI, to be able to see where all the instructors and learners are in the course.
“This allows them to see who needs assistance in real time,” said Koebbe.
The course provides lifetime access, so if there are updates in the future, the learner can log in and refresh their knowledge for free. Keep that in mind when your flight review is coming due.
The Sporty’s Learn to Fly courses include more than 25 hours of HD and 4K video, along with test prep tools, comprehensive document library, and unlimited practice tests. The courses can be viewed online, as well as on iOS devices, Android phones and tablets, and smart TVs, with the progress automatically syncing between devices.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course [E1753A], Instrument Rating Course [E4200A], and Commercial Pilot Course [E249A] may be purchased for $299 each at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.
