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

/in /by

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.

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Releases 2020 Edition of Learn to Fly Course

/in /by

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.

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Test Prep Analytics

Category Performance

Checkride Prep

Test Prep

 

FAA Handbooks

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (Test Prep Analytics)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (Category Performance)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (Checkride Prep)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (Test Prep)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (Graphic)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2020 edition of Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (HD Video)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a Long-EZ Christmas with Sporty’s

/in /by

Have a Long-EZ Christmas with Sporty’s

 Celebrate the holidays with Sporty’s ornament

Sporty’s 2019 Crystal Christmas Ornament

Sporty’s Crystal Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for pilots, flight schools, FBOs, and aviation enthusiasts. This year’s ornament features Burt Rutan’s popular Long-EZ.

“You could no doubt fill an entire Christmas tree with ornaments featuring Burt Rutan’s designs,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.  “This year, we chose one of his most popular aircraft with the Long-EZ.”

It was 40 years ago this past June that the Long-EZ completed its first flight. With a cruise speed of 144 mph and a maximum speed of 185 mph, the Long-EZ is fuel-efficient and its 2000-mile range makes it ideal for long-distance flight.

 Sporty’s custom-etched Long-EZ Ornament includes a bright red ribbon for hanging along with an insert card describing the airplane. Boxed for gift giving, Sporty’s 2019 Crystal Christmas Ornament [9833A] is available for $24.95 and may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2019 Crystal Christmas Ornament

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shine a Light on Your Night Flying with Sporty’s Flight Gear Flashlight

/in /by

Shine a Light on Your Night Flying with Sporty’s Flight Gear Flashlight

It’s the only flashlight with FARs printed right on the handle

Sporty’s Flight Gear Flashlight is constructed with aircraft grade aluminum and includes a focusing bezel that provides both flood and spot light options. Independent buttons for both red and white light mean you won’t have to scroll through one to get to the other and unique tactile cues make it easy to find the right one in the dark. The flashlight is smart too: If one color of light is on and you want to switch to the other, the first color automatically shuts off. Both colors have a high and low setting, and they are pilot-friendly organized.

“We’ve examined and tested dozens of flashlights, and we finally decided to custom-design a perfect flashlight for pilots,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We went above and beyond to make sure this flashlight was perfect for our needs as general aviation pilots.”

Since logging night flight and night landings can be confusing, Sporty’s printed the two FARs most relevant to flying at night right on the body of the light. They are FAR 1.1 (logging night time) and FAR 61.57 (night landings).

The Flight Gear Flashlight [7499A] uses two AA batteries (included) and comes with a wrist lanyard. It is available for $32.95 at sportys.com or by calling 1.800.SPORTYS.

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of the Flight Gear Flashlight

Download hi-res EPS of the Flight Gear Flashlight (White)

Download hi-res EPS of the light Gear Flashlight (Red)

Download hi-res EPS of the light Gear Flashlight (FAR61.57B)

Download hi-res EPS of the light Gear Flashlight (FAR1.1)

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Introduces the PJ2 Handheld COM Radio

/in , /by

Sporty’s Introduces the PJ2 Handheld COM Radio

The only aviation radio with built-in headset plugs

PJ2 COM radio

Standard twin plug headsets can connect directly to the PJ2 without adapter cables.

The all-new, patent-pending PJ2 is the only handheld aviation radio that can be connected to standard aviation headset plugs without using a special adapter. The simplicity of the PJ2 makes it a pilot favorite and the ideal backup radio: just turn it on, type in a frequency, and plug in your headset.

“The PJ2 is made exclusively for pilots – there are no menus, no wires, and no adapters,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.  “Dedicated volume and squelch knobs are easy to adjust, even in turbulence, and the extra-large screen and backlit keypad make a big difference during an emergency.”

In addition to push-button frequency entry, the PJ2 has a handy last frequency button to quickly switch back and forth between tower and ground, or approach and CTAF. It can also store 20 memory channels, which are easily recalled using the PJ2’s large, backlit screen. Pilots can even access NOAA weather radio stations for updated forecasts.

Most pilots will use the included alkaline battery pack (uses six AA batteries) for all-day power without worrying about rechargeable batteries or cords. The PJ2 is made to sit ready in a flight bag for weeks then be ready to go at a moment’s notice, but a USB-C port on the side of the radio is also available as a option to power the radio.

“We believe regular AA batteries are the best choice for backup use, but the ability to power the PJ2 with a USB-C cable is a convenient option,” adds Zimmerman. “From Sentry ADS-B receivers to iPad Pros, this cable is increasingly common.”

The PJ2 comes with an alkaline battery pack, antenna, 100-240v wall plug, a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable, belt clip, and pilot’s guide. Headsets with standard twin plugs (PJ-055 and PJ-068) require no adapter; for Lemo/6-pin plug headsets, an adapter [6123A] is available for $39.95. The PJ2 COM Radio [#1812A] is available for $199 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com/PJ2.

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of the PJ2

Download hi-res EPS of the PJ2 (in hand)

Download hi-res EPS of the PJ2 (with headset plugs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Become a Garmin Wizard with Sporty’s Garmin Courses

/in /by

Become a Garmin Wizard with Sporty’s Garmin Courses

Garmin TXI Flight Displays Course

 You’ve bought it, installed it – now learn how to use it

Sporty’s has partnered with Garmin to present all-new courses to make any pilot and aircraft owner an expert on Garmin avionics.

“Advanced avionics training was once reserved for specialty flight schools and training centers, but now pilots can learn on their own time and anywhere they may be because of the availability of Sporty’s courses on multiple mobile platforms,” says Sporty’s Vice President Eric Radtke. “eLearning lets you learn when you want, where you want and at your own pace.”

The new courses are:

Garmin TXi Flight Displays: This interactive TXi Essentials eLearning course provides initial instruction on the fundamental operation of these touchscreen displays, now found in thousands of general aviation panels. Pilots who complete this course will be able to confidently complete standard tasks encountered during a flight, from preflight tests to in-flight navigation.

Garmin G5000 / G5000 Plus: These separate courses for the G5000 and the G5000 with autothrottles, go beyond the Pilot’s Guide to help maximize the benefits and capabilities of this system. Each course will introduce you to the overall G5000 system, provide an understanding of the specific Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) that comprise the system, describe the pilot-aircraft interface, and present a flight scenario that demonstrates use of the system during a typical flight.

Garmin Aviation Weather Radar: This course will introduce you to radar fundamentals, operational principles, industry-standard practices and operational considerations and techniques for all phases of flight. This course also addresses the features, functions and operation of three of Garmin’s airborne weather radars (GWX 70, GWX 75 and GWX 80) as well as reviewing techniques employed for managing weather threats.

Each of these four courses incorporates a combination of scenario-based video training, interactive exercises and review quizzes. After successful completion, pilots will receive a completion certificate, which many insurance companies require when checking out in a new aircraft.

Pilots can access these courses, 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.

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Garmin Aviation Weather Radar Course

 

 

Garmin G5000/G5000 Plus Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Awards Latest Flight Crew Scholarship

/in /by

Sporty’s Awards Latest Flight Crew Scholarship

Public school teacher the latest winner

Flight Crew scholarship winner Donna Holman

Donna Holman of Orangeburg, South Carolina, is the latest recipient of a $2,500 scholarship awarded through her membership in Sporty’s Flight Crew program. Donna plans to put this money toward her flight instructor certificate so that she can continue to share her passion for aviation with others.

Donna is a 29-year veteran in teaching at a public school and is planning her retirement, during which she hopes to combine her teaching skill and love of aviation and work as a flight instructor. She is currently a commercial pilot with instrument rating. She and her husband own a 1968 Cessna Cardinal, and, as an advanced ground instructor, she is working on producing a general aviation curriculum for her school district.

Donna explains her flight instructor plans this way: “I will help breathe life into the future of aviation and give fledgling pilots the opportunity to spread their flight wings on the way to an avocation or occupation in general aviation and beyond.”

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 this $2,500 scholarship.

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

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Hosts Pop-Up Store at EAA AirVenture

/in /by

Sporty’s Hosts Pop-Up Store at EAA AirVenture

A fully-stocked Sporty’s Pilot Shop will spring from a tent at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This fully interactive store provides a unique

Sporty’s tent at AirVenture

shopping experience for attendees and gives them the chance to touch, try on, examine and ask questions about hundreds of products.  Located outside Hangar B in Outdoor Space #260, Sporty’s will set up its pop-up store for the week of AirVenture.

“A popular feature of Sporty’s tent is our headset demo area,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Here, pilots can try on and examine all available headsets side by side as well as have their product-specific questions answered by representatives of Bose and Lightspeed who will be in Sporty’s tent.”

Sporty’s will also have ADS-B experts on hand to talk about the latest avionics from Appareo, Garmin, and uAvionix. Both portable receivers and TSO’d ADS-B out avionics will be in stock.

There will be special guests in the tent, including Natalie “flyGIRL” Kelley, who will be showing off the latest flyGIRL gear.

Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection, featuring aviation-themed gifts and memorabilia, will have its own booth in Hangar B, Booth #2159.

 

Sporty’s Hosts Forums, Too

 

Here is the schedule of forums presented by Sporty’s staff:

 

Monday, July 22

Noon

Flying with the iPad as a Digital Co-Pilot, presented by Chris Clarke

AOPA Tent

 

Tuesday, July 23

1:00 pm

Datalink Weather – Practical Tips, presented by John Zimmerman

Forum Stage 9 – Appareo Aviation

 

Friday, July 26

11:30 am

Flying with the iPad as a Digital Co-Pilot, presented by Bret Koebbe

Forum Stage 9 – Appareo Aviation

 

“As pilots, we have dozens of reasons to enjoy our week at AirVenture,” says Zimmerman. “But we really enjoy meeting our customers face to face, talking airplanes, and hearing their comments and feedback.”

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s releases 2019 edition of Instrument Proficiency Check Course

/in /by

Sporty’s releases 2019 edition of Instrument Proficiency Check Course

Become a more confident IFR pilot

The Instrument Proficiency Check Course is designed to cover everything a pilot needs to know in order to stay a safe and proficient pilot in the clouds. Packed with more than three hours of HD video, this course is divided into 38 segments for easy studying with a review quiz at the end which provides instant feedback on how you performed.

New segments cover the latest weather products such as the Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) along with IFR flying strategies to take advantage of the latest technology such as mobile EFB apps, ADS-B and glass cockpits. Updated information on flying with datalink weather to improve in-flight decision making is included as well as an interview with ATC to learn the controller’s expectation for pilots.

The Instrument Proficiency Check Course gives a thorough review of instrument approach procedures, including the differences between LNAV, LP, LPV an LNAV+V when flying GPS approaches. The course explains how to fly the latest RNAV SIDs and STARs, including Climb Via and Descend Via clearances, and covers emergency procedures, including instrument failure, fuel emergencies and lost communications.

Compatible with all devices – iOS, Android, online, Apple TV and Roku – the course also provides links to key reference documents to take your studies to the next level with the FAR/AIM, Instrument Flying Handbook, and more. Accepted for FAA Wings credit.

The Instrument Proficiency Check Course is available for $49.99 and may be purchased at sportys.com.

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharpen Your Weather Skills with Sporty’s New Aviation Weather Course

/in /by

Sharpen Your Weather Skills with Sporty’s New Aviation Weather Course

Featuring Rob Reider, Scott Dimmich, and Matt Guthmiller

Sporty’s all-new weather course, Aviation Weather – A Pilot’s Guide, will give pilots the confidence to analyze and manage weather. With more than four and a half hours of practical tips for all pilots, this course gives both the basics of weather safety and pro tips on avoiding in-flight hazards.

“Weather is a constant challenge for pilots, no matter how many hours you’ve logged or what aircraft you’re flying,” says Sporty’s Vice President Eric Radtke. “Fortunately, with the right equipment and good training, weather can be safely managed.”

The course includes all weather topics important to pilots, ranging from how to read clouds to decoding METARs and TAFs, from weather tools such as the Graphical Forecast for Aviation to thunderstorm forecast products, and many more subject areas.

Aviation Weather is hosted by three weather gurus: Meteorologist Scott Dimmich who is also a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist; Matt Guthmiller, the youngest pilot to fly around the world solo, who provides practical in-flight tips; and Rob Reider, an Emmy-award winning air show announcer and multi-thousand hour instrument-rated pilot.

Like all Sporty’s courses, Aviation Weather goes beyond the textbook with real world tips and technique. The course demonstrates how to use the forecast tools available in ForeFlight and the HD video including animations brings aviation weather to life and puts you right in the cockpit.

Aviation Weather – A Pilot’s Guide [E325A]is available for $99.95 and includes access to all formats: online, iPad/iPhone, Android, Apple TV and Roku. For more information or to purchase please visit sportys.com/weather.

 

Medium resolution pictures for online: