Ratings: Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating

Chris caught the aviation bug at the age of seven when he was able to sit in the cockpit of a 737 between flight legs thanks to his aunt working at a large airline. Countless balsa wood flyers and multi stage rockets later he enrolled in the Aviation Technology Program at UC and successfully turned a fascination into a career. “One of my most memorable flights was flying my dad to a local airport with a restaurant just off the ramp known for their generously portioned ribs. I’ll never forget that day with passenger #1.” As the Product Manager at Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Chris is tasked with identifying, testing, and bringing to market new products to service the growing pilot population. “At the end of the day I search for the latest and greatest tools to help pilots fly, and ensure I keep our quality standards high. I also volunteer to test them in the cockpit. It’s a tough job…. but someone has to do it.”

Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot, Cessna Citation Type Rating, Boeing 727 SIC Qualification, Flight Instructor, Instrument Flight Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor, Master Flight Instructor

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. “While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice.” He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he now directs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now heads Sporty’s flight school and directs the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Training Program. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in Sporty’s corporate flight department.

Ratings: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating

Doug flies because it’s fun – pure and simple. One of his favorite rituals is to get up at the crack of dawn and and go flying to find a greasy spoon at one of the many airport cafes around Sporty’s. “There’s nothing better than eating biscuits and gravy at a restaurant 70 miles away before starting your day,” says Doug. His airplane of choice is a G1000-equipped Cessna 172S. He is also Sporty’s most active product tester, and as an Eagle Scout and a US Army veteran, his standards are high. “I believe a product should work the first time right out of the box, and preferably without instructions.”

Ratings: Commercial Pilot, Multi-engine, Instrument Rating, Cessna Citation Type Rating, Glider Rating

Michael has worked at Sporty’s for over 46 years, so he knows both Sporty’s and the aviation industry quite well. A pilot for over 35 years, aviation is Michael’s first love: “I just can’t imagine life without airplanes.” While he flies a Citation regularly, most of his time is spent in the left seat of Sporty’s Aztec. “It’s a joy to fly an airplane that’s almost 50 years old, but one that’s been meticulously maintained. It’s like stepping back in time, but I still get excellent utility out of it, for both family trips and business.”

Ratings: Commercial Pilot, Multi-engine, Instrument Rating, Helicopter Rating, Glider Rating, Seaplane Rating

John was a Sporty’s customer before he was an employee, learning to fly at a neighboring airport in Cincinnati and regularly attending Sporty’s famous hot dog cookouts. Today, he enjoys flying just about anything with wings—fixed or rotary. He regularly uses airplanes for cross-country transportation, for both business and pleasure. “I love the challenge of IFR flying in the system. It’s both challenging and immensely rewarding to manage the aircraft systems, ATC and the changing weather. Seeing the runway lights as you break out on an approach is a thrill.”

Ratings: Recreational Pilot

J.C. learned to fly at Sporty’s Academy after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Lindner College of Business. His father is an ATP and A&P/IA, so he’s been flying in and working on airplanes with his dad since he was old enough to hand him a wrench. J.C. has worked at Sporty’s for over 5 years and says he loves every minute of it.

Ratings: Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating

Having a childhood dream of aviation, Chris first became an Aviation Explorer, which motivated him to earn his private pilot’s license as a teenager. During his four years at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University he earned his commercial, multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating. While experimenting in seaplanes, gliders, and a variety of other personal aircraft, Chris developed a passion for general aviation and shares that passion as he develops aviation training apps and content for Sporty’s Pilot Shop. He’s also an experienced drone pilot.