Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course has been updated for 2025, with a number of enhancements, including the introduction of AI tools, new video-based training content, and test prep updates.
AI: Aviation Intelligence
Sporty’s new Aviation Intelligence features include ChatDPE, a virtual pilot examiner, which simulates the experience of the oral exam portion of the practical test, according to Sporty’s officials.
Questions cover all sections of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), and responses are critiqued instantly for accuracy. If the answer is wrong or incomplete, users will get additional information on the topic, along with feedback on how to improve their answers, company officials said.
ChatDPE can be paired with another new AI tool: ChatFAR, a chat interface to get answers to questions related to IFR flying in the Federal Aviation Regulations. Enter a question related to IFR flying, and the AI tool will explain the applicable regulations in plain English, Sporty’s officials noted.
Another tool: AI Training Notes, which offers a summary for each video-based training segment.
This feature helps students review key concepts, reinforce learning, and stay organized throughout the course, officials said, noting it’s “like having a personal study assistant tailored to your aviation goals.”
New Training Content
The 2025 edition of Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course includes new videos, including a section on terminal area arrival (TAA) approaches designed to help instrument pilots understand the nuances of these procedures, allowing pilots to transition from the IFR en route segment to the approach environment with little interaction required between the pilot and air traffic control.
Interactive Instrument Scenarios
Sporty’s interactive scenarios provide feedback on performance and allow users to identify areas for improvement.
Interactive scenarios for 2025 include: Instrument failures, unusual attitude recovery, METAR and TAF analysis, en route and approach chart symbology, ILS and back course procedures, holding pattern entry procedures, and approach lighting systems.
Test Prep Updates
The FAA continually updates the Instrument Knowledge Test with new questions and topics. Accordingly, Sporty’s has added more than 50 new questions that reflect the latest changes for 2025, officials said.
After completing a Sporty’s course, pilots earn an automatic flight instructor endorsement, which is required in order to take the FAA Instrument Knowledge Test.
Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course is priced at $299. Free lifetime updates are included, officials added.
For more information: Sportys.com
