Press Releases Archives : Page 29 of 40 : Media Center

Pilot Sunglasses Made for Flying

August 26, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Wear the sunglasses used by NASA

Pilot Wings Sunglasses sport the Pilot Wings logo.

Sporty’s offers the new Pilot Wings Sunglasses, featuring non-polarized lenses designed to enhance the environment around you while in flight. Made by Eagle Eyes®, the lens technology that goes into these sunglasses has been used by NASA’s space program for its superior benefits to vision quality and eye health.

“Pilots and sunglasses go together like bacon and eggs,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “These sunglasses are made for pilots and tested by the pilots here at Sporty’s.”

To complete the ideal pair of sunglasses, Sporty’s Pilots Wings Sunglasses are laser-etched with a Wings logo in the top corner of the aviator-style glasses.

Each pair of Pilot Wings Sunglasses comes with a molded crush-resistant case and a microfiber cloth pouch. The Pilot Wings Sunglasses [7252A] are available for $59.95 and may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Sporty’s Brings Iridium GO!™ to General Aviation

July 30, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Device enables voice and data communications on smartphones and tablets anywhere in the world

Iridium GO! is like having a cellphone tower in your pocket.

Now pilots can stay connected to their mobile devices no matter where they are with Iridium GO!^TM, the world’s first truly global mobile satellite hotspot. Iridium GO! provides service when devices are out of range of cellular networks.

Stepping into the cockpit no longer means stepping “off the grid.” With this highly portable satellite hotspot, you can send messages and make phone calls anywhere in the world, even at 10,000 feet. Simply flip up the Iridium GO! antenna and connect your iPhone or Android phone via WiFi. In just seconds, your smartphone will be using the world’s most comprehensive and proven satellite network.

Download the free Iridium GO! app to send and receive text messages, make phone calls and send GPS tracking updates to friends and family. Use the Iridium Mail & Web app to read and compose email messages, access social media accounts or browse the web (limited bandwidth; mobile-optimized sites only). It’s all here, and it’s all done right on your smartphone – no need to learn a complicated new device.

“Finally, general aviation pilots and their passengers have a way to stay connected in flight,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “It’s also an ideal safety device, enabling a pilot to communicate and retrieve data even when they are off the cellular grid.”

Pilots will also appreciate the SOS function on Iridium GO! which can be easily activated to create a fast, two-way connection with an emergency service provider. The device weighs just 11 ounces and fits in a shirt pocket.

When Iridium GO! is purchased, the buyer is presented with a choice of flexible data plans, including prepaid and monthly subscriptions. Sporty’s will fully load the device with the subscription plan in place so when it is received, Iridium GO! is ready to use. There are no activation fees, no roaming fees and no contracts.

In cooperation with Appareo, Iridium’s distribution partner, Sporty’s is offering Iridium GO! [9071A] for $875. Iridium GO! and data plans are available by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at www.sportys.com/iridium.

Iridium iPad App

Iridium GO! in the cockpit.

High resolution pictures for print:

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Download hi-res EPS of Iridium GO! in the cockpit.

Bring Your Learning to Fly Questions with You to AirVenture

July 22, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s CFIs Offering Free Daily Office Hours

Sporty’s CFIs answer questions about learning to fly at AirVenture.

It’s easy for non-pilots to be intimidated hanging out with their certificated buddies. At EAA AirVenture, with pilots who have flown everything with wings and logged thousands of hours, asking a basic question about learning to fly can be difficult. Sporty’s CFIs are making themselves available daily starting at 11:00 a.m. during AirVenture for “office hours” at the Sporty’s Tent to answer any question about learning to fly, choosing a flight school and making that first step toward becoming a licensed pilot.

“There are no dumb questions; we’re ready to give frank, real-world answers to any question about flight training,” says Eric Radtke, President of Sporty’s Academy. “We will have a dedicated corner in Sporty’s Tent and share our knowledge with these future pilots in a relaxed atmosphere. No sales pitches, no kidding.”

“We’re looking forward to fielding any question – from getting started to conquering basic maneuvers and no doubt some questions we’ve never heard before,” adds Radtke. “We will answer all questions with dignity and respect.”

Sporty’s CFIs are open to discuss topics beyond primary instruction – whether it’s adding a rating, preparing for a test, or resolving a difficulty with current training.

“Lapsed student pilots are also welcome,” says Radtke. “Individuals who dropped out of flight training often believe they have to start back at square one, but that’s often not the case. We will help with formulating a plan for their individual situation.”

The Sporty’s Tent is located in Space 260 outside of Exhibit Hangar B.

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AirVenture Gets Bigger; So Does Sporty’s

July 9, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s welcomes showgoers to its big tent

Sporty’s tent gets even bigger.

Sporty’s will provide a shopping experience for showgoers who enter Sporty’s big tent. Even larger than last year, Sporty’s will show pilots what’s new and what they need now in a 1,600-square foot display.

“Sporty’s has relocated its pilot shop to Oshkosh for the week,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We want showgoers to get up close, try out, hold, and examine the array of products we have.”

In addition to some exciting new products on display, the interactive pilot shop will have a headset demo station where pilots can compare comfort and fit of a variety of headsets side by side. Another area is set aside to demonstrate cockpit video cameras from GoPro and Garmin. Book signings will take place, and Sporty’s staff, including flight instructors, will be on hand to demonstrate the Stratus ADS-B receiver, new online training courses and apps, and help customers make just the right purchase.

For those interested in services at Sporty’s Flight Center at Clermont County Airport in Cincinnati, representatives will also be on hand from Sporty’s Flight School, Sporty’s Cincinnati Avionics and Sandy’s Airpark at Sporty’s.

Sporty’s tent is located in #260 outside of Exhibit Hangar B.

Sporty’s Hosts Forums, Too

Sporty’s staff will present forums on ADS-B, iPad flying and Young Eagles at the following dates and times:

Tuesday, July 29
8:30 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
Advanced iPad Flying Tips
Forum 7
John Zimmerman

Thursday, July 31
1:00 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.
ADS-B and the iPad
Forum 8
John Zimmerman

Thursday, July 31
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Advanced iPad
AOPA Tent
Bret Koebbe

Saturday, August 2
11:30 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.
iPad 101
Forum 11
Bret Koebbe

“Like most aviation companies, a year of planning goes into our presence in Oshkosh,” says Zimmerman. “Anyone who is anyone in aviation will be there. It’s the place to be.”

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Tent

Sporty’s Airspace Review Now an Online Course

June 26, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Classic Sporty’s Program Updated Again

Sporty’s Airspace Review will help you master the U.S. airspace system.

Sporty’s Airspace Review has been updated and is now delivered as an online course which includes more than 30 minutes of all-new HD video with 3-D graphics and animations.

“Our goal with this program is to demystify the complex types of airspace,” says Sporty’s Vice President Bret Koebbe. “We describe and explain the various classes of airspace, their operating procedures, dimensions and charting symbols.”

Sporty’s Airspace Review also includes invaluable sections on TFRs, national security areas, military intercept procedures and discusses the Washington, DC SFRA and its laser-based Visual Warning System.

“Just recently, another GA pilot violated the DC airspace, so this is essential information for all pilots,” adds Koebbe. “Whether you’re a student, instructor or experienced pilot, you’ll be able to quickly access specific topics with the intuitive menu.”

This course provides a review quiz based on content from the videos. After finishing the questions you’ll receive instant feedback on your score and be able to review missed questions. The course also provides access to airspace information from the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and a convenient airspace reference card.

Like all Sporty’s online courses, Airspace Review uses the latest in HTML5 technology, meaning you can access it on your computer, iPhone, iPad, Android or other mobile device, as long as it has a web browser and internet connection. There is no software to install – once purchased, the user just signs in.

Accepted for FAA WINGS credit, Airspace Review [E931A] is available for $15.95 at sportys.com.

Click to View Video

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It’s Another RV-12 for Sporty’s 2015 Sweepstakes

June 10, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Popular sport airplane to be top prize

Sporty’s 2015 RV-12 Sweepstakes

Sporty’s Sweepstakes airplane for 2015 is an all-new Van’s RV-12. The popularity of this aircraft in the 2014 Sweepstakes made it a natural choice for a second year.

More than just a factory-built aircraft, the RV-12 features the Dynon Skyview system, including a large 10” screen, GPS, and Mode S transponder. A Garmin GTR 200 comm radio, Flightcom intercom and ELT round out the avionics suite.

“The RV-12 breaks the mold when it comes to LSAs,” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “The airplane can carry two 210-lb passengers, 20 gallons of fuel and 50 pounds of baggage. Plus, it’s simply a joy to fly.”

All Sporty’s Pilot Shop customers are automatically entered to win the airplane every time they order. Orders received between May 9, 2014, and May 8, 2015, are eligible to win this airplane. The airplane will be awarded at noon on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Sporty’s annual Fly-in.

“Don’t forget the Rotax engine that delivers an incredible 135 mph on just five gallons of auto gas,” says Wolf. “Any pilot will enjoy flying this airplane – cross country or just around the patch.”

For more information on Sporty’s RV-12 sweepstakes, please visit sportys.com/sweepstakes.

Sporty’s Sweepstakes RV-12 Banking

Sporty’s Sweepstakes RV-12 Cockpit

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2015 Sweepstakes RV-12

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2015 Sweepstakes RV-12 Banking

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2015 Sweepstakes RV-12 Cockpit

Custom-engraved Wood iPhone Case Shows Your Passion for Aviation

May 29, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Old school protection for new school technology

Customize this cherry iPhone case as a unique statement piece.

Sophisticated and able to be personalized, Sporty’s offers an elegantly handcrafted cherry iPhone case as the perfect way to show your aviation enthusiasm and protect your iPhone 5/5S.

“The classic look of wood never goes out of style,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “And you can make this case unique with your own personalization.”

Each case is hand-sanded for a smooth and solid feel. To accent the case, you can choose from a variety of laser-engraved options from your personal text to aviation logos. The case has smooth, rubberized sides for protection against scratches.

The Custom Engraved Wood iPhone 5/5S Case [7845A] is available for $34.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling Sporty’s at 1-800-SPORTYS.

High resolution pictures for print:

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Sporty’s Celebrates Tenth Annual Fly-In

May 21, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Happy crowds; Packed Seminars

Sporty’s 10th annual Fly-in.

Sporty’s welcomed more than 100 airplanes and their occupants as well as many guests who arrived by car to Sporty’s Tenth Annual Fly-In.

“Counting attendance is always an iffy proposition, but at Sporty’s, we can count free hot dogs,” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “We grilled and distributed more than 1100 hot dogs to Fly-In attendees.

In addition to their free lunch, Fly-in attendees took advantage of free seminars with iPad flying and ForeFlight’s seminar the most well attended with standing room only. In addition, an array of exhibits attracted questions and interaction with industry representatives.

At noon, Sporty’s Sweepstakes Airplane, a brand-new RV-12, was awarded to John Ballard, of Midlothian, Texas. Ballard had ordered merchandise from Sporty’s for his son, who is a pilot.

Next year’s Fly-in and Sweepstakes award is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2015.

Note to Editors: A separate news release will be issued when John Ballard (and son) take delivery of his prize RV-12 with photos of the aircraft and winner.

Sporty’s Fly-In Seminar

Sporty’s Store

Sporty’s Fly-In Exhibit Tent

Sporty’s Fly-In Static Display

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Fly-In

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Fly-In Seminar

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Store

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Fly-In Exhibit Tent

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Fly-In Static Display

Cincinnati Avionics Simplifies ADS-B

April 30, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Resident experts make ADS- B as simple as ABC

ADS-B Requirements

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast doesn’t roll off the tongue, and neither does ADS-B. But when it comes to what this system means for you and your aircraft, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Cincinnati Avionics wants to make the decision easier, so it has compiled information on ADS-B to answer all the questions you may have that you can access at CincinnatiAvionics.com/ADSB. When it comes time to update your panel to accommodate ADS-B, you can make educated decisions with the help of the professionals at Cincinnati Avionics. At this site you can view available ADS-B avionics along with a description of the capabilities of each piece of equipment.

“Our experience developing and enhancing Stratus put us in the forefront early on of ADS-B experts,” said Cincinnati Avionics President Chuck Gallagher. “We have smoothed the transition to ADS-B for dozens of aircraft owners. We’re patient; we’re thorough; we will do it right the first time.”

Aircraft owners have until 2020 to update their panels, but it makes sense to start the process now at Cincinnati Avionics. Free consultations are available – talk one-on-one with a fellow pilot – by calling 513.735.9595 or emailing [email protected].

Cincinnati Avionics

New Video Camera Accessories Introduced for GoPro and iPhone

April 15, 2014/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s and NFlight partner to offer pilot-friendly tools

Pilots can eliminate propeller distortion and record headset audio with NFlight’s new variable ND lens filters and kits.

Adding to a successful line of video camera accessories, Sporty’s and NFlight Technologies have introduced the first variable propeller filters for pilots flying with the GoPro or iPhone. These filters can be combined with headset audio cables to make complete cockpit video kits.

Almost all video cameras suffer from the “rolling shutter effect,” which distorts the propeller and can ruin a good video. With the new Variable ND Filter, pilots can adjust the darkness of the filter to suit different lighting conditions and different airplanes. The result is a clear and professional video every time.

For GoPro users, the filter snaps onto the GoPro waterproof case or skeleton case, and is removable for use outside the cockpit. For smart phone users, pilots simply attach the metal bracket to the outside of their phones and line up the filter over the camera lens. The adjustable case is compatible with most smart phones, with or without case, including the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

To make a GoPro the ultimate aviation video camera, Sporty’s offers a complete kit that includes everything a pilot needs: variable ND lens filter, headset audio cable, skeleton case and suction cup mount. With this, pilots can record HD video, plus ATC and intercom audio. The filter and the kit are compatible with the GoPro Hero3+.

For a complete iPhone video solution, Sporty’s offers the Deluxe iPhone Video Kit, which includes the Variable ND Filter, custom audio cable and suction cup mount.

Finally, a new Telephoto Lens Kit is available for the iPhone 5/5S that makes it easy to record close up shots of the ground or other airplanes. The high quality lens zooms from 4X-12X and features a manual focus ring for precise adjustment. The kit includes a custom iPhone case and mini tripod for steady shots.

“We use GoPros and iPhones extensively in our flight school and our video department,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “These latest accessories were developed directly from that experience, and they’ve been tested extensively.”

The Variable ND GoPro Filter [#7188A] is available for $99.99 and the Complete GoPro Kit [#B1007A] is available for $229.95. The variable ND Smartphone Filter [#6619A] is available for $69.95, the iPhone Telephoto Lens Kit [#6612A] is available for $129.95 and the Complete iPhone Video Kit [#B3652A] is available for $129.95. All video camera accessories may be ordered by calling 1.800.SPORTYS or visiting sportys.com/video.