Pay Homage to the Flying Tigers

/in /by

Flying Tigers Cap

Products feature popular shark teeth art

Aviation history buffs will be proud to own the Wright Bros. Flying Tigers collection of apparel. The Flying Tigers is a nickname given to the First American Volunteer group, commanded by Claire Chennault, and composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps, Navy, and Marine Corps recruited in 1941 under presidential authority. The fighter group consisted of P-40 aircraft with the well-known shark teeth.

 

Flying Tigers Cap is a must-have for anyone who loves military aviation history. Constructed from a classic washed olive color in 100% cotton, the cap displays the shark teeth and has a hook and loop strap to adjust for size.

 

Flying Tigers Duffel Bag is modeled after World War II parachute bags and serves as an all-purpose travel bag displaying the shark teeth and a leaping Flying Tiger on both sides of the bag. Measuring 18.25”l x 11.25”h x 12”w, this duffel is made of 16 oz. olive drab cotton canvas and includes cotton web handles for added durability. Two end pockets with copper button closures and a heavy-duty zipper with a snap-flap closure add to the sturdiness of this duffel.

 

Flying Tigers Socks are crew-styled and adorned with the shark teeth on the front and the foot and the leaping tiger printed on the back with Flying on the left sock and Tigers on the right sock. One size fits men’s shoe sizes 6-13 and women’s shoe sizes 4-12.

 

Flying Tigers Throw features a P-40 in flight outlined by the famous shark teeth along with other known Flying Tigers decal artwork. The throw is made from a three-layer machine washable 100% high-quality cotton weave and measures about 48”w x 67”l.

 

Flying Tigers T-Shirt is made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton and displays the shark teeth on the front and the Flying Tiger on the back. This T-Shirt is available in sizes medium through extra-extra large.

 

The Flying Tigers Cap [2504W] is available for $19.99. The Flying Tigers Duffel Bag [2083W] is available for $39.99. The Flying Tiger Socks [2471W] are available for $14.99. The Flying Tigers Throw [2180W] is available for $59.99. The Flying Tigers T-Shirt [3133W] is available for $21.99. All Flying Tiger merchandise may be purchased from Wright Bros. Collection at wright-bros.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

Flying Tigers Duffel Bag

Flying Tigers Socks

Flying Tigers Throw

Flying Tigers Shirt

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flying Tigers Cap

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flying Tigers Duffel

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flying Tigers Socks

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flying Tigers Throw

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flying Tigers Shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Pilot Shop Now Official Store for American Bonanza Society

/in /by

Members of the American Bonanza Society (ABS), along with anyone with an affinity for Bonanzas and Barons, can now purchase a wide selection of ABS merchandise from Sporty’s Pilot Shop.  Items include both men’s and women’s apparel such as t-shirts, golf shirts and baseball caps, with a buttonless cap designed especially for headset-wearing pilots. Beech training materials, flight deck resources and flight bags are also available.

“ABS members benefit from Sporty’s renowned customer service, while the ABS receives a portion of every sale to support the largest community of Beechcraft owners and pilots,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, the American Bonanza Society involves its more than 9,000 members by sharing safety, technical and educational resources, and by promoting interaction among and advocacy on behalf of its members.

The American Bonanza Society merchandise may be purchased from the store on the ABS website directly or sportys.com/abs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Announces 2018 Webinar Schedule

/in /by

Free presentations open to all and hosted by aviation experts

Sporty’s Webinars are a great resource for pilots.

Join the thousands of pilots who have attended Sporty’s free aviation webinar series consisting of live, multimedia presentations on a variety of aviation topics, delivered in a convenient online format that is engaging and even allows participants to interact with presenters.

“The best part is you can sit in your favorite chair and take part – no drives to the airport,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.  “Our webinars can be viewed anywhere you have an internet connection and on your mobile device.”

Complete descriptions of the webinars are available at Sportys.com/webinars.  Live presentations are scheduled nearly every month.  If you can’t make a live presentation or wish to review the information at a later date, all of Sporty’s webinars are recorded and available in the webinar archive and on Sporty’s YouTube channel for viewing.

 

Topics for 2018 include:

 

Garmin TXi Touchscreen Displays – Wednesday, January 24 at 8:00 pm ET – Matt Clark of Garmin Aviation will show how you can upgrade your aircraft and improve the safety of each flight. Discover how easy it is to scale a system that perfectly fits your panel, your mission and your price range.

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course Demo – Thursday, February 15 at 3:30 pm ET – Bret Koebbe and Eric Radtke of Sporty’s will walk you through the 2018 version of Sporty’s award-winning Learn to Fly course, showing the changes and updates that have made this course Sporty’s best offering yet.

In-Flight Weather Fundamentals – SiriusXM, ADS-B and Portable Receivers –Thursday, March 1 at 8:00 pm ET – John Zimmerman of Sporty’s and meteorologist Scott Dimmich explore in-flight weather services and real world weather flying strategies. From the basics of weather theory to real world tips, this webinar is packed with information you can use on your next flight. The webinar includes a review of actual trips flown with different technology, and the lessons learned.

Spring Flying Refresher – Tuesday, March 20 at 8:00 pm ET – Sporty’s Eric Radtke and the instructional staff from Sporty’s Academy review flying tips and techniques, regulations, airspace, weather and more. If you’ve been away from flying for an extended period of time, we’ll also debunk some of those myths associated with rejoining the aviation community and highlight what may have changed since you last flew.

Weather Fundamentals and Strategy – Wednesday, April 25 at 8:00 pm ET — Meteorologist Scott Dimmich and Sporty’s Bret Koebbe explore the mass of weather information now available to pilots – how and where to find the information and how to make effective use of the available weather tools. You’ll learn how to make better, more informed interpretations of weather in order to make sound weather decisions.

Surviving the Checkride – Thursday, May 31 at 8:00 pm ET – A roundtable discussion with examples will give you confidence in order to pass a checkride. You’ll learn how to prepare effectively with the goal of making the checkride an enjoyable experience.

Registration is free for all Sporty’s webinars and available now at Sportys.com/webinars. No special software is necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tired of Complex Adapter Issues? Problem Solved!

/in /by

New adapters available for Sporty’s SP-400

LEMO Plug Adapter

LEMO headsets can now be connected to Sporty’s SP-400 radio with Sporty’s LEMO plug adapter. Simply plug your LEMO aviation headset into Sporty’s adapter and you can use your radio without taking off your headset.

“This new product came about from input from our customers,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We heard requests from countless pilots, especially at EAA AirVenture, to make such an adapter so we did.”

In addition, when using Sporty’s SP-400, there is side tone – so the pilot can hear himself talk while making transmissions. The adapter works with Sporty’s JD-200, SP-200 and SP-400, but will not provide power to your LEMO headset for ANR capabilities.

Both the LEMO Plug to SP-400 Adapter [7884A] and a U174 Helicopter Plug to SP-400 Adapter [7762A] are each available for $29.95 and may be ordered by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com.

 

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Helicopter Plug Adapter

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s SP-400 LEMO Plug Adapter

Downliad hi-res EPS of Sporty’s U174 Helicopter Plug Adapter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilot’s Old Friend Gets a Facelift

/in /by

Sporty’s has redesigned its Fuel Tester

Sporty’s Fuel Tester

Sporty’s classic Fuel Tester has now been improved. This tester fits all popular quick-drain and recessed valves and includes a removable, full-length metal rod. Unlike plastic pins found in other fuel testers, this metal rod will never need replacement.

In addition, octane color codes are molded onto the transparent cylinder while a reversible (flathead/Phillips) screwdriver is mounted on the tip.

“This redesign speaks to Sporty’s commitment to continually improve our product offerings, even something as standard as a fuel tester,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Measuring 8.5” in length, Sporty’s Fuel Tester [2788A] is available for $10.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Fuel Tester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goggles Aren’t Just for IFR Training

/in /by

 

VFR Training Goggles keep student pilots looking outside the airplane

Sporty’s VFR Training Goggles

Sporty’s VFR Training Goggles were designed by a Sporty’s Academy flight instructor to get the student’s eyes off the gauges and outside the airplane. While wearing VFR Training Goggles, the view of the panel is blocked, forcing the student to look outside the airplane – perfect for steep turns.

“There comes a point in flight training when students get hypnotized by gauges instead of looking outside the aircraft,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Many instructors resolve to put a sectional chart over all the panel in an effort to get students to look outside while practicing a maneuver. This is a better option.”   

Constructed of pliable material to conform to a pilot’s head, the VFR Training Goggles fit snugly with an adjustable elastic strap, and won’t interfere with headsets.

VFR Training Goggles [2780A] are available for $12.95 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com.

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Sporty’s VFR Training Goggles View

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s VFR Training Goggles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give the Gift of Flight to Someone – or to Yourself

/in /by

Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Kit gets you airborne

Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Course Kit

Sporty’s has assembled a Deluxe Learn to Fly Course Kit which includes everything a student pilot could need, from video based training to essential pilot supplies. It’s also perfect for rusty pilots getting back into aviation, or for aspiring aviators who want to get off to a quick start.

“This kit removes a barrier for potential pilots,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke. “We include our training course along with everything an individual needs to get off the couch and to the airport.”

Sporty’s Learn to Fly Kit includes Sporty’s 2018 Learn to Fly Course, Sporty’s electronic E6B flight computer, fuel tester, logbook, sectional plotter, flight plan forms, FAR/AIM book, and four other study texts and guides. All are packaged in a Flight Gear HP Crosswind Bag.

“This kit also saves the aspiring pilot money over buying each item individually,” adds Radtke.

Sporty’s also offers a kit for those pilots working toward an instrument rating. The Deluxe Instrument Rating kit features a Flight Gear HP Captain’s bag, Sporty’s 2018 Instrument Rating Course, and pilot supplies selected to meet the instrument students needs. As with the Learn to Fly Kit, the Instrument Rating kit saves money over buying items individually.  

The Instrument Rating Package includes Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course, Sporty’s electronic E6B flight computer, IFR training glasses, flight timer, instrument plotter, two partial panel simulators, FAR/AIM book, and three study guides.

Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Course Kit [#4100A] is available for $349, and Sporty’s Deluxe Instrument Rating Kit [#B1545A] is available for $375. Each may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Sporty’s Deluxe Instrument Rating Course Kit

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Deluxe Learn to Fly Course Kit

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Deluxe Instrument Rating Course Kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Introduces Air Scan® Radio with Bluetooth

/in , /by

 

Listen to Spotify and local aviation traffic at the same time with Aviation Interrupt

Sporty’s all-new Air Scan radio/scanner can easily pair to a smartphone or iPad for playing music from your favorite app while Aviation Interrupt™ alerts you to any aviation transmissions on your preferred frequencies. Perfect for your home office, the desk at your FBO, or your workbench in the hangar, the Air Scan is an easy way to monitor aviation traffic while still listening to your favorite music or sports.

With Aviation Interrupt, the Air Scan silently scans up to 10 preset frequencies for activity. When a signal is detected on any of these frequencies, the music or other programming is interrupted and the aviation transmission is played. When the transmission ends, the Air Scan returns you to what you were listening to prior to the transmission.

“Sporty’s very first product in 1961 was a Realtone radio that Sporty’s founder, Hal Shevers, modified to receive aviation transmissions,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Since then, we’ve done various versions of desktop aviation scanners, and this latest model has the features that made the previous one so popular — namely, Aviation Interrupt — but in a completely new design and with a number of modern enhancements.”

One of the enhancements is the Bluetooth feature of the Air Scan. Bluetooth allows you to add aviation communications to almost anything you listen to on your smartphone including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. You can also plug your phone, computer or tablet into your Air Scan using the aux-in jack, or tune in your favorite stations with the built-in AM/FM radio. There’s even an external speaker jack, so you can connect the Air Scan to your surround sound system or an airport speaker.

“Even if you aren’t listening to music, the Air Scan makes a great aviation radio,” adds Zimmerman. “You can scan the entire airband frequency range or just the 10 memory channels for activity.”

With the holidays approaching, Sporty’s Air Scan makes a great gift for pilots and non-pilots alike. Planespotters, individuals too young for flight training, and armchair aviation buffs will all enjoy being part of the aviation action with Air Scan.

The Air Scan package [5173A] includes the Air Scan radio, 110V wall plug, telescoping BNC antenna and user guide and is available for $139.95 by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com/airscan.

 

 

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

 

 

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan (Chart)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan (Head on)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan (Right View)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan (Left View)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Air Scan (Top View)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporty’s Chooses Mooney for its 2017 Christmas Ornament

/in /by

Sporty’s Crystal Christmas Ornament continues as a Christmas tradition for pilots, flight schools, FBOs, and aviation enthusiasts. This year’s ornament, the 33rd in the series, features the Mooney M20.  Created from crystal, the M20 is etched on the ornament along with “Christmas 2017.”

Sporty’s 2017 Christmas Ornament

“You’d think we would have run out of airplanes pilots love to feature on our Christmas ornament,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Even we were surprised when we realized Sporty’s had never featured a Mooney since the company and its airplanes are admired by so many.”

Like all Sporty’s Christmas Ornaments, the Mooney ornament includes a bright red ribbon for hanging and is boxed for gift giving and includes a paper insert describing Mooney’s rich heritage.

Sporty’s 2017 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 2017 Christmas Ornament

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Collins Celebrates 70 Years of Writing about Airplanes

/in /by

First pilot report was in November 1947

The first article that Richard Collins wrote about an airplane appeared in the November 1947 issue of Air Facts. It is a pilot report about flying an Ercoupe (NC95464) out of Glens Falls, New York, accompanied by his father and Air Facts’ founder Leighton Collins.

The first issue of Reader’s Digest-size Air Facts was published in February 1938. Although its circulation never exceeded 20,000 subscribers, Air Facts was the magazine starting point for such authors as Richard Bach, Wolfgang Langewiesche, Bob Buck, and Bill Mauldin. Richard wrote for Air Facts until 1968 when he left the magazine to join the staff of FLYING.  Air Facts was relaunched online, sponsored by Sporty’s, in 2011.

The Ercoupe pilot report, written by 13-year old Richard Collins, is posted today at airfactsjournal.com, along with comments by Richard. He says that he doesn’t remember if he was proud of the story when it first ran, but knows for sure that all his life he has had both printer’s ink and avgas flowing through his veins.

Richard has now written 1500 magazine articles, thirteen books as well as an extensive library of videos. He says, “I will just say that it has been a wonderful challenge, a whole lot of fun, and I managed to make a decent living along the way. I always felt like I had the best job in the world.”

“Although it’s unlikely, we hope there is someone out there to surpass Richard’s record,” said Air Facts’ Editor and Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We think Richard’s 70 years will stand for a long time. Besides, Richard is still writing so each day his record gets harder to beat.” Richard says he would be proud to have someone surpass his tenure as an aviation writer.

Richard ends his 1947 article with the exuberance of a student pilot by declaring that, after a few landings coached by his father, “I made a perfect landing without him saying or doing a thing,” and concludes his article with, “That was the most jubilant feeling I ever had.”

 

Medium resolution pictures for online:

Richard Collins (1947)

Richard Collins

November 1947 issue of Air Facts