Free resources, original content, and special offers throughout May

May is Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s, a celebration of learning to fly designed to help new pilots achieve their aviation goals. In addition to offering savings on popular pilot gear and training resources, Sporty’s will be posting inspiring content on its social media channels, presenting webinars, and delivering valuable flight training resources throughout Sporty’s media network sites, including FlightTrainingCentral.com and Sporty’s PIREPs Blog.

“Sporty’s is and always has been an aviation education company, from our comprehensive pilot training app to our flight school,” said Sporty’s President John Zimmerman. “There’s nothing more important for the aviation industry than to welcome the next generation of pilots, and we hope this celebration will help do exactly that.”

Sporty’s Media Network will publish a wide variety of articles and multimedia content across all its sites: Flight Training Central, Air Facts, and iPad Pilot News.  Pilots also can learn from live webinars hosted by industry experts. Sporty’s PIREPs Blog will feature a collection of frequently asked questions related to the flight training process, with thoughtful answers from Sporty’s team of flight instructors.

Limited time Learn to Fly Month specials will be available on a variety of products, including Sporty’s award-winning Learn to Fly Course. Pilots will also be able to save on flight bags, kneeboards, and other equipment to support the flight training process. All pilots can brush up on their pattern work with Sporty’s Takeoffs and Landings Course, available free throughout the month of May.

“We’re also proud to sponsor EAA’s Learn to Fly Week during the week of May 13,” said Zimmerman. “There has never been a better time to become a pilot, and our goal is to bring the entire aviation community together in May to tell that story.”

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Month runs from May 1 through May 31. For a complete list of content and events, visit Sportys.com/LearnToFlyMonth.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Wiesenhahn
[email protected]

 

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Revolutionizing Comfort and Portability in Travel

Traveling just got a lot more comfortable and convenient with the launch of the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow, designed to transform the way passengers experience long flights. Crafted with the highest quality materials and ergonomic design principles, the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow is engineered to provide unparalleled comfort and support for the neck and head.

Whether you are flying for business or pleasure, this innovative neck pillow is your essential companion for a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Its built-in air pump provides quick and reliable inflation so that you can enjoy a restful journey anytime, no matter the duration of your trip.  The added support flap can be used as a chin or neck rest and ensures you will arrive at your destination feeling rejuvenated.

Key features of the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow include:

Ergonomic Design: The pillow’s contoured shape is specially-designed to cradle the neck and provide optimal support, reducing strain and discomfort during and after travel.

Compact and Portable: When deflated, the pillow can be stored in the included pouch and tucked into your carry-on luggage or backpack.

Adjustable Strap: An adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, preventing the pillow from shifting or slipping during use.

“We are excited to introduce the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow, a necessity for travel comfort,” said Sporty’s Director of Aviation Products, Doug Ranly. “Our goal is to provide passengers with a premium travel experience in a compact design, and this pillow delivers on that promise by combining a quality design with premium materials.”

The Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow [5280A] is available for $19.95 and may be purchased at Sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Wiesenhahn
[email protected]

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Clay Simmons takes first prize; Joseph Cummins is runner-up

Clay Simmons, a 22-year old aircraft builder and pilot based in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the winner of the sixth annual Richard L. Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. His article, “Blister Flight:  Six Pilots and an Angel,” was selected as the entry that best answered this year’s writing prompt:  “My Most Memorable Flight.”  Simmons’s article describes a lifelong love of aviation, his desire to be the world’s youngest aircraft builder, and his emotional journey to his most memorable flight.

Simmons recounts growing up flying in the backseat of his father’s Cub in the Idaho backcountry and serving as the unofficial tower controller.  It was during a gathering around a campfire at Johnson Creek–a grass strip in central Idaho–that he pledged to be the world’s youngest aircraft builder. He goes on to share details of an airplane accident that nearly claimed the life of his father in 2018 and how that event helped to define him as an aviator.

Air Facts Editor in Chief and Sporty’s President, John Zimmerman, awarded Simmons the $5,000 prize to encourage his aviation and writing pursuits, and the winning article was published in Air Facts. Simmons is currently a sales associate with the aircraft brokerage firm, Aerista, and flies and maintains his Carbon Cub.

This year’s contest also offered a second prize, which was awarded to Joseph Cummins of Minneapolis, Minnesota, for his article, “My First Oshkosh.” Cummins describes an early morning departure with his friends in their Piper Archer in July 2023 for an action-packed flight to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  After an unforgettable day, meeting new people and enjoying the show, Cummins and his friends enjoyed a sunset flight home.  Cummins was awarded $2,500, and his article also was published in Air Facts.

The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots is funded through royalties from Collins’s book sales and is augmented by contributions from his children, Richard, Jr. (who also was one of the judges), Sarah, and Charlotte.

Air Facts began publication in 1938, edited by Richard’s father, Leighton Collins, and the magazine was a starting point for authors such as Wolfgang Langewiesche, Bob Buck, Bill Mauldin, and Richard Bach. Sporty’s relaunched Air Facts as an online magazine in 2011.  Visit AirFactsJournal.com for more information and to subscribe at no cost.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Wiesenhahn
[email protected]

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Diverse range of products reflects the spirit and vision of COPA

Sporty’s is proud to announce that it is now the official provider of merchandise for the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). The newly unveiled merchandise collection features a diverse range of high-quality products, designed to resonate with COPA members and supporters. From stylish apparel to sleek accessories, each item has been meticulously crafted to reflect the spirit and vision of COPA.

“Our members have long been the backbone of our organization, and we’re excited to offer them a tangible way to show their support and pride while also contributing to our cause,” said COPA President, TJ Shembekar.  “With this merchandise line from Sporty’s, we aim to not only elevate the COPA experience, but also further our mission of education and safety.”

The COPA logo is available to embroider on a wide range of merchandise that includes, but is not limited to:

Quality Polos: From TravisMatthew, Nike, and Eddie Bauer, a variety of polo shirt styles, designs and colors are available for men and women.

Signature T-shirts: Made from a blend of quality materials, moisture wicking t-shirts offer comfort and performance while showcasing your COPA pride.

Stylish Accessories: Hats and visors in a variety of colors offer protection, shade and style, whether you’re on the flight deck or walking across the ramp.

In addition to allowing supporters to wear their affiliation proudly, each purchase from the merchandise line directly contributes to COPA’s efforts to promote safety and goodwill toward the general aviation community.

The merchandise is available now for purchase at Sportys.com/COPA or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Wiesenhahn
[email protected]

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

 

 

 

Everything a pilot needs to know for a successful learning experience

Sporty’s is thrilled to announce the release of Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training. Filled with honest advice from Sporty’s team of flight instructors, this book is the aspiring pilot’s introduction to the fascinating world of aviation and a step-by-step guide to the flight training process. From finding a flight school to dealing with training setbacks to acing an airline interview, readers will learn detailed tips for success.

Learn to Fly is an essential reference for pilot training, whether learning to fly for fun or to launch a career. Written with clarity and expertise, and loaded with color graphics and helpful checklists, this comprehensive guide also includes dozens of helpful links to expand the reader’s knowledge online.

Read a sample from Sporty’s Learn to Fly book here.

“Whether you’re a novice or have dreams of becoming a professional pilot, Learn to Fly provides invaluable insights to help explore the skies,” said Sporty’s President, John Zimmerman. “Our experienced teaching team offers a passionate and unique perspective on the nuances of the flight training process, making it the perfect companion for anyone embarking on their aviation journey.”

Learn to Fly also explores the personal growth and transformation that accompany the pursuit of flight. Readers will experience the support and camaraderie forged among fellow aviators, the thrill of overcoming self-doubt, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with earning a pilot’s license.

Learn to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to Private Pilot Training [M573] is offered in a convenient digital (ebook) format or in paperback for just $4.99. The digital version is a free resource as part of Sporty’s online Learn to Fly Course; the print version is available at Sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

Media Contact:

Mark Wiesenhahn
[email protected]

Additional photos: