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Sporty’s Will Award Van’s RV-12 for 2014 Sweepstakes

May 29, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Signature Edition of Van’s first factory-built airplane will go to one lucky customer

Sporty’s RV-12 Sweepstakes

Sporty’s Sweepstakes airplane for 2014 is an all-new Van’s RV-12. This aircraft is the first factory-built airplane from Van’s, a leading designer of kit aircraft.

More than just a factory-built aircraft, Sporty’s RV-12 is part of Van’s Signature Series. This series includes the first 12 aircraft manufactured and features deluxe upholstery with memory foam seats, an autopilot and a stunning custom paint scheme. These 12 aircraft feature Dick Van Grunsven’s signature on the side.

“The RV-12 is a breakthrough airplane, and it will change the way many think about LSAs,” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “The airplane can carry two 210-lb passengers, 20 gallons of fuel and 50 lbs of baggage.”

The impressive panel features the Dynon Skyview system, including a large 10” screen, GPS, Mode S transponder and autopilot. A Garmin SL-40 comm radio, Flightcom intercom and ELT round out the avionics suite.

All Sporty’s Pilot Shop customers are automatically entered to win the airplane every time they order. Orders received between May 11, 2013, and May 9, 2014, are eligible to win this airplane.

“Another remarkable feature of the RV-12 is that its Rotax 912ULS engine delivers a 135 mph top speed on just 5 gallons per hour. It’s ideal for cross country trips or lazy weekend flights,” adds Wolf.

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

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Great Day for Sporty’s Ninth Annual Fly-In

May 23, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Enthusiastic crowds make the Fly-In a success

Sporty’s Ninth Annual Fly-In

Sporty’s Ninth Annual Fly-In went off without a hitch this past Saturday despite the all-day threat of thunderstorms. About 100 aircraft made the trip to Clermont County Airport, coming from as far away as Virginia, Maryland and Michigan.

“We’re thrilled with the number of attendees, especially from the local community” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “Despite the weather, the airport was a busy place and we were able to provide several first flight experiences as part of International Learn to Fly Day.”

Attractions included dozens of commercial exhibitors, free seminars, shopping at Sporty’s retail shop and, of course, Sporty’s signature free hot dogs.

At noon, Wolf telephoned the winner of Sporty’s 2013 Airplane Sweepstakes. Christopher Boyle of Arcata, California, is the winner of a brand-new Legend Cub. Boyle’s boss had been contacted by Wolf earlier and arranged for Boyle to come to work on Saturday to be surprised by Wolf’s phone call, with Fly-In guests listening on speaker phone.

“When Christopher realized the Saturday work was a ruse, he seemed almost as excited about not having to work on Saturday as he was in winning the Legend Cub,” said Wolf. Christopher will be traveling to Batavia to take delivery of the Cub within the next few weeks and fly it back to California.

Free seminars were once again popular, with presentations on Flying with the iPad, hosted by Sporty’s Vice President Bret Koebbe, as well as seminars presented by Garmin, Aspen Avionics, ForeFlight and NFlightcam.

As part of International Learn to Fly Day, Sporty’s Academy provided several introductory flights to aspiring pilots.

“Throughout the day, there was a pleasant buzz of activity in the Exhibit Tent,” said Wolf. “It’s a fun day for our customers, our exhibitors and our own staff who enjoy this busy day at our airport. And I’m lucky to be the one to inform a customer that he has won a brand-new airplane.”

Next year’s Fly-in and Sweepstakes award is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Note to Editors: A separate news release will be issued when Chris Boyle takes delivery of his prize Legend Cub with photos of the aircraft and winner.

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Become a ForeFlight expert with Sporty’s New Training Course

May 15, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Flying with ForeFlight course

Available as an App or streaming video, this program helps you become a pro

The rapid popularity of ForeFlight is nothing short of phenomenal. With a mix of powerful features and an easy-to-use interface, ForeFlight has become the most popular app for pilots.

If you’ve resisted using ForeFlight fearing a steep learning curve, Sporty’s now has a comprehensive training program that’s full of basic how-to that won’t make your head spin. The course begins with showing you how to download the ForeFlight app and start your subscription.

“There’s a lot to learn on ForeFlight, and this course is produced for the everyday pilot. You don’t have to be a computer scientist to understand it – in fact, we intentionally made this course jargon free,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

Experienced ForeFlight users will also benefit from this course. Just like when you discover something new your computer or iPad can do, this course reveals tips and shortcuts to make your flying easier. You will see all the powerful moving map features in action, including track up and terrain. One section provides an in-depth analysis of route editor to learn how to choose the right route.

“We’ve packed this 60-minute course with a ton of information, including how to keep your digital charts up to date,” adds Zimmerman. “We also provide a preflight iPad checklist we think all pilots should use.”

Finally, like all Sporty’s educational programs, the course takes you on a real-world flight. That’s the best way to see the iPad and ForeFlight app in action.

Flying with ForeFlight [#7402A] is available as a streaming online course for $29.99 No software needs to be installed and the course may be viewed with Windows, Mac or iPad.

Flying with ForeFlight is also available as an iPad/iPhone App for $29.99 at sportys.com/apps. All Sporty’ products may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling Sporty’s at 1.800.SPORTYS.

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Sporty’s Offers Easy Approval Service for iPad/ForeFlight Cockpit Use

May 7, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Let Sporty’s get you complete FAA approval

Sporty’s Easy Approval ensures a professional and compliant path to approval that will enhance the safety and efficiency of your flight operation.

Pilots flying large turbine-powered airplanes governed by Part 91F or flying as a fractional on-demand or Part 135 operation may need formal FAA approval to use an iPad in pursuit of a paperless cockpit. Now these pilots have some help.

“Gaining approval for your iPad as an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) can be a time-consuming and complicated process,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “In short, let Sporty’s do the work for you.”

Sporty’s Easy Approval is a complete, hassle-free solution for FAA approval of your iPad as an EFB and paper chart replacement, using the ForeFlight Mobile app. Sporty’s Easy Approval system includes required documentation, comprehensive training and testing and unique operational guidance gained from its experienced team of pilots.

Sporty’s Easy Approval includes a detailed description of the approval process and plan for execution including templates for required documents, checklists, operational procedures, a training program, and procedures for flight line evaluation.

Sporty’s comprehensive training program for use of your iPad with ForeFlight includes Sporty’s brand-new Flying with ForeFlight training video, which covers every detail of operation.

A standard application for approval includes up to four aircraft and training for 20 pilots. Unlimited General Operations Manual updates are included as well as one custom update if necessary for approval. Additional customization is available upon request.

Sporty’s Easy iPad Approval [#5201A] is available for $799 and may be ordered at sportys.com or 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Easy iPad Approval

The Sporty’s Foundation Concludes First Quarter Bequests

May 3, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Foundation continues its mission to ensure next generation of pilots, technicians

For the first quarter of 2013, The Sporty’s Foundation made bequests in the amount of $37,500 to groups and organizations promoting youth programs.

EAA’s Next Step continues to be funded year-round by The Sporty’s Foundation. This successful program partners EAA with Sporty’s to make Sporty’s online Learn to Fly Course available to any Young Eagle.

“The goal of Next Step is to move a Young Eagle from the right seat to the left seat,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers. “Next Step provides a path to follow for inspired young people once their interest in aviation has been sparked by a Young Eagle ride.”

Other recipients of The Sporty’s Foundation’s first quarter bequests include the Commemorative Air Force, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America and an AOPA AV8RS scholarship.

Launched in March 2007, The Sporty’s Foundation has, as its goal, funding programs that work to educate young people on the excitement and life-enhancing potential of general aviation.

For more information on The Sporty’s Foundation, the programs it supports, or to donate online, visit SportysFoundation.org.

Sporty’s Joins Forces with AIC Title Service, LLC

April 25, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty's and AIC Title Service announce partnership

Sporty’s and AIC Title Service, LLC announce partnership

Aircraft acquisition products now offered by Sporty’s

Sporty’s and AIC Title Service, LLC have partnered to help pilots through the complicated process of buying an aircraft.

AIC Title Service’s title search product provides ownership details as well as aircraft lien status. The title search package also includes copies of Major Alterations and Repairs as reported on Form 337s so you’ll be better informed.

“With AIC Title Service, we now offer a complete suite of services to make your aircraft purchase hassle free,” says Sporty’s President and CEO Michael Wolf. “With such a significant investment, you don’t want to leave any detail to chance.”

Additional acquisition services include aircraft title insurance to protect against forgeries, fraud or any FAA filing or recording errors; escrow service; aircraft registration; document services; international registry and more.

“The first time I remember seeing a Sporty’s catalog was on my father’s desk in the early 1970s,” says AIC Title Service Owner Clay Healey. “Since, that day I have always looked to Sporty’s to fill all my pilot needs, so it is an honor to partner with Sporty’s. Sporty’s has the best products, service and staff in the industry so we are happy to have this opportunity to work together.”

Sporty’s Preferred Title Search package from AIC Title Service is available for $70 and includes a record of major alterations and repairs. Other acquisition products and services are available as a custom quote. Visit sportys.com/AIC to purchase your title search or be put in contact with an expert AIC Title Service representative.

Enhance Your Aviation Videos with NFlightcam Kits

April 18, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

NFlightcam Cockpit Kit for GoPro

Sporty’s helps you give wings to your GoPro or iPhone

Thousands of YouTube videos with millions of viewers on aviation subjects are proof of how much pilots enjoy filming their flights. Whether it’s a memorable trip, an amazing view, or just a normal flight, pilots are filming everything – for themselves and to share with others. Flight instructors and students are also using video to review lessons and improve technique.

Two products have come to dominate the market for small video cameras: GoPro’s Hero3 and Apple’s iPhone. But while both are outstanding cameras, they have two major shortcomings for pilots: they cannot connect to an aviation headset and the propeller is distorted when shooting out the front of an airplane. Finally, there is a solution to both problems with new kits from Sporty’s and NFlightcam.

Make your GoPro cockpit-ready

The NFlightcam Cockpit Kit for GoPro includes a custom aviation audio cable so you can record both intercom and ATC, plus a lens filter that virtually eliminates prop distortion. The kit attaches to most ¼”-20 camera mounts. Everything is completely removable so you can still use your GoPro when you are not flying. The Cockpit Kit [5754A] is available for $99.99.

For external mounting, the External Mount Kit offers a unique solution. The precision milled surface mounting spud can be used anywhere you can find a #6, #8, #10 screw or AN4 bolt, making it one of the most diverse camera mounts ever. The External Mount Kit [8905A] is for use on experimental airplanes only and is available for $99.99.

Make your iPhone cockpit-ready

While it may be a surprise to some, an iPhone can serve as a superb video camera in addition to being a great smartphone. But like the GoPro, the iPhone will not record cockpit audio and it is subject to the same propeller distortion that most digital cameras have.

The NFlightcam iPhone Kit features the Aviator Lens, a 170-degree, wide-angle lens for an immersive experience that includes a special filter to reduce propeller distortion. The adjustable bracket works with or without an iPhone case and is compatible with most ¼”-20 camera mounts. The Kit also includes a custom audio cable, so you can plug your headset directly into the iPhone and record all cockpit audio. The iPhone Camera Kit [4166A] is available for $129.99.

Take your iPhone Kit to the next level with NFlightcam’s free app for iPhone. This makes it easy to record GPS position in addition to audio and video, and you can upload your video to NFlightcam’s custom aviation video website. The site will display instruments superimposed on the video and all videos can be shared. To download the free app, go to sportys.com/nflightcam. All cameras and accessories are available at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Sporty’s Launches Second Generation Stratus with AHRS and ADS-B Traffic

April 9, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

New ADS-B receiver raises the bar with new features

The second generation Stratus includes ADS-B traffic and a built-in AHRS.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop, along with partners ForeFlight and Appareo, released a second generation Stratus ADS-B receiver today at the 2013 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in. The new Stratus retains all the pilot-friendly features of the original, but adds ADS-B traffic and a built-in AHRS.

“Stratus has been tremendously successful and practically invented a product category,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Now, just 12 months later, the new Stratus raises the bar even higher.”

Stratus features an advanced AHRS that aligns itself automatically before each flight; no pilot action is required. AHRS information is displayed on a separate Stratus Horizon app, which is available for free. The app shows a large attitude indicator that is updated 10 times per second, plus groundspeed, course, GPS altitude, and vertical speed.

“Keep your iPad on ForeFlight for weather and moving map; mount your iPhone in the window and run Stratus Horizon for a great backup,” says Zimmerman.

Dual band traffic is displayed in ForeFlight Mobile, and can be overlaid on a variety of maps, including sectionals, IFR en route charts and terrain. Targets are shown with ForeFlight’s unique TrafficTrend display–a data block that shows each aircraft’s relative altitude, climb or descent trend, tail number and direction of flight.

“We think this is the best traffic display available for iPad,” says Tyson Weihs, Co-founder and CEO of ForeFlight. “ForeFlight Mobile 5.1, when connected to a second generation Stratus, shows directional and non-directional traffic, relative altitude, whether the aircraft is climbing or descending, and our TrafficTrend™ feature shows where targets are heading.”

Even though the new Stratus has more capability, it features a 30% smaller case, better GPS performance, better ADS-B reception and the same industry-leading 8-hour battery life. Stratus is still totally wireless and incredibly easy to use, with just one button and virtually no setup.

“We’ve improved Stratus in almost every possible way,” says Jeff Johnson, Vice President of Business Development at Appareo Systems. “The second generation Stratus has an option for remote GPS and ADS-B antennas which gives pilots more mounting options. We’ve also made it more resistant to high cockpit temperatures so its more reliable than ever–and it’s still an unbeatable value.”

The new Stratus [#8217A] includes a glare shield mount and carrying bag, and is available for $899. Orders are being accepted now for late April delivery. The original Stratus [#7281A] is available at a reduced price of $699 and now receives single band ADS-B traffic. Stratus may be ordered at sportys.com or 1-800-SPORTYS.

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Sporty’s Academy President Honored as UC Clermont’s Distinguished Alumnus

April 2, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Clermont Scholarship Luncheon, Eric Radtke.

Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke

Eric Radtke named distinguished alumnus for 2013

Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke has been named Distinguished Alumnus for 2013 for the University of Cincinnati’s Clermont College. He was honored at the College’s annual scholarship luncheon.

The award is bestowed upon individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant professional accomplishment, made contributions to their community and attended UC Clermont College for at least one year.

“Eric demonstrates his superior administrative ability, work ethic, people skills, creativity and commitment to general aviation on a daily basis,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers. “It’s an honor for Eric, but also an honor for Sporty’s for him to be recognized this way. We could not be prouder of him.”

Adds Radtke, “Words can’t adequately express my sincere gratitude or how deeply honored I am to be recognized as the 2013 UC Clermont College Distinguished Alumnus. The campus allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and memories and to master the keys to my future, while developing a keen awareness of the value of relationships and community.”

Radtke enrolled in the University of Cincinnati and its Professional Pilot training program in the fall of 1996, as UC’s Presidential Scholar. Upon graduation in 1998 from UC Clermont College, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Technology, Radtke transferred to the UC College of Business, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2000.

After a year as a professional airline pilot, Radtke decided he preferred the experiences and rewards of general aviation education. He returned to Sporty’s in 2002 to head its flight school and direct the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program as president of Sporty’s Academy.

Radtke is an Airline Transport Pilot, Master Flight Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor and Member of the Board of the National Association of Flight Instructors. He serves as editor of a flight training blog at LearnToFlyHere.com and regularly contributes articles to industry publications. He and his wife, Kelly, also a UC graduate, have two daughters, Lauren and Cara, and reside in Clermont County.

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Headed to SUN ‘n FUN? Download Sporty’s Free App

March 27, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app

Airshow app enhances your experience

Sporty’s, in partnership with SUN ‘n FUN, is releasing a free mobile app for the 2013 show that is available for both Apple and Android devices. The SUN ‘n FUN app may be downloaded free at Sportys.com/apps, through the iTunes App store or Google Play.

You will have all the information you need at your fingertips, ranging from maps to exhibitors and displays, forums, events, tram routes and more. The interactive exhibitors list is linked to detailed maps. Simply click on an exhibitor’s name, and you will instantly see their exact location whether in an exhibit hangar or anywhere on the show grounds.

“Knowing that the company you want to visit is in booth C-088 isn’t helpful in itself,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “With our app, you will now know whether the company is inside or outside and its location within an exhibit hangar.”

Sporty’s SUN ‘n FUN app will be useful even before the show starts. If you’re driving to the event, you can access directions and detailed parking information. You can also avoid long admission lines by buying advanced tickets through the app. If you’re arriving by general aviation aircraft, the complete SUN ‘n FUN NOTAM is included for arrival and departure procedures as well as a convenient local airport directory. It’s perfect for in-flight reference as the app does not require an internet connection.

“We want to remind pilots to stock up for SUN ‘n FUN and buy tie downs, batteries, sunglasses, charts and whatever other supplies are necessary for your trip,” adds Zimmerman. “Of course, we’ve made it easy to connect to Sporty’s and shop right from the app.”

Since time can go by fast at SUN ‘n FUN, the “My SUN ‘n FUN” feature guides you through making up your own schedule, consulting with the available forums, exhibitors to visit, seminars, events, evening programs and air show performances. The detailed maps will make finding these activities easy.

“Don’t forget to allow some time to just sit under a tree and watch the airplanes,” says Zimmerman. “You can spend a relaxing hour just doing that. If you want, you can multitask and listen to SUN ‘n FUN radio via the app while you sit.”

Sporty’s created the app as a service to SUN ‘n FUN attendees. In addition to SUN ‘n FUN, Sporty’s has created apps for EAA AirVenture, AOPA Summit and the International Women in Aviation Conference.

Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app works on all Apple devices, including iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Another version of the app is designed for Android users, including tablets and the Kindle Fire. For more information, or to get the free app, visit sportys.com/apps.