Eric Radtke

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. 

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.

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. 

BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. To fly under BasicMed, pilots must print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician. Then complete an online medical course and you’re ready to fly! An important note is that third-class medical reform does not alleviate the need for pilots to continually self-certify when it comes to being fit for flight.

Whether you are stopping for a quick visit or parking an aircraft overnight, the ChockMate system offers a quick, reliable, and portable tie-down solution. The anchor brackets double as chocks for added convenience, while the entire kit fits neatly into the included carrying case, making this an easy addition to any pilot’s gear.

Perfect for hanging flight bags, headsets, oxygen bags, or other small accessories, this versatile hook can be positioned on the front or back of your seat for flexible storage and to protect your gear. With a holding capacity of up to 11.5 pounds and compatibility with gaps up to 5.5 inches, it’s a simple solution for keeping your cockpit tidy.

Sporty’s award-winning Instrument Rating Course has been updated for 2025, with a number of significant enhancements that make IFR training more engaging and efficient. If earning an instrument rating is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, now is the time to get started. Updates for 2025 include the introduction of cutting-edge AI tools, new video-based training content, and extensive test prep updates.

At Sporty’s, we’re always looking for ways to make flight training more accessible, efficient, and engaging. That’s why we are excited to announce a new integration with Flight Schedule Pro, a leading flight school management platform. This partnership makes it easier than ever for flight schools to incorporate Sporty’s award-winning online training into their curriculum, streamlining the learning process for students and instructors alike.

Basic GPS uses a network of satellites to triangulate positions anywhere on Earth.  There are at least five satellites in view at all times. Your onboard navigator can provide three-dimensional position and altitude information if it is receiving signals from at least four satellites. 

WAAS uses two additional geostationary satellites to improve the accuracy of GPS.  These satellites receive and transmit a correction signal to WAAS-enabled navigators.  The correction signals are calculated on the ground by two wide area master stations and uploaded to the stationary satellites.  These master stations receive signal error data from a network of precisely surveyed reference stations.  The reference stations constantly monitor the GPS satellite signals for errors.