Press Releases Archives : Page 35 of 39 : Media Center

Sporty’s Eastern Cincinnati Aviation Partners with Robinson Helicopter

March 21, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

March 13, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

March 7, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

March 1, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

The WAI app is free to download.

Official WAI Conference app is free for iPad and iPhone

Those attending the 24^th 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

February 26, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

February 21, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

February 13, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Humorous T’s sure to bring a chuckle

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

February 6, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

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

“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

Sporty’s Offers Instrument Rating App

January 15, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Instrument Rating App is a complete course for iPad and iPhone!

Studying for your instrument rating goes mobile

Sporty’s Complete Instrument Rating Course is now available as a dedicated iPad/iPhone app. This FAA WINGS-accepted app includes 13 hours of real-world video and advanced graphics including 3D animations to help explain difficult concepts. Included with the app is a dedicated written test preparation program. The app also includes a flight training syllabus, interactive maneuvers guide and integrated Practical Test Standards(PTS).

“Any pilot who has earned his instrument rating will tell you it’s nothing to take lightly,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “Our course goes beyond simple test prep to prepare pilots for real-world instrument flying conditions.”

Sporty’s Instrument Course app is custom designed for the iPad and iPhone. The universal app allows you to make a single purchase for use on both of your devices, and progress is easily monitored from the app homepage. You can also save video segments for viewing when an internet connection is not available.

The included written test prep program features three modes of operation. Use Learning Mode for specific areas of study. Test mode will provide a random mix of questions to provide a simulated exam. Flashcard mode will allow you to answer questions without seeing any answer choices in a self-graded environment.

The Instrument app’s Training Course Outline is a detailed flight training syllabus to serve as your bridge between your online training and the training with your instructor. It allows you to keep a record of progress and document your flight experience.

The interactive PTS is an FAA directive of all the knowledge and skill areas you need to know for the checkride. To make your training and preparation easier, the PTS is cross referenced to the appropriate video section. Simply click on a video segment to view the video training – it’s ideal for checkride prep.

Just like the traditional DVD and online versions, the app also allows users to earn the written test endorsement and even receive FAA WINGS credit directly from the app.

Sporty’s Instrument Rating App Demo [4200A] is available as a free download. The entire course contents may be purchased for $199.99 and may be downloaded at sportys.com/apps.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Instrument Rating App

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Instrument Rating App on iPad

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Instrument Rating App on iPhone

The Ultimate Pilot Backpack

January 11, 2013/in Press Releases/by rhoskins

Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack is the latest in Sporty’s Flight Gear Collection.

A book bag doesn’t belong in the cockpit

Now pilots who prefer a backpack as a flight bag don’t have to settle for a backpack designed for high schoolers or hikers. Sporty’s has created its Cross Country Backpack to accommodate all the flight gear pilots typically carry.

Specific pockets organize headsets, iPad, flashlight, fuel tester, handheld radio and more. The padded headset pocket has built-in battery holders, while an internal iPad sleeve keeps iPads protected. A padded laptop compartment fits most 17” computers, and your cellphone stays in a unique pocket on the shoulder strap. A rubberized bottom means that you can place the Cross Country Backpack on a damp surface with no fear of damaging the contents.

The transceiver pocket features a patented split flap at the top to allow the antenna to stick up. Inside, a custom sleeve will store the antenna when not on your radio. A removable custom ID holder is affixed to the bag. This also provides a perfect spot for Military or Police patches.

Constructed with heavy-duty nylon, this backpack boasts double-stitched seams and high quality zippers. Backed by an industry leading six-year guarantee, it can stand up to the abuse pilots often dish out.

Measuring 18”h x 14”w x 7”d, Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack is comfortable to carry and roomy enough for all appropriate gear. Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack [#9465A] is available for $64.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. The Backpack can be personalized with three embroidered initials.

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack right side view

Download hi-res EPS of Sporty’s Cross Country Backpack left side view