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 iPad

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

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

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

It’s that time of year again, when I sit back in my chair, stroke my chin, and contemplate the trends we saw from the past year. These trends can give us clues of what’s in store in the year to come.

But before we talk about the new trends we’ve spotted, we are going to take iPads out of the “trend” column and move them into the “here-to-stay” column. For the past two years, we led with the iPad trend, but no more. iPads have changed the way we fly, and until the next new thing comes along, we declare that iPads will remain a routine part of flight planning and flight management. Same with webinars. No longer revolutionary, online learning, whether as an ongoing course or a one-time seminar, is here to stay.

So what is new?

ADS-B goes from “what’s that?” to “must have.” Most pilots may not be able to tell you that it stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, but all pilots know that in-cockpit weather (and free weather no less) has changed the way we fly. Sporty’s own Stratus was successful, even beyond our strong belief in it when we launched the product at Sun ‘n Fun. Garmin has its ADS-B Academy (see what we mean about online learning?) to market its GDL 39. The question remains: How else can ADS-B be used to make our flying safer and more efficient?

Everyone’s a movie star. By next year, we may be moving cockpit cameras from the trends column to the here-to-stay column. Right now, though, the technology is still developing. The fun of recording a flight and posting it on YouTube for friends and family is no longer the sole purview of technology geeks. At Sporty’s, we equip our training aircraft with an in-flight camera and always record a student’s first solo. What a souvenir of a momentous occasion – sure beats the static photo! Now a pilot can live and relive that important flight. We suspect that more and more utility will be found for video in the cockpit, and we have big plans for 2013.

Flight Training continues to evolve. The biggest change we noted this year at Sporty’s Academy is the success of our finish-up course. This training is intended for someone who started their training, but stopped for some reason – and the reasons we’ve heard range from family issues to job overload, finances, boredom, or a clash with their flight instructor. Yet, the desire to fly remained and when they come to us, we analyze where they are and create a personalized program. When you think of the pitiful retention rate of flight training – and how many drop outs GA has spawned nationwide – a finish-up program is something that could work at many flight schools.

We’re all learning on the go. There was atime when the “computer room” was a new thing in all of our homes, but no more. Home study is centuries old – computer home study is decades old. What’s new is that home study-ers are no longer trapped at a computer desk in the computer room. Now you’ll find folks studying online in the doctor’s waiting room, lying poolside, sitting on a park bench – or jogging through the park. iPads, iPods and iPhones make it possible to study anywhere, anytime, and we’ve embraced this new way to learn with all of our training products.

Hal remains surprised. After 51 years in the business, it takes a lot to surprise Hal, but he has frequently said the biggest surprise of his career is that pilots would be willing to pay $1000 for a headset. Where once a high-end headset was the privilege of only the most elite pilots, these headsets are becoming more mainstream. The success of Bose, Sennheiser and Lightspeed are all testament to the fact that pilots are willing to pay for the top of the line.

The dogfight is on. For years, Microsoft Flight Simulator led the pack in flight simulation games, followed by Flight Sim X. Now there’s a new player in town: X-Plane is edging upward as the flight simulation  program of choice, with more realistic aerodynamic models and some higher end features. Everything old is new again. We’re hearing more and more talk about pilots flying just for the pure pleasure of it. Affordable used airplanes and LSAs make it possible to fly for no particular reason other than FUN. And maybe it’s just us, since our Sweepstakes airplane this year is the Legend Cub, but taildraggers seem to be more in vogue than ever.

Ok, one last iPad trend. Is the iPad mini the perfect iPad for pilots? The jury is still out, but there’s lots of interest here among pilots for a reduced size iPad that does everything its bigger brother can do. Small flight bags and small cockpits are ideal for this device.

So that’s it – how we see things from our little airport in Ohio. All of us so often hear that the best aspect of the general aviation industry is the people. We couldn’t agree more. We value the friendships and relationships that grow stronger by the year. To our friends worldwide who celebrate Christmas or Hanukah, another holiday or no holiday at all, we send all our best wishes for a New Year packed with good health, happiness and prosperity.

Best Wishes,

 

 

 

Michael Wolf and Sporty’s Pilot Shop Staff

The National Aviation Exploring Committee recently awarded scholarships to ten Explorers based on a variety of criteria including aviation career goals, community service and leadership.

The Aviation Exploring Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donations from the following companies, organizations and individuals; Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Electronics Assocation, Aircraft Spruce, AOPA, Aspen Avionics, Bose, David Clark Company, Inc., Orison B. Curpier Company, EAA, ForeFlight, Garmin, General Aviation News, Lightspeed Aviation, Parrish-O’Neill, Sandy & Hal Shevers, Signature Flight Support, Sporty’s Foundation, Sun-n-Fun, Trade A Plane.

The 2012 scholarships and their recipients are as follows:

Professional Aviation Degree – $10,000

Luke Carrico (Tri-State Aero, Inc., Post 2447, Evansville, IN, Buffalo Trace Council)

This fall, Luke will be attending Indiana State University, where he will be enrolled in the bachelor‘s program for Professional Aviation Flight Technolgy. Currently, he is completing his private pilot certification. In addition to being an Explorer, Luke has been very involved with the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Most recently, he assisted with the operations for the Evansville Freedom Festival Show. Luke graduated from F.J. Reitz High School, where he lettered on the swim/dive team and speech team.

Pilot – $3,000

Kendra Tally (San Fernando Valley 99s, Post 747, Sylmar, CA, Western Los Angeles Council)

Kendra is very involved with her local Aviation Exploring Post. She serves as the vice-president for the Post and is responsible for planning and arranging the meetings, programs, and field trips. Kendra is also very active with the Experimental Aircraft Association. She has served on several ground crews, including Youg Eagles events, air shows, fly-ins, and  high school career opportunity seminars. Kendra has actively served as a ground crew member and activity helper for Challenge Air, an event for physically-challenged children. Her goal is to earn her private pilot certificate.

Pilot – $3,000

James Edward Sprague (Ivy Tech Community College/Experimental Aircraft Association #2, Post 2305, Fort Wayne, IN, Anthony Wayne Area Council)

As a seventeen year old high school student, James is very passionate about flying. He has set challenging and specific goals to become a private pilot before graduating from high school. For his higher education, James has his sights set on being accepted to the Naval Academy or Purdue University. Currently, James serves as the president of his local Aviation Exploring Post. Also, he is actively involved as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the community  theater, and fall sports programs.

Pilot – $3,000

Carl Bloecher (The Ohio State University, Post 2009, Columbus, OH, Simon Kenton Council)

After graduating from high school, Carl’s ambition is to enroll in the Aeronautical Science degree program at Palm Beach State College in Florida. His career goal is to become an EMS helicopter pilot. For the past two years, Carl has been a member of Aviation Exploring Post since 2009. In addition, he is active with his church, the local YMCA, Upper Arlington High School’s track & field camp, and the Upper Arlington Civic Association. Carl was on the honor roll from 2006 to 2012 and was named a National Honor Society Inductee in 2012.

Maintenance – $3,000

Bryce Lynch (Valero Energy/Partnership Corp. Aviation Training, Post 816, San Antonio, TX, Alamo Area     Council)

Bryce is a senior in high school located in Dripping Srings, Texas. After graduating, he plans on attending Hallmark College in San Antonio, Texas. Bryce’s ambitious goals are to complete the Airframe and Powerplant Certfication program and to earn his private pilot certificate. Bryce is currently a student pilot. In addition, he is an active  member of the high school band and debate team.

Maintenance – $3,000

William Janus (EAA Chapter, Post 1, Belchertown, MA, Western Massachusetts Council)

William is a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he is majoring in Aeronautical Science.. His goals are to earn the commercial pilot, flight instructor rating, and the Airframe & Powerplant rating. Prior to college, William earned his private pilot certificate. After graduation, he will pursue a career as a corporate pilot or airline pilot. William established the first Aviation Explorer Post in Western Massachusetts, and was instrumental in recruiting all necessary positions. In addition, William is an Eagle Scout and has been an active participant in band, lacrosse, ski team, and many local volunteer projects.

Avionics – $3,000

Geronald Brown (Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, Post 409, Compton, CA, Los Angeles Area Council)

Geronald’s ultimate goal is to become a certified flight instructor (CFI).  Geronald actively served in several leadership positions for his school and community. He has served as the battalion captain for the California Cadet Corps, activities chair for the Youth Leadership Service, defensive line captain for the high school football team, High School Senior Mentor, and mentor for the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum. He is a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Air Force Officer Training Corps, and Experimental Aircraft Association.

Avionics – $3,000

Eric Austin (Commemorative Air Force. Post 2352, Mesa, AZ, Grand Canyon Council)

Eric is a senior in the aerospace program at the South Mountain High School located in Phoenix, Arizona. One of Eric’s greatest accomplishments was to overcome reading challenges to become a member of the National Honor Society. He is president of the Air Traffic Control Club at the high school and serves as a lifeguard for the YMCA. After graduating, Eric plans on attending the Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University, where he will earn a degree in Aeronautical Engineering or Aeronautical Science. After completing the degree, Eric will enroll in the Air Force’s Undergraduate Pilot Training Program.

Management- $3,000

Harrison Liu (Gulfstream Aerospace, Post 2305, Savannah, GA, Coastal Empire Council)

Harrison Liu will be entering Mercer University’s Aerospace Engineering program in the fall. His future goal is to earn a doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and be employed in the Research & Development Division of Gulfstream. In addition to being an Explorer, Harrison is active with the Civil Air Patrol, Future Business Leaders of America, Technology Student Association, Island Christian Church and the Islands Methodist Church. He has volunteered for many organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Second Harvest Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child, and Creative Technology Camp.

Management- $3,000

Evan Cole Burgess (Prospect Ridge Aviation, Inc., Post 850, Morgantown, NC, Piedmont Council)

Evan’s long-range goal is to become a United States Naval Flight Surgeon. Before entering medical school, Evan is planning to complete the certification course for his private pilot license. Currently, he serves as the president of his Aviation Exploring Post, a volunteer for the Hickory Aviation Museum, and is becoming an officer in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. In addition, Evan has served as ground crew member for EAA AirVenture, and Young Eagles. His accomplishments include winning the American Legion’s Oratorical Constitutional Speech Contest and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.

Holiday shopping for pilots made easy

“We know that shopping for a pilot is notoriously difficult and the number of choices from Sporty’s can be overwhelming,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “And of course, everyone wants to buy the right gift, but getting started can be a challenge.”

Sporty’s has grouped appropriate gifts into Student Pilots, Advanced Pilots, Aircraft Owners, and Aviation Enthusiasts to help narrow your search. New for 2012 is a category specific for iPads, the “iPad Pilots” group.

What’s more, gifts are further grouped by price range, starting at “Under $30” and going up through “Over $500.”

“If you’ve been particularly good this year, steer your loved ones to the ‘Over $500’ category and you just may find a Bose headset or a Stratus ADS-B weather receiver tied up with a bow waiting for you,” says Zimmerman.

For those gift buyers who still can’t make up their minds, Sporty’s has gift cards available in any denomination. Gift wrapping is also available on most items.

To access Sporty’s Gift Guide, go to sportys.com/giftguide. Gifts ordered from Sporty’s by Friday, December 21, 2012 may be received in time for Christmas.

Simplified sectional plotter makes flight planning a snap

Sporty’s offers the EZPlotter as the easiest plotter available. To use the EZPlotter, simply place it on top of the departure airport on a sectional chart and move the arm to the destination. The plotter will display the distance and course to your destination – no calculations required.

Meassuring 11 inches by 4.75 inches, the EZPlotter is virtually indestructible so you can toss it in your flight bag with no worry.

“Plotters should make pre-flight planning easier,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “That’s why we designed the EZPlotter to give pilots the information they need – fast.”

Sporty’s EZPlotter [#9012A] is available for $11.95 and may be ordered by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com. All Sporty’s products ordered by Friday, December 21, 2012, may be delivered in time for Christmas.

 

Download hi res EPS of Sporty’s EZPlotter