Sporty's Pilot Training for PC and Mac

Software Reviews and Criticism

• By bdashnz

  Video downloading is an exercise in frustration, hosed my iCloud backups

  For whatever reason the developers of this app store any videos downloaded for offline use in the app’s “documents” directory, meaning that they’ll be automatically be backed up to iCloud as part of iOS’s iCloud backup feature. This is not only a waste of iCloud storage space (I can download the videos again via the app if necessary), but in my case it prevented iOS from backing up altogether as uploading 6GB of instrument training videos over my slow DSL connection would take an eternity. I’m very lucky that nothing happened to my iPad in the weeks between downloading the videos and iOS notifying me of the lack of completed backups, as it very likely would have resulted in losing important data. Additionally, the offline download functionality is poorly implemented. Want to download all videos in a given section? The app will begin downloading all videos at once, leading to it taking an eternity for even a single video to complete. What’s more, if you switch away from the app for more than a moment or two, the video downloads are interrupted and you’ll need to manually start them again. And start again they will. Even if the video was 90% downloaded, an interrupted download will start over from scratch. This means that on all but the fastest connections you’re forced to sit and keep your device awake to let the download complete, lest you be forced to start the download over again.

  
  
• By L Pogo

  just okay- so far

  I downloaded this about 2 weeks ago and have completed about 1/2 of the course. I was following everything fine until about the 25% way through the program, I am guessing because it was fairly simple stuff. When things get more complicated they really rush through the charts and explanations and might cover 5 topics in a 8-10 minute video. It is almost like they are assuming that you are already exposed to a decent amount of the IFR language, charts and acronyms. I constantly find myself going back on the video to try to figure out what he is talking about. Personally, I feel that a 17 minute video with many new introductions is completely overwhelming. I am taking this course because I am a novice and do not know IFR and the charts. I also purchased the private pilot program 2 years ago and found it to be better and it didn't just whip through the explanations and terminology's. I am not impressed for the price they charged. Wish I had tried one of the cheaper ones first.

  
  
• By blue hawk

  Easily the best resource for an aspiring pilot

  I went through Sporty’s learn to fly course in its entirety before beginning my flight training. It was an approachable way to get more familiar with aircraft, their systems, weather, airspace, and procedures. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the remote pilot course - also worth the money - and took the FAA part 107 test, only missing a single question. The recent updates have fixed a bug where the remote pilot course would disappear and I’d have to restore the purchase every single time. The only thing I’d like to see improved is not having to chromecast each individual video, but automatically play the next if there isn’t a post-lesson quiz.

  
  
• By The Angry Monkey

  Excellent and they listen

  First, if you’re training for your private pilot certificate, get this course! It’s VERY helpful. I had this as a 4 star rating previously. I’ve moved it to a 5 star with the latest release. The prior version had terrible downloading capabilities if you wanted to download all the video for viewing while on the go. Several of us customers raised the issue and they resolved it. The app now properly queues multiple downloads so they don’t all start at the same time and for each chapter you can download all the videos in that chapter (tap of the three dots in the upper right hand corner). You can also set it to play continuously. The app works great on iPhone, iPad and Microsoft TV and the developers are responsive to feedback as to how to improve the app. Also, I have exchanged emails a few times with their CFIs to get clarity on some issues I wanted a better understanding of. They were responsive and helpful. Combine the great customer service with the great content and the great apps and throw in the guarantee that you pass or your money back and it really doesn’t make sense to me why you wouldn’t get this course if you’re serious about getting your pilot license. Do it. Do it noooow.

  
  
• By Lordofthecockrings

  Great so far, two things that would be nice:

  Edit: Looks like video completion status syncs between all devices now. Thanks! 10 days after purchase, I have completed all the modules and I am scoring over 80 on all the practice tests. Very satisfied. 1: Show progress / completion status of each video within a module. If I take a couple of days off, sometimes I need to select a few videos to remember where I left off. 2: Sync video progress across all devices. I watched 4 videos from module 2 on the AppleTV platform, and on my iPad OS progress, it only shows completing 10 of 14 videos. Otherwise, so far so good, and I am enjoying the course.

  
  

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