MSFS Jumpstart

MSFS and X-Plane 12 Jumpstart Class with Flight Sim Coach

Flight simulators offer multiple avenues to saving hours during flight training, or keeping specific maneuvers sharp. For a new user it can be difficult to configure these flight sim programs to the desired flight details. Enjoy two free one hour classes from Flight Sim Coach exclusively for Sporty’s customers that will cover the basics of […]

Stop gaming and start learning

In 1979 the first mainstream home flight simulator program from subLogic became available to early adopters of the personal computer. FS1 was “capable of drawing 150 lines per second” and allowed the user to fly around in a slightly modernized Sopwith Camel. Fast forward to today and we have vivid representations of the entire globe […]

How to install Sporty’s Honeycomb Bravo Profiles with X-Plane 12 (Version 2)

(This article as well as the Honeycomb Bravo Profiles for X-Plane 12 have been updated as of 4/5/2023) X-Plane is referred to as the “most realistic flight simulator” by PC Gamer and is continuously recommended by seasoned simmers when asked what’s the best simulator for at-home use. From a hardware standpoint, the Honeycomb Bravo is one […]

Using Flight Simulators for IFR Training (Part 3)

Welcome to the last of a three part series on instrument flying with a home simulator. Instrument flying can be intimidating for many pilots, yet a simulator can build confidence as well as understanding when it comes to the IFR realm. Part three will cover challenging emergencies to practice in a simulator as well as […]

Using Flight Simulators for IFR Training (Part 2)

Welcome to the second of a three part series on instrument flying with a home simulator. Instrument flying can be intimidating for many pilots, yet a simulator can build confidence as well as understanding when it comes to the IFR realm. Part two will cover useful tasks to practice in a simulator as well as […]

RealSimGear GNS430 Square

Using Flight Simulators for IFR Training (Part 1)

Welcome to the first of a three part series on instrument flying with a home simulator. Instrument flying can be intimidating for many pilots, yet a simulator can build confidence as well as understanding when it comes to the IFR realm. Part one will cover why you should consider an at home simulator for instrument […]

IFR Practice With Infinite Flight

For many weekend warriors, using tools outside the cockpit is a must if they want to keep their heads in the game. Flight simulators are an invaluable tool for instrument-rated pilots and students, but they can be bulky, and the cost can sometimes be prohibitive. This is where a mobile flight simulator like Infinite Flight on your phone or tablet can come in very handy. 

Flight Simulator Buyer’s Guide—2022 edition

With 2022 coming to a close, it’s easy to say that digital pilots are borderline spoiled. There are hundreds of hardware options to help our simulated aircraft get airborne, ranging from $40 up to five-figure platforms. Starting fresh and finding the right option for your configuration can be somewhat intimidating, and that’s why we put together the 2022 Flight Sim Buyers Guide. 

Tips for using aviation apps with home flight simulators

Are you stuck at home and separated from your airplane, or just experiencing an unlucky stretch of bad weather? The good news is, you can still fly at home and stay current with your favorite aviation apps using the latest flight simulators. Many flight simulators today integrate directly with EFB apps including ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, […]

Sporty's Flight Sim Training Course Outline - Instrument Rating

Sporty’s Instrument Rating Flight Sim Training Guide

Complement your Instrument flight training or challenge yourself as a digital pilot with the Instrument Rating Flight Sim Training Guide from Sporty’s Pilot Shop. This guide includes an introduction covering how best to use this guide with an at home simulator as well as keyboard shortcuts to help make you a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 […]

Fly the ALIA eVTOL in X-Plane 12

Ever wanted to pilot an eVTOL aircraft that has the capability to transition to a pusher propeller? Well now you can with X-Plane 12 and the digital ALIA eVTOL from BETA Technologies. With the latest version of X-Plane 12 the ALIA is included in the fleet of digital aircraft bringin the total to 23. Rated […]

What aircraft are included in the new X-Plane 12?

The team at Laminar Research has long been working on improving the X-Plane platform and just recently the newest version debuted, X-Plane 12. But what good is a flight simulator if you don’t have great aircraft to fly? Enjoy a quick review of the aircraft changes from X-Plane 11 to X-Plane 12.