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

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.

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Iridium GO!

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

 

 

 

Sporty’s welcomes showgoers to its big tent

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

 

 

 

Popular sport airplane to be top prize

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.

 

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

 

 

Happy crowds; Packed Seminars

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.

 

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

 

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

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.

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s NFlight Video Kit

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s NFlight Smart Phone Filter

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s NFlight GoPro Filter

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s NFlight iPhone Telephoto Lens

Download hi-res EPS of Video without Filter

Download hi-res EPS of Video with Filter