New content and improved  functionality enhance the learning experience

 

Sporty’s continues to deliver unprecedented value and outstanding learning experiences with new content and functionality for its popular Learn to Fly Course.  Nearly four hours of new high-definition video content and animations have been added along with improved features for the popular written test prep application.

New video content includes training in cross-country flight operations that focuses on airspace, chart interpretation, planning, and detailed weather analysis that takes advantage of the latest products and technology available from the Aviation Weather Center and Lockheed Martin Flight Service.  Real-world cross-country scenarios examine pilotage and dead reckoning while also incorporating GPS and modern iPad EFB applications.  For those transitioning to night flying, you’ll also appreciate new tips and techniques.  Supplemented with new graphics and 3D animations that offer incredible detail, these new segments are sure to provide student pilots with information relevant to modern technology and the current training environment.

Additionally, Sporty’s is pleased to introduce on-screen Meteorologist Scott Dimmich in this latest version.  “We’re very pleased that Scott has joined Sporty’s talented group of video hosts,” said Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke.  “Scott’s extensive television experience, weather expertise and vast aviation knowledge really shines as he discusses advanced weather theory and frontal weather as it relates to cross-country flying.”

Sporty’s has also improved functionality within its written test prep application allowing users to more easily take advantage of the popular feature that allows the written exam endorsement to be earned directly from the course.  Test prep, included with the Learn to Fly Course, allows customized study sessions and simulated exams to be created with access to plain English explanations written by Sporty’s instructional team.

A detailed history of learning sessions is available anytime within customized Progress Reports for further review and to help measure progress.  Study achievements can even be shared with friends, fellow pilots and flight instructors.

At each login,  online and App users continue to gain access to brand new content at no additional charge. Sporty’s is regularly updating and refining video content, adding graphics and enhancing test preparation.  Users are guaranteed to pass their written, oral and flight tests and can even receive their written exam endorsement right from the course.

 

Sporty’s online Learn to Fly Course or Learn to Fly App is available for $199 and may be ordered online at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Updated Learn to Fly Course (Ipad being held)

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

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Updated Learn to Fly Course (Cockpit Scene)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Updated Learn to Fly Course (Weather Map)

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

 

Demonstrated need for basic trainer

Flight schools and flying clubs nationwide have expressed great interest in Sporty’s 172LITE trainer. As a result of this demand from the marketplace, Sporty’s is offering the 172LITE to flight schools and flying clubs as an affordable trainer.

“After December’s announcement of the 172LITE, my inbox and voicemail were flooded with inquiries from flight schools and flying clubs throughout the country,” Sporty’s Charlie Masters stated. “There is industry-wide demand for a basic, affordable airplane for the training and rental market for which the 172LITE hits the spot.”

The 172LITE begins life as a preowned Cessna 172.  The airframe is inspected by Sporty’s mechanics and a refurbishment plan is developed including:

•          Engine overhaul by Signature Engines
•          Windows inspected and replaced as needed
•          New upholstery for seats and sidewalls
•          Plastic trim and headliner repaired or replaced
•          New vinyl floor covering
•          New metal instrument panel custom fit to the airframe
•          New electrical switches and circuit breakers
•          Wiring inspected and replaced as required
•          Each aircraft is outfitted with an intercom, basic communications radio and Mode C transponder
•          Instruments are tested and replaced as needed
•          Landing, Taxi and Position Lights replaced with modern LEDs
•          Controls and cables inspected and replaced as needed
•          Lastly, the aircraft is painted and undergoes another thorough inspection

The result is an aircraft with a new appearance, with all the instruments needed for initial training, for about one-third the price of a new Skyhawk.  Although the goal of the 172LITE project is to produce a simple airplane that does not confuse the new student or renter with complicated menu-driven interfaces, the basic panel can be easily customized to accommodate any optional avionics customers may desire.  This work is performed by Cincinnati Avionics, Sporty’s avionics shop.

The order book is now open to purchase 172LITEs, designed for a renewed era of flight training with emphasis on airmanship over systems, in an airframe that can easily accommodate two real-sized adults.  For more information contact Charlie at [email protected] or (800) 908-4359.

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 172LITE Panel

Download hi-res EPS of Spoty’s 172LITE

Free, wide-ranging information open to all

Enhanced, improved, condensed: Sporty’s has announced its webinar series for 2015 based on pilot-feedback of the most popular topics.  Sporty’s webinars are live, multimedia presentations delivered online that are informative, interactive and can be viewed in the comfort of your living room or office.  Attendees hear from subject experts and have the opportunity to ask questions.

“We began our webinar series as a community outreach initiative to help our customers stay informed about new and developing technology.  The overwhelming success and the feedback received from participants has us excited about new topics for 2015 and updates to the most popular presentations,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Complete descriptions of the webinars are available at sportys.com/webinars. Live presentations begin at 8:00 pm Eastern time, but recorded webinars can be viewed in the video archive anytime.

Thursday, January 22, 2015: Flight Training and the iPad, with Sporty’s Vice President of Flight Education David Zitt

Thursday, March 12, 2015: Flying Refresher – Time for Rusty Pilots to Get Current, with Sporty’s Chief Flight Instructor Eric Radtke

Thursday, April 30, 2015: Weather Flying and the iPad, with ForeFlight weather expert Scott Dennstaedt and Sporty’s resident ADS-B guru John Zimmerman

Thursday, June 4, 2015: Garmin Avionics – ADS-B Academy and Product Updates with Garmin’s Michael Kerrigan

Thursday, July 9, 2015: Buying Your First Airplane, with aircraft acquisition expert Charlie Masters

Thursday, August 20, 2015: ADS-B – Equipping for 2020, with Sporty’s resident ADS-B guru John Zimmerman

Thursday, October 1, 2015: New Products Update, from the Sporty’s pilot team

Thursday, November 12, 2015: Advanced iPad Flying, with iPad Pilot News Editor Bret Koebbe

Also planned for 2015 is Sporty’s Annual Fly In, scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Attendees will have a host of free seminars to attend in person.  More information on the Fly In may be found at sportys.com/flyin.

Registration for the webinars is required as the number of participants is limited. For more information, to register or to view previous webinars, visit sportys.com/webinars.

 

It’s that time of year again. As 2014 draws to a close, it’s time we take a look back at the year that was and identify trends we’ve seen developing in general aviation. So, for the fifth time, here we go.

ADS-B Out reaches a tipping point? It’s a much-maligned rule, but thousands of pilots are finally starting to understand what ADS-B is all about. Many are flying with portable ADS-B In recevivers and now understand how much better the traffic picture can be when they install ADS-B Out in the panel. There are as many options as ever, from new Garmin units to “coming soon” products for Appareo and L3, so it’s a great time to start researching. Sporty’s on-site avionics shop, Cincinnati Avionics, has been busy this year installing these systems.

In-flight connectivity is hot. Onboard WiFi is the must-have accessory among the turbine airplane crowd, as passengers demand to stay connected to emails and the web. That’s not practical (or affordable) for piston pilots right now, but emerging technology like Iridium’s portable Go device offers at least a taste.

A new ATP certification rule. This has changed the training process dramatically for pilots working towards an airline career. It’s confusing, complicated and expensive, but the fact is everyone will have to do it who wants a multi-engine ATP. Sporty’s is trying to help, offering a one-week course that’s open to anyone (not just university students), priced affordably and taught by experienced airline instructors.

Pilots focus on proficiency. With avgas prices stubbornly high, pilots are looking for new ways to stay current while logging fewer hours in the left seat. There are more – and better – ways than ever to do this, and Sporty’s participated by introducing five new online courses, covering topics from airspace to communications.

Video cameras move from specs to applications. Whether it’s the latest GoPro or Garmin’s impressive VIRB, portable HD video cameras are hot. But as this market matures, pilots are moving beyond the latest technical specifications and starting to ask, “What do I do with this camera?” Sporty’s launched its MySolo product this year to help, where Sporty’s video pros edit your first solo footage into an exciting video. This program has been used to great effect in Sporty’s own flight school, and is also part of Flying magazine’s “Flying is…” video contest.

Portable and panel avionics connect. It’s been talked about for years, but reality finally caught up with hype in 2014 – portable gadgets like iPads are talking to panel-mount equipment. Aspen is shipping its Connected Panel system, Garmin announced its FlightStream products, and Appareo introduced an ADS-B Out transponder that connects to the Stratus portable ADS-B In receiver. Look for even more to come in this emerging market.

The $1,000 headset competition is stiffer than ever. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more crowded at the top of the aviation headset market, it did. Lightspeed started shipping its top-of-the line Zulu PFX to rave reviews in 2014, and aviation newcomer AKG entered the market with their high tech AV100. Headset companies haven’t lost their minds; pilots are snapping up these headsets.

Portable pulse oximeters become “must have”. With multiple high profile hypoxia accidents in 2014, many pilots recommitted to carrying a portable pulse oximeter to warn of dangerous conditions. With prices under $100, there’s no excuse not to carry one.

Flying clubs gain momentum. After years of talking about flying clubs, 2014 showed real progress with dozens of new clubs starting up and enhanced resources from AOPA being released. In addition to Sporty’s popular flying club rebate program, Sporty’s started its own flying club at I69 with a Cessna 172 and 182.

Portable ADS-B receivers move up-market. No trend report would be complete without mention of the hottest pilot accessory in recent years: the portable ADS-B receiver for tablet apps. These continue to top many general aviation pilots’ wish lists, but even airline and military pilots adopted them in 2014. More and more professional pilots are appreciating the value of going paperless, and seeing the iPad as more than just a chart viewer. What was once a nice-to-have gadget has become an essential part of risk management.

Here’s a final trend: Sporty’s has stayed true to its foundation. We are still focused on general aviation and we still offer flight training. We’ve also remained a family company. I’m proud that 45 of our employees have been with us for over 20 years. Personally, I’ve been at Sporty’s for over 40 years–and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

All of us send our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  We value our relationships with the aviation media so you know the welcome mat is always out for you. Don’t be a stranger – stop by for a visit.

Here’s to a fantastic 2015!

Best Wishes,

 

 

 

 

Michael Wolf and the Sporty’s team

 

That’s right: these need no battery (and no winding either!)

The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph and the Citizen Eco-Drive Avion never need a battery.  Citizen Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light, and converts it into energy, which is stored in a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. It recharges continuously in any kind of light to run forever.

The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal, and a black dial with silver tone luminous hands and white markers.

The Field Chronograph has an olive strap, a charge indicator, a time reset advisory, a date window and a one-second chronograph that measures up to 60 seconds. It is water resistant up to 100 meters with a case that measures 40 mm wide by 10 mm thick.

The Citizen Eco-Drive Avion is a vintage-inspired timepiece reminiscent of transatlantic flights from the 1950s. With a rich black leather strap with contrast stitching and buckle clasp, the watch face features oversized luminous numbers and date function. Other Avion features include 12/24 hour time, insufficient charge warning, quick start function, minute markings at the 5s, hour, minute and second hands, and quartz movement. Measuring 45 mm wide by 12 mm thick, the Avion is water resistant to 100m.

“One word of caution to our customers,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “There are cheaper watches which have knocked off the look of Citizen so don’t be deceived by reproductions. Sporty’s is an authorized Citizen dealer and these watches come with a five-year guarantee.

The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph [2886W] is available for $189.99 and the Citizen Eco-Drive Avion [2053W] is available for $185.00. These and other aviation-themed gifts may be purchased online at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. All orders placed by Tuesday, December 23 at 5 P.M. ET may be delivered in time for Christmas.

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of The Citizen Eco-Drive Avion 

Download hi-res EPS of The Citizen Eco-Drive Field Chronograph