Sporty’s 2023 Pilot Training App adds new Mac app, CarPlay and SharePlay features

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Sporty’s Pilot Training app has helped tens of thousands of pilots earn their pilot certificates, add new ratings, learn how to use a wide variety of advanced avionics systems and get checked out in new aircraft types. The platform is famous for its fast pace of innovation, bringing new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements every year.

Pilot Training offers pilots the ultimate flexibility in training, providing access to all of Sporty’s aviation courses on dedicated iPhone and iPad apps, Mac app, an Android app, online and on the TV, using the included apps for AppleTV, FireTV, AndroidTV, Roku and Chromecast.

Sporty’s signature flight training app received another big update this month and includes Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly, Instrument Rating and Commerical Pilot Test Prep courses. In addition to new 4K video content and updated FAA test prep questions, the app was updated with a new Mac app, CarPlay app, SharePlay support for remote learning and adds a new interactive FAR/AIM tool (check out the video at the end of this article to see all the features in action).

New Video Training

The heart of Sporty’s courses is dynamic HD and 4K video that put the viewer in the airplane, supplemented by sophisticated 3D animations. No boring lectures or slideshows here—it’s all about real-world flying.

The 2023 Learn to Fly Course continues this focus with plenty of new video, including all-new 4K video segments covering cross-country flight planning with a plotter and sectional, how to complete a navlog, how to use both an electronic and mechanical E6B and an intro to glass cockpit flight instruments. Plus, dozens of smaller updates include the latest technology and FAA regulation changes, so you’re always up-to-date.

SharePlay

The COVID-19 pandemic taught many flight students and instructors that remote ground school lessons are now a possibility. Sporty’s 2023 courses are taking this idea to the next level, with support for Apple’s unique SharePlay feature for iPhone and iPad. This allows two students, or a CFI and a student, to watch a training video together on a FaceTime call from the app, or share their screen to review or study other parts of the app, like test prep questions or the flight maneuvers guide. It’s a great way for CFIs to prepare for or debrief a lesson with a student when away from the airport.

You’ll find a new share button at the top right of the video player, which allows you to make a FaceTime call with another user and start the SharePlay session. The app syncs video playback and controls, so both people see the same thing at the same time. Smart volume means a student and instructor can talk while the video is playing—perfect for discussing complicated flight training lessons.

Mac App

Similar to your iPhone and iPad, Apple computers include a dedicated App Store app that allows you to download and install both paid and free applications. Search for Sporty’s Pilot Training, and you’ll see this aviation app at the top of the list. This app looks and feels a lot like the Pilot Training app for iPad and includes the same selection of 30 aviation courses, including Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course.

The Pilot Training app for Mac was designed to work offline too, making it a great travel companion when traveling on the airlines or when an internet connection isn’t available. The test prep components are automatically saved for offline use when downloading the app, and you can then download videos from individual courses to your Mac’s hard drive (just like downloading charts in ForeFlight) for offline playback. Click this link from a Mac computer to view the app in the App Store: Sporty’s Pilot Training App in the Mac App Store.

CarPlay App

Apple’s CarPlay allows iPhone users to access a few select iOS communication and media apps on touch-capable infotainment screens in compatible cars. After connecting an iPhone via a Lightning cable to a USB port in a CarPlay-supported car, you’ll see the familiar rows of Apple apps, like Phone, Messages, Maps and Music. This allows you to access and interact with commonly-used apps while driving without the distraction of looking down at the small screen on a mobile device.

Sporty’s Pilot Training app is a natural fit for CarPlay, allowing pilots to listen to the audio training segments from just about every course Sporty’s offers. This is great for reviewing a segment after you’ve watched the video or for brushing up on today’s flight lesson topic while you drive to the airport. After installing the Pilot Training app on your iPhone, connect it to your CarPlay-compatible vehicle, select the CarPlay view and you’ll see the familiar Pilot Training propeller icon on the home screen:

The navigation of the CarPlay app is similar to the iOS app. The home screen presents a menu of all available courses, and you can then drill down through the chapter menus to select an individual training segment. Once selected, the audio from that segment will begin playing, similar to a podcast or audiobook. The app is compatible with the CarPlay dashboard view too so that you can view the playback controls and a moving map navigation screen at the same time.

 

Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Tool

Sporty’s Pilot Training app offers the full selection of FAA handbooks in the app, making it easy to flip through the pages of resources like the Airplane Flying Handbook or Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. The latest update adds a new FAR tool, which includes all the rules you’ll need to know to operate safely as a pilot, from airspace requirements to weather minimums. Sporty’s FAR database is continually updated every time you log in, so you’ll always have the latest information. Navigating through the sections is lightning fast and a search box makes it easy to find regulations on specific topics.

The companion to the FARs, the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), is also included and can be found in the FAA Handbooks section of the course. Like many other reference documents in this section, the AIM is presented in full color, including all tables and graphics. You can search, bookmark, and highlight sections for further study.

How to get the courses

All of these upgrades join an already impressive list of features, including powerful FAA knowledge test prep tools. The Learn to Fly Course includes a proprietary database of over 1,000 FAA test questions, customizable study modes, and unlimited practice tests. You can even earn an automatic flight instructor endorsement to take the test when you’re done.

You can purchase access to any of the 30 aviation training courses right from Sporty’s website, including the 2023 Learn to Fly, Instrument Rating Course and Commercial Pilot Course. You’ll gain instant access to all the course platforms for one price. If you’ve already purchased one of these courses (both courses include lifetime updates), you just need to download the mobile app and sign in with your username/password or log in to Sporty’s Online Course Portal.

Each course purchase includes lifetime updates, allowing customers who previously purchased any of these courses to automatically receive the new features after updating to the latest version of the Pilot Training app.

Sporty’s also offers access to ALL its courses through the Pilot Training+ Membership program. After purchasing a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll have unlimited access to all the aviation courses Sporty’s offers, in addition to other benefits like free shipping and access to flight training scholarships. Pilot Training+ also includes lifetime access to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, even if you decide to end your subscription.

iPhone/iPad download the free app here

Androiddownload the free app here

Apple Computer – download the free app here

AppleTV – go to the App Store on AppleTV (4th Gen or newer) and search for Pilot Training

FireTV – search for Sporty’s Pilot Training to download the app (preview the app here)

AndroidTV – search for Sporty’s Pilot Training to download the app (preview the app here)

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

Online – visit Sporty’s Course Catalog and purchase direct access to any course