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Become a Garmin GTN Master with Sporty’s New Garmin Course

January 23, 2020/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Become a Garmin GTN Master with Sporty’s New Garmin Course

Learn at your own pace from the comfort of your couch

Sporty’s has partnered with Garmin to provide comprehensive training for GTN 650, GTN 750 and GTN Xi series touchscreen navigators. The GTN Essentials eLearning course brings the Pilot’s Guide to life by incorporating a combination of scenario-based training videos, animations, tips and tricks. The course takes you logically through the features of the GTN system and provides demonstrations of some commonly-used techniques. Typical high-altitude, medium altitude and helicopter scenarios are used to demonstrate how to successfully use the GTN system in flight.

The course is divided into 8 lessons with “bite-sized” videos that enable the user to tailor their studying and maximize the use of their time. Users can pause and seamlessly resume a lesson, re-take the entire course or specific lessons as often as they want. When used in combination with the free Garmin GTN PC or iPad trainer apps, additional scripted scenarios and detailed guidance provide opportunities for practice and familiarity.

The GTN Essentials eLearning course [#E181A] is available for $125.00 It can be accessed, along with all of Sporty’s course offerings, on Sporty’s award-winning Pilot Training platform. This provides the ultimate flexibility by allowing pilots to train using the device that works best on any given day: access online in a web browser, in Sporty’s Pilot Training app for iOS and Android, on AppleTV or RokuTV. Access to all platforms is included and course progress always stays in sync. For more information or to purchase a course please visit sportys.com/pilottraining.

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Call for Entries: The Second Annual Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots

January 16, 2020/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Call for Entries: The Second Annual Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots

$2,500 award for a pilot up to age 24

The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be an event that changed or shaped the author’s flying.

The winning article will be published in Air Facts, the publication Richard’s father, Leighton, founded in 1938 and which was relaunched eight years ago by Sporty’s as an online magazine. The articles will be judged by a panel of three: Richard Collins, Jr., J. Mac McClellan, and Amy Laboda.

“Richard Collins left a rich legacy in aviation, including the many young writers he encouraged or hired,” says Sporty’s Vice President and Air Facts Editor John Zimmerman. “This prize is a great way to continue that important work and honor a great writer.”

The winning article will be published in Air Facts, while its writer will receive a check for $2,500. The prize will be announced during the 2020 Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, FL.

Articles may be submitted now through March 3, 2020, and sent in as a Word document to [email protected]. In addition, young pilots are required to submit a 100-word bio to accompany their articles.

Read the 2019 winning article here.

Sporty’s Awards Flight Crew Scholarship

January 8, 2020/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Awards Flight Crew Scholarship

Student pilot with plans to help others receives $2,500 award

Sporty’s Flight Crew Scholarship winner Josh Calley.

Josh Calley of Honeoye Falls, NY, is the latest recipient of a $2,500 scholarship awarded through his membership in Sporty’s Flight Crew program. Josh has accumulated about 40 hours of flying experience and is nearing the completion of his Private pilot training. He is flying a Diamond DA40 through OnCore Aviation at the Greater Rochester International Airport (KROC).

Josh is a nurse practitioner and has previously served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He aims to continue his volunteerism in aviation through Civil Air Patrol and by participating in medical relief flights. Josh plans to put his scholarship toward the completion of his Private pilot studies and checkride before transitioning to Instrument training.

Josh describes his lifelong affinity for aviation: “I have wanted to fly since I was a kid, originally hoping I would someday fly for a commercial airline. I pursued a different career path, but have finally decided to take the plunge into aviation. I plan to use flying to help others.”

Sporty’s Flight Crew is a three-level customer benefit program that rewards customers with access to training programs, unlimited free shipping, an on-call personal Sporty’s shopper, and more. The top two levels (gold and platinum) include the opportunity to apply for a $2,500 flying scholarship.

It’s easy to enroll as a Sporty’s Flight Crew member by visiting sportys.com/flightcrew.

Airline Captain’s Leather Flight Jacket Available from Sporty’s

December 19, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Airline Captain’s Leather Flight Jacket Available from Sporty’s

Soft, supple lambskin feels broken in on day one

Sporty’s updated Airline Captain’s Jacket brings the classic aviator’s jacket into the 21st century. Developed in cooperation with major airline captains, it has a clean, contemporary appearance and is identical to uniform jackets worn by flight crews around the world. The leather has a soft hand and will gain character with age.

Constructed from lambskin, the Airline Pilot Jacket has a zip-out Thinsulate liner, so this jacket keeps you warm on the coldest days. Epaulet holders on each shoulder display your stripes and oversized brass zippers are easy to use, even with gloves. Other features include an elasticized leather waistband, snap-close cuffs, and double-entry pockets including a larger leather-lined inside pocket for documents.

“Leather jackets have been popular with professional pilots for decades, and for good reason. They are rugged, comfortable, and never go out of style,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We worked hard to find the perfect leather for this new jacket – it simply feels great.”

Available in a range of sizes, the Airline Captain’s Leather Flight Jacket [6189A] may be purchased for $349.00 at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Add Bluetooth to any aviation headset with the FARO Stealth Audio Link

December 12, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Add Bluetooth to any aviation headset with the FARO Stealth Audio Link

You don’t have to buy a new headset to get in-flight app alerts or music

The FARO Stealth Audio Link provides an economical way to add Bluetooth to any aviation headset, even if it’s a basic model from 20 years ago. Perfect for getting audio alerts from your favorite app, listening to music on long cross-country flights, or picking up clearances at non-towered airports, the Stealth Audio Link is compatible with any headset with standard PJ plugs. It’s an easy way to add the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity without spending a small fortune on a new headset.

“The most sought-after feature in the headset market is Bluetooth, and the new FARO Stealth Audio Link provides an economical option for pilots to add this feature,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “It’s also completely portable so it’s easy to move between airplanes or headsets.”

The Stealth Audio Link allows pilots to prioritize input audio with an easy three-position switch. The top selection gives the aircraft priority, so anytime the intercom is active the music or input audio will be muted. The middle selection gives the music or input audio priority, so both the intercom and music will be heard at the same time. The bottom selection mutes the music or input audio so pilots can focus on ATC transmissions.

The Stealth Audio Link features independently-controlled volume levels for both the left and right ear with simple thumb wheel adjustments. The control box also has a stereo/mono switch, so it is adaptable to most aircraft intercom systems. It works with any standard twin PJ plug aviation headset, and can be powered by either two AA batteries or via the USB type C port on the side of the unit.

The FARO Stealth Audio Link [8643A] is available for $139.95 exclusively from Sporty’s, and may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Earn Automatic FAA WINGS Credit With Sporty’s Courses

December 5, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Earn Automatic FAA WINGS Credit With Sporty’s Courses

Entire Sporty’s course library now eligible for one-click validation

Pilots can now earn FAA WINGS credit automatically from any of Sporty’s 18 training courses, which can help satisfy the requirement for a Flight Review and potentially save money on insurance. Unlike other courses, which require pilots to visit the FAA Safety website, review several pages of training notes, and then take a review quiz, Sporty’s new program provides immediate credit after submitting a brief form within the course.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the FAA Safety Team in promoting aviation safety and training to all pilots,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke. “Sporty’s mission to improve aviation safety means we are continually working to make training easier and more effective, and this is a major enhancement for pilots.”

After watching all the video segments and completing a final review quiz, pilots are eligible to request WINGS credit right from Sporty’s Pilot Training app or online portal. After completing the request form and entering their FAA Safety account information, they will be instantly awarded the appropriate Basic or Advanced Knowledge WINGS credit. Credits are then used to help satisfy the requirements of a WINGS phase. Completion of a WINGS phase can then be used to meet the requirements of a Flight Review.

Sporty’s Learn to Fly and Instrument Rating courses provide six credits, while shorter courses provide one credit for either a basic or advanced knowledge topic. Sporty’s courses are available on a variety of devices, including online, iOS app, Android app, and smart TVs. Pilots can complete the course anywhere, then use the online training portal or the iOS app to request WINGS credit when ready.

From Sporty’s Learn to Fly course to advanced glass cockpit training, pilots of all experience levels and interests will find a course from Sporty’s library to meet their training mission. For more information, visit Sportys.com/wings.

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Download hi-res EPS of the Sporty’s Courses FAA Wings Credit

Download hi-res EPS of the Sporty’s Courses FAA Wings

Sporty’s Introduces Faro Stealth 2 Headsets

November 14, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Introduces Faro Stealth 2 Headsets

Only Bluetooth-enabled passive headset now available

Offered exclusively by Sporty’s, the Faro Stealth Passive Headset is an affordable headset with an array of functions. The Stealth 2 is the only passive headset to offer full Bluetooth connectivity so the pilot may connect wirelessly to an iPad or smartphone to get aviation app notifications, listen to music, or even make phone calls. The Stealth 2 is perfect for picking up clearances at pilot-controlled airports or hearing a traffic callout from ForeFlight.

“Until now, the only way to have Bluetooth connectivity with a headset was to purchase an ANR model. This feature is now available on the Passive Faro Stealth 2, allowing pilots to enjoy Bluetooth features at a substantial savings,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Ultra-soft ear seals are more than twice as thick as other brands to provide maximum comfort with up to 26 dB noise reduction. The fully adjustable microphone boom is reversible and features a noise-canceling electret microphone that delivers crystal-clear communication.

The Stealth 2 features independently controlled volume levels to both the left and right ear with simple thumb wheels. Faro Stealth headsets also feature a stereo/mono switch so they are adaptable to most aircraft intercom systems.

“That means even if your intercom is mono, you’ll still hear music in stereo,” adds Zimmerman.

The Passive Faro Stealth 2 Headset (8255A) is available for $249.95. Faro Stealth 2 is also available equipped with ANR (8509A) for $449.95. Either may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Download hi-res EPS of the Faro Stealth 2 (cockpit)

Flight Gear Headlamp Designed for Pilots

November 7, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Flight Gear Headlamp Designed for Pilots

Ideal for those who prefer hands-free lighting

The Flight Gear Headlamp is ideal for pilots who fly between dusk and dawn. You can easily use this light while flying without it getting in the way.

“One of the biggest problems when using flashlights on the flight deck is overly powerful, blinding lights that ruin your night vision,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “You won’t have that issue thanks to independent switches for red and white LEDs.”

This headlamp features an independent switch for the red LEDs that controls two levels of brightness. The low-level red LED is ideal when you just need a touch of illumination in the cockpit. The high-level red LED is great to brighten up a larger space inside the plane without adversely effecting your night vision.

The other button on the headlamp controls the white LEDs. When you need maximum brightness, the Flight Gear Headlamp delivers. The first press of the button turns on the bright white floodlight. Perfect for pre-flight, the Flight Gear Headlamp lights a wide view of your surrounding area. With a second press of that button, the light changes to a spotlight function. A third press of the button will illuminate both the flood and the spotlight, providing the best possible brightness for the pilot.

In addition to the pilot-friendly light features, Sporty’s Flight Gear Headlamp is designed with a swivel head so that you can aim the light exactly where you want it. The comfortable headband on the light is adjustable and does not interfere with a headset.

Using three AAA batteries (not included), the Flight Gear Headlamp [7497A] is available for $19.95 and may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Woodstock, Hippies, Tie Dye… and Sporty’s Retro Wear

October 31, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Woodstock, Hippies, Tie Dye… and Sporty’s Retro Wear

Travel back to the 1960s with Sporty’s Retro T-shirt and Hat

To celebrate 58 years as part of the aviation community, Sporty’s has issued a hat and a t-shirt that bear the original Sporty’s logo from the 1960s. The logo is the very first one, which was found over the company’s first flight school.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop Retro Hat shows this logo, and as with all Sporty’s aviation hats, there is no button on top that would interfere with wearing a headset. Sporty’s Retro T-shirt likewise displays the original logo and comes in heathered navy constructed from a 50/50 blend of cotton and poly.

“Whether you were already flying in the 1960s or joined us much later, this T-shirt and hat are a fun way to start a conversation with other pilots,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop Retro Hat [7701A] is available for $9.95, and Sporty’s Pilot Shop Retro T-Shirt [9836A] is available for $19.95. Either may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Retro Hat (Red)

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Sporty’s Releases 2020 Edition of Learn to Fly Course

October 22, 2019/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Releases 2020 Edition of Learn to Fly Course

Comprehensive checkride tools, smart TV apps, and FAA document library all added

Student pilots can save time and money by using Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course as part of their pilot training. Pilots who use Sporty’s course are guaranteed to pass both the FAA knowledge and practical tests. The course, available online and on mobile devices, also emphasizes preparation for real world flying beyond the checkride.

The 2020 edition of Sporty’s course now includes over 15 hours of HD video, which has been augmented with all-new segments on real-world communications, how to integrate tablets into flight training, how to use new weather forecast tools, and flying with glass cockpits such as the G1000.

“You won’t find one second of dull lectures in any of our courses,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke. “We strive to make our Learn to Fly Course as engaging and insightful as an actual flight lesson with a terrific instructor.”

In addition to new video content, the knowledge test prep tools have also been significantly upgraded. Pilots can create customized study sessions from Sporty’s proprietary database of over 1000 questions and get concise explanations for each one, which helps the student grasp complex subject matter instead of simply memorizing. The course tracks performance by knowledge category and will create a Smart Study Session that focuses on the weakest areas. New for 2020 is a seamless sync process, so pilots can start a study session on their iPhone and complete it on their laptop. A detailed learning history is accessible on all devices.

“We don’t stop with the written test, though,” adds Radtke. “We prepare our students for the checkride with all-new oral exam flashcards, plus an interactive checkride checklist of what to bring for the big day. There’s even a video segment from Jason Blair, an active pilot examiner, with tips for the practical test.”

Another enhancement for 2020 is access to popular FAA handbooks including the Airplane Flying Handbook and the Aeronautical Information Manual. Sporty’s Pilot Training app includes powerful document management tools, including bookmarks and search, which makes studying easier and more effective.

A one-time purchase of Sporty’s course includes access to all platforms with automatic progress sync between platforms. This includes the interactive online portal, dedicated apps for iOS and Android, and even smart TV apps for Roku and Apple TV. The latest version of the Pilot Training app now supports Chromecast devices, so pilots can watch videos from the comfort of their living room.

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course [E1753A] includes free lifetime updates and may be purchased for $249 at sportys.com/courses or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. Existing users have access to all new features and content automatically.

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