Contents of flight bags have changed; so must bags

With carrying heavy chart binders a thing of the past, pilots now need a bag to protect their iPads and ANR headsets while providing space for charging cords and other electronic accessories. Sporty’s best-selling Flight Gear line of pilot bags has been redesigned for the next generation of flight.

“The iPad has changed the way many pilots are flying – and what they are bringing to the cockpit in their flight bags,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “The active pilots at Sporty’s recognized that need in their own flying and set out to create pilot bags that reflect the needs of current pilots with dozens of pilot-friendly details.”

The Navigator is Sporty’s most popular design since it’s ideal for student pilots and multi-thousand hour pilots alike. Thoughtfully designed pockets protect and organize all your flying gear, while retaining a slim profile and a modern look.

Exterior pockets include a padded headset pocket, padded iPad pocket, iPad accessory organizer for ADS-B receivers and a GPS, quick-access file folder pocket and a front cord storage pocket. The patent-pending HideAway Headset Pockets™ can be opened to offer additional organization for multiple headsets, RAM Mounts or a video camera system. When not in use, the pockets zip closed and stay out of the way. The generously-sized main compartment can hold books, kneeboards, radios, a GPS or even a change of clothes.

“We sized the Navigator so that it is large enough to carry everything you need for a flight, but not so big that it is cumbersome or hard to store in the cockpit,” Zimmerman continues. “You can carry multiple headsets, an iPad, backup charts and all the accessories without feeling as if you’re lugging a suitcase.”

With a six-year warranty, the Navigator features pilot-tested construction techniques such as double-stitched seams, water-resistant rubber bottoms and strong metal hardware. The Navigator [#5015A] measures 10”w x 22”l x 11”h overall and is available for $99.95.

Three other Flight Gear bags are also available.  The Crosswind bag has all the essentials at a compelling price, and is ideal for student pilots.  The Mission bag’s slim, flexible design is perfect for experienced pilots with less to carry.  Finally, the Flight Gear backpack offers pilots a high tech pack with exclusive aviation pockets. Sporty’s will embroider up to three initials on this (or any) Flight Gear bag. All Flight Gear bags may be ordered by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com/flightgear.

View Video of Sporty’s redesigned Flight Gear Collection

 

 

 

 

High resolution pictures for print:

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s redesigned Flight Gear Collection

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Navigator Flight Gear Bag

Download hi-res EPS of the left side view of Sporty’s Navigator Flight Gear Bag

Download hi-res EPS of the right side view of Sporty’s Navigator Flight Gear Bag

 

 

Accurate, real-world wind data in the palm of your hand

Now your smartphone can display real-time wind readings simply by plugging this compact meter into your phone’s headset jack and downloading a free app. The app gives you a clear overview of average, actual and maximum wind speed, as well as a real time graph. The unit of measurement – m/s, Kmh, mph, Kts, Bft – can be changed on the fly by simply tapping the screen.

The wind meter itself is a one-piece molded rotor. The low-friction Teflon bearing makes this wind meter extremely durable and can be cleaned with water.

The Smartphone Wind Meter works with all iPhones and iPads running on iOS 6 or 7. The meter also works with Samsung Galaxy S2, S3 and S4 phones.

The Smartphone Wind Meter [4712A] is available for $49.95 and may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

Download hi-res EPS of The Smartphone Wind Meter

 

 

This updated video transports you to three IFR flights

Sporty’s IFR Communications demonstrates real-world flying and communicating in the IFR system by taking you on three separate flights in a variety of airplanes all with the goal of improving your communication skills.

The first real-world flight is in a Cessna Skyhawk equipped for VOR navigation, followed by a flight in a Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna Skylane and finally in a high-performance Piper Malibu Mirage. These three flights incorporate several types of airports ranging from a rural, non-towered airport to Chicago’s heavily traveled Midway.

“We’ve updated this popular program with new material covering specific communications scenarios such as what’s required when entering a hold,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We’ve also totally revamped the high-performance Malibu Mirage segment to show how to communicate during departure, en route, approach and ground operations at a high-density airport.”

With this program, the demands of each flight and how the pilots effectively manage all available resources to complete each flight are demonstrated. This program conveniently includes an IFR communications refresher, including emergency communication procedures.

“IFR Communications does more than provide knowledge, however,” says Zimmerman. “This app will bring added confidence to your flying, making you a better instrument pilot regardless of experience.”

IFR Communications is also available as a DVD which includes an MP3 audio file for listening on the go and MP4 video file to watch on your mobile device. The DVD [D993A], digital download [E993A] or iPhone/iPad app [90007A] are each available for $34.99 and may be purchased or downloaded at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

Download hi-res EPS of IFR Communications DVD

Download hi-res EPS of IFR Communications iPhone/iPad app

 

Sporty’s limited-edition Christmas ornament ready for 2013

When you’re a pilot, even your Christmas tree reflects your love of aviation. Sporty’s Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for pilots, flight schools, FBOs and aviation enthusiasts. The Van’s RV-12 is the star of this year’s elegantly etched crystal ornament.

The latest model from famed aircraft designer Richard VanGrunsven, the RV-12 is a two-seat all-metal side-by-side airplane with a large cabin and superb visibility. It’s also the 2014 Sporty’s sweepstakes airplane.

“We chose the RV-12 for this year’s ornament since Van’s has more than 8,000 completed RV aircraft over the past 40 years,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “It’s amazing that an airplane originally manufactured on a small farm in Oregon has led to a global following with RVs based in 45 countries.”

This custom-etched Ornament includes a bright red ribbon for hanging and is boxed for gift giving. Sporty’s 2013 Crystal Christmas Ornament [9833A] is available for $24.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 Christmas Ornament