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

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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.

Download hi-res EPS of Eric Radtke

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

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SNF2013AppMain

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.

 

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app (iPhone)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app (iPad)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app (Android phone)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s 2013 SUN ‘n FUN app (Android tablet)

Sporty’s Eastern Cincinnati Aviation Partners with Robinson Helicopter

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FBO at I69 now a Robinson Sales and Service Center

Sporty's FBO affilate now an authorized Robinson sales and service center.

Sporty’s FBO affiliate now an authorized Robinson sales and service center.

Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, the FBO affiliate of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, is now an authorized sales and service center for Robinson Helicopters. Adding the Robinson sales and service center is another step toward the effort to create a general aviation hub at Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport.

“We have a plan to enhance the airport and make it all the more attractive for general aviation pilots,” says Eastern Cincinnati Aviation President Chuck Gallagher. “We are proud to join forces with the world’s largest manufacturer of helicopters.”

Eastern Cincinnati Aviation provides services for a robust community of pilots as well as serving as host to hundreds of transients each year. Becoming an authorized Robinson sales and service center will give these pilots an up close view of the utility of the R44.

“We have an all-new maintenance facility and Robinson-trained mechanics ready to go,” adds Gallagher. “Our doors are open for oil changes, annual inspection, warranty service and more.”

 

Download hi-res EPS of Robinson R44

Got an iPad Mini? Sporty’s has the Kneeboard

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Sporty's iPad Mini Bifold Kneeboard

Sporty’s iPad Mini Bifold Kneeboard

Three styles of iPad Mini kneeboards available

As more pilots discover that the iPad Mini is the perfect size for the cockpit, accessories for the Mini are in demand. Sporty’s has three styles of kneeboard to suit any pilot’s preference and budget. These kneeboards hold the Mini right where you need it in-flight.

iPad Mini Bifold Kneeboard: The Mini is held in place with four elastic bands, and the kneeboard straps to your leg via a contoured back and elastic straps. The iPad Mini can be used in either portrait or landscape format. The BiFold Kneeboard features two internal mesh pockets and a zippered pocket with a protective flap to protect the iPad screen. A pen/stylus holder with an included notepad rounds out the features of this kneeboard which measures 9”w x 8”l x 2”h when closed.

Leather iPad Mini Kneeboard: This new leather case is specifically designed for the cockpit, but is also stylish enough for everyday use. A leather cover unfolds to create a rotating kneeboard, complete with elastic strap and low-glare viewing angle. Your iPad Mini will stay securely attached to your leg, and the rotating mechanism makes it easy to switch between landscape and portrait views. This kneeboard comes with a zippered storage pouch for cords or an iPad GPS.

iPad Mini Slimline Kneeboard: This is the smallest, simplest solution for using an iPad Mini in the cockpit – and available at a great price. This is a no-frills kneeboard, just a simple mounting surface with elastic straps to hold the Mini. The knee strap can be oriented for portrait or landscape viewing.

The iPad Mini Bifold Kneeboard [#9077A] is available for $39.95; the Leather iPad Mini Kneeboard [#5527A] is available for $59.95; and the iPad Mini Slimline Kneeboard [#2231A] is available for $15.95. All iPad accessories may be purchased at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s iPad Mini BiFold Kneeboard

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s iPad Mini BiFold Kneeboard (Landscape)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s iPad Mini BiFold Kneeboard (Portait)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Leather iPad Mini Kneeboard

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s iPad Mini Slimline Kneeboard (Landscape)

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s iPad Mini Slimline Kneeboard (Portait)

AWOS Operational at Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport

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AWOS

AWOS at Clermont County Airport

Weather Available on 127.275

Pilots using Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport (I69) have another valuable benefit available to them. As of March 7, 2013, an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) is operational.

The AWOS represents a significant safety enhancement to pilots as it provides a comprehensive local weather picture. It’s anticipated that even lower instrument approach minimums will be available at the airport given the availability of a local altimeter setting.

With the addition of the Sporty’s AWOS, on-demand charter operators utilizing Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport as a destination need not file an alternate airport.

Pilots may access weather information on frequency 127.275, by telephone at 513-732-6978, and online at www.AnyAWOS.com/KI69.  Weather data is updated at least once per minute.

Sporty’s AWOS is an official FAA weather source and will be included in weather briefings and aviation flight planning applications.

The AWOS is provided and maintained by Sporty’s Eastern Cincinnati Aviation thanks to the support of the vibrant general aviation community at Clermont County Airport.

 

 

Women in Aviation Conference App Ready for Download

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The WAI app is free to download.

The WAI app is free to download.

Official WAI Conference app is free for iPad and iPhone

Those attending the 24th International Women in Aviation Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 14-16, 2013, will want to download Sporty’s WAI app. Like other apps created by Sporty’s for SUN ‘n FUN, EAA AirVenture and AOPA Summit this app is free for users.

“We appreciate Sporty’s creating this app again this year for our members and others who will be attending this year’s Conference. We know this app will help ensure that all attendees get the most out of their Conference experience,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “For people who can’t attend this year, this app will provide them with real-time information on what they are missing.”

The WAI app contains all the information necessary to navigate through the 2013 Conference with ease. Starting with registration information and airline and rental car information, the WAI app provides a detailed schedule of events, a map of the Gaylord Opryland and exhibit hall, and many other informational features. By using the app’s “My Schedule” feature, you can make an hour-by-hour itinerary for yourself, full of details, times, and locations.

“A favorite feature of last year that we have continued this year is the Exhibit Hall tool where you click on an exhibitor name and see immediately where the organization is located on the Exhibit Hall diagram,” says Michael Wolf, Sporty’s president and CEO. “We’ve also introduced a more modern slide-over menu to help you find the information you need quickly.”

Attendees can also plan their Exhibit Hall route and daily schedule in advance by compiling a list of favored exhibitors, seminars, education sessions and more, so nothing is missed by mistake.

Another popular feature on this app is automatic updating. The app will update with any events during the Conference so users can be sure they have the latest information. You can even keep up with breaking news and announcements via the WAI Twitter and daily blog feed included in the app.

“Once you’ve downloaded the app, all the information you need will be at your fingertips,” adds Wolf.

The WAI app is free and may be downloaded at sportys.com/apps. Sporty’s WAI Conference App works on all Apple devices, including iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. For more information, or to get the free app, visit sportys.com/apps.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s WAI Conference App

Download h-res EPS of Sporty’s WAI Conference App on an iPad

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s WAI Conference App on an iPhone

Sporty’s Offers a New Approach to IFR Training

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eFoggers allow flight instructors to remotely fog up a student’s field of view.

eFoggers allow flight instructors to remotely fog up a student’s field of view.

Introducing eFoggers

IFR training hoods are bulky and awkward to wear in the cockpit. IFR glasses offer a good alternative, but you may be required to put them on and remove them many times during a single flight. Either way, it’s not very realistic. Now eFoggers offer a unique solution for better IFR training.

Never again will pilots hear their instructor say, “You just inadvertently entered a cloud. I have the controls while you put on your IFR training glasses.” Instead, with the flip of a switch eFoggers put the pilot in hard IMC. The pilot can continue to fly as they enter instrument conditions, making for a much more realistic scenario and a much more valuable training flight.

These IFR training glasses utilize aerospace-grade materials and are attached to a control box via a 6-foot-long cord.  A 9V battery (not included) is housed in the control box and is used to turn the glasses “clear.” The battery provides over 10 hours of clear time. The instructor simply presses the switch on the top to control visibility.

“eFoggers make instrument training more effective,” says Eric Radtke, president of Sporty’s Academy.  “Clearing up the glasses only after the student has leveled off at minimums, inadvertent IMC–these are just a couple of the new training scenarios that eFoggers make possible.”

eFoggers (7006A) come with a carrying case and are available for $99.95 at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

Download hi-res Eps of eFoggers

Download hi-res Eps of eFoggers(clear)

Download hi-res Eps of eFoggers(frosted)

Sporty’s Awards Alaska Seaplane Adventure Sweepstakes

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Seaplane

Sporty’s Alaska Seaplane Adventure Sweepstakes

One lucky customer to earn a Seaplane Rating

Today Sporty’s Pilot Shop announced that Jonathan Evans of Bedford, Texas, is the winner of its Alaska Seaplane Adventure Sweepstakes. Evans will travel to Moose Pass, Alaska, to earn his Single Engine Sea Rating with Alaska Float Ratings in a PA-18 Super Cub.

“We can’t help but be a bit jealous of our winner,” says Sporty’s President and CEO Michael Wolf. “Jonathan will spend five days flying around remote mountain lakes, tight canyons and spectacular glaciers. Now that I think about it, I just may have to accompany him to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Any customer who placed an order with Sporty’s Pilot Shop between August 1, 2012 and February 8, 2013 was automatically entered into the Alaska Seaplane Adventure Sweepstakes. The complete package includes round trip airfare to Anchorage for the winner and a companion, 10 hours of flight time and 3 hours of ground instruction, plus examiner’s fee and four night accommodation in a picturesque cabin right on the lake.

“It’s a $5,000 value,” added Wolf. “But the experience will be priceless.  We’re delighted to offer this unique opportunity in partnership with Alaska Float Ratings.”

For more information on Sporty’s Sweepstakes please visit sportys.com/sweepstakes. This year, Sporty’s will award a Legend Cub as part of its annual New Aircraft Sweepstakes. The winner of the Legend Cub will be announced live during Sporty’s Fly-In on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Alaska Seaplane Adventure Sweepstakes

 

 

 

 

Lighten Up in a Sporty’s Pilot T-Shirt

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Humorous T’s sure to bring a chuckle

Sporty's humorous T-shirts

Sporty’s humorous T-shirts

A T-shirt and jeans are the perfect wardrobe for hanging around the airport, and Sporty’s has the ideal T-shirts for a typical Saturday. Sporty’s has added to its line of humorous T-shirts with three new options.

JetFuel: Even more than the smell of strong coffee or the smell of the pancakes at a fly-in breakfast, pilots love the smell of fuel. This T-shirt announces that fact by declaring, “I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning.”

Flight Risk: You might not want to go before the judge with this t-shirt on, but it will definitely get some chuckles from your pilot friends. This shirt cleverly states “Set My Bail High, I’m a Flight Risk.”

Wake Turbulence. Wingtip vortices and jetwash are key contributors to wake turbulence, and, generally speaking, the heavier the aircraft, the greater the turbulence. This T-shirt warns those behind you of the possibility of turbulence. The triangular warning sign is on the back to complete the look.

Jet Fuel [5085A]; Flight Risk [5113A]; and Wake Turbulence [5488A] are each available for $16.50 in sizes Medium through XXL and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Jet Fuel T-Shirt

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Flight Risk T-shirt

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Wake Turbulence (Front) T-shirt

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Wake Turbulence (Back) T-Shirt

 

 

The Sporty’s Foundation Issues 2012 Annual Report

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Foundation supports EAA Next Step and other initiatives

The Sporty’s Foundation remains committed to its mission to help secure a robust general aviation community now and in the future. The Foundation has issued its Annual Report, detailing its activities and bequests during 2012. The Annual Report is available online at SportysFoundation.org.

Sporty's Foundation 2012 Annual Report

Sporty’s Foundation 2012 Annual

“Since its inception, The Sporty’s Foundation has provided more than $800,000 in support to assist organizations and programs with a positive force on the health of the general aviation industry,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers. “We have always believed in giving back to the community we serve, and this is a way to put those beliefs in action. We are also proud to do this with zero overhead – every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to programs.”

EAA’s Next Step continues to receive the largest bequest from The Sporty’s Foundation.  While Young Eagles has been successful, until Next Step there was no place for motivated Young Eagles to continue pursuing their interest in aviation.  To date, more than 18,000 Young Eagles have turned to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course to continue their studies.

“Our Learn to Fly Course gives tremendous flexibility to folks starting their flight training,” says Sporty’s President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Wolf. “The Learn to Fly Course is a modular program that gets everyone focused on the most important first step – solo. Then users are given their choice to pursue either a Sport, Recreational or Private license.”

The online course is made available free to all Young Eagles – past and present. After completing the course, Young Eagles are eligible for a free flight lesson, scholarships and more.

The Sporty’s Foundation made grants during 2012 in the total amount of $131,542. This sum included grants for flight training and maintenance training scholarships as well as to aviation museums, the Boy Scouts of America, Build A Plane and others. A complete list of recipients is included in the report.

Online donations are also being accepted, either as a one-time payment or a recurring monthly charge. As a 501(c)3 foundation, all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

For more information on The Sporty’s Foundation, visit SportysFoundation.org.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Foundation 2012 Annual Report