Have Yourself a Merry [Aviation] Christmas

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Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection gets you in the holiday mood

Wright Bros. Collection is the headquarters for aviation-themed holiday gifts.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for an aviation buff or want to decorate your own home, Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection has an array of items that are both aviation-themed and holiday-themed.

You’ll put a smile on your favorite child’s face – or on your own – with the World’s Fair Biplane Ride Carousel.  First, the Carousel is a music box that plays 25 musical standards such as Danny Boy and Stars and Stripes Forever. Half of the selections are holiday tunes such as Jingle Bells and Joy to the World. As the music plays, the five biplanes circle the ride. The Carousel includes a fabric roof, ticket booth and miniature people and measures 10” high and 9” in diameter. [# 6119W; $169.99]

Nutcrackers! Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection has them. One large (15” tall) and one small (10” tall) Barnstormer Nutcracker are hand-crafted in Germany of natural wood. Dressed in goggles, helmet and flight jacket and carrying a flight bag and propeller, the Barnstormer Nutcrackers are in the Christian Ulbricht style, perfect for any collection. [Large: #6344; $149.99. Small: #6411W; $94.99]

Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection also has an Airline Captain Nutcracker in two sizes. The small 5” model is a tree decoration while the larger 14” model functions as a true nutcracker. [5″: #3007W; $9.99. 14”: #5950W; $27.99. Both: B1028W; $36.99]

Bring aviation to your tabletop with the Santa and Airplane Salt and Pepper Set.  Handpainted and crafted from dolomite, the Salt and Pepper Set measures 4.5” by 2.5”.  These are working salt and pepper shakers and can also be used simply as decoration. [#6351W; $13.99]

Santa pilots a biplane in the Santa Biplane Ornament hand-crafted of wood and measuring 2” by 2”. This colorful ornament has a red string for easy hanging on your tree or get the Ornament Display Stand and have it on your desk or mantle. [Ornament: #6449W; $14.99. Stand: #3391W; $5.99]

The propellers and wheels spin on these Tin Airplane Ornaments that come in three models: Biplane [#6409W], DC-3 [#6348W]and Float Plane [#6371W]. These ornaments have gold thread for easy hanging and are $5.99 each or $4.99 for two or more.

All Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection products may be ordered on line at www.sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. Products ordered by Friday, December 21, 2012, may be delivered in time for Christmas.

 

Download hi res EPS of World’s Fair Biplane Ride Carousel

Download hi res EPS of Barnstormer Nutcracker

Download hi res EPS of Santa and Airplane Salt and Pepper Set

Download hi res EPS of Santa Biplane Ornament

Download hi res EPS of Tin Biplane Ornament

Download hi res EPS of Tin DC-3 Ornament

Download hi res EPS of Tin Float Plane Ornament

Have a Bit of Fun in the Cockpit

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Humorous Placards will keep your passengers smiling

Sporty’s Humorous placards will have your passengers doing a double-take.

Amuse your passengers with these Humorous Placards from Sporty’s. Designed to look just like their real counterparts, these signs will keep nervous flyers relaxed.

Placards include a Panic Button; one that reads No Smoking: If you must smoke, please step outside; and one that reads Intentional Straight and Level Flight Prohibited. Another placard provides a checklist for your co-pilot, labeled as such, and listing 1. Don’t touch anything and 2. Keep your mouth shut. Each placard is engraved and includes an adhesive back.

“Although flying is serious business, we all like to have a bit of fun as well,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “These placards are a way to lighten the mood for your passengers.”

Panic Button [1909A], No Smoking [7965A], Straight and Level [7990A] and Co-Pilot Checklist [4756A] are each available for $2.95 or $9.95 for all four. All Sporty’s products may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS. Orders placed by December 21, 2012, may be delivered in time for Christmas.

Download hi res EPS of the Panic Button

Download hi res EPS of the No Smoking Placard

Download hi res EPS of the Straight and Level Placard

Download hi res EPS of the Co-Pilot Checklist Placard

Navigate Your Way through AOPA Summit 2012

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Sporty’s AOPA app is available for iPad, iPhone and Android.

Sporty’s free app makes planning easy

Sporty’s all-new app for AOPA Summit 2012 is free and ready to download. The app, available for iPad, iPhone and Android is a must-have tool to maximize your time. AOPA Summit is scheduled for October 11-13, 2012, in Palm Springs, California.

“The old school attendee is weighted down and juggling maps, notebook, papers, program, pens, highlighter and guides; the new school attendee simply turns on his or her smart device and is set for the day,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.

The AOPA Summit App from Sporty’s contains all the information necessary to ensure you see all that Summit has to offer. You’ll find exhibitors, learning experiences, events, speakers and other program elements all presented in an easy-to-navigate format. And if you’re flying to Summit this year, the App will also serve as your all-in-one resource.  The app includes all of the flight procedure information you’ll need including the official NOTAM.

By using the app’s “My Summit” feature, you can make an hour by hour itinerary for yourself, full of details, times, and locations. The Summit App includes an interactive exhibitors list and Exhibit Hall map. Click on the name of an exhibitor and you will instantly be shown where that exhibit is located on the map, right down to the precise booth location.

“You’re carrying your phone or iPad anyway, so give yourself a break and download the AOPA Summit App from Sporty’s,” adds Zimmerman. “You won’t miss anything or get the day or times wrong. The App is a good way to check that you cover everything of interest to you.”

Sporty’s has also created apps for Sun ‘n Fun, EAA AirVenture, and the International Women in Aviation Conference. All convention apps are provided by Sporty’s at no charge to the aviation community.

Sporty’s 2012 AOPA Summit App is available for iOS and Android devices, including iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The Android version of the app is designed for both phones and tablets, including the Kindle Fire. For more information, or to download the free app, visit sportys.com/apps.

Download hi res EPS of the AOPA Summit App

Download hi res EPS of the AOPA Summit App on an iPhone

Download hi res EPS of the AOPA Summit App on an Android phone

Download hi res EPS of the AOPA Summit App on an iPad

Download hi res EPS of the AOPA Summit App on an Android tablet

Deck the Halls – with a Cub

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Sporty’s annual Christmas ornament announced

If you can’t have a Cub in your hangar, Sporty’s can at least provide one for your Christmas tree.

Sporty’s commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Piper Cub, and Sporty’s 2013 Legend Cub Sweepstakes, with this year’s crystal Christmas ornament. The limited edition collector’s item features an elegantly etched Cub in flight.

“You’d have to look far and wide to find a pilot who doesn’t like the Cub,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “This year, we had an easy choice for our annual ornament.

Nearly 20,000 Cubs were built in the United States with dozens of civilian and military variants. Thousands of Cubs are still flying today.

Sporty’s Cub ornament comes with a bright red ribbon for hanging and is boxed for gift giving with some historical notes about the airplane.

The 2012 Sporty’s Crystal Christmas Ornament [9833-12A] is available for $24.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

Download hi res EPS of 2012 Sporty’s Crystal Christmas Ornament

Say Goodbye to Flimsy Air Sickness Bags

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Finally! A 21st century barf bag

When you or a passenger starts to turn colors, reach for a Chuk-It.

Chuk-It is the better mouse trap of air sickness bags. Constructed of thick plastic with heat-sealed seams, Chuk-It is extra large and can be used with only one hand thanks to Chuk-It’s stay-open top.

Once used, Chuk-It’s zipper top seals securely ensuring no spills or smell in the cockpit. Not only is Chuk-It spill resistant, it won’t explode at altitude either. Chuk-It’s gusseted bottom allows it to stand upright until you can dispose of it.

“It’s not a glamorous product, but it’s one that has evolved over the years from the old-style paper bags now to the state-of-the-art Chuk-It,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.  “Having some Chuk-Its on board is a great insurance policy. Chuk-Its contains the mess rather than creating an even bigger mess.”

Measuring 12-1/2” by 7”,  a three-pack of Chuk-Its [7254A] is available for $6.95 and a ten-pack of Chuk-Its is available for $14.95. All Sporty’s products may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

Download hi res EPS of Chuk-Its

Sporty’s Electronic E6B Gets a Makeover

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Classic aviation tool now improved

Sporty's E6B

Over 240,000 pilots have trusted Sporty’s Electronic E6Bs over the years for fast flight planning and accurate FAA test calculations.

Sporty’s has given its best-selling electronic E6B flight computer a facelift, with a new rugged case and enhanced features. Sporty’s E6B now has a larger keypad and its own built-in storage case. Rubber feet have been added to keep the E6B from slipping during use, while a new backlit screen makes it useful for night operations.

“In this world of iPhones and iPads, don’t count out the E6B just yet,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “You can’t use your smart devices during an FAA Written Test, for example, but you can and should use Sporty’s Electronic E6B.”

Measuring 6.25”h x 3.25”w x 1”d, Sporty’s E6B uses three AAA batteries and also hosts a deluxe timer with local, home and Zulu time zones and a countdown timer for approaches. With 24 aviation functions and 20 aviation conversions, Sporty’s Electronic E6B is perfect for flight planning and in the cockpit.

Sporty’s E6B [7095A] is also a better value than ever, at just $59.95. It may be ordered by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com.

Download hi res EPS of Sporty’s E6B

Flying the Aspen Evolution now updated

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Sporty's Flying the Aspen Evolution DVD

Learn the latest features in Sporty’s Flying the Aspen Evolution video.

The popular Aspen Evolution has redefined glass panels in small airplanes, but going from steam gauges to a state-of-the-art glass cockpit can be overwhelming. Sporty’s Flying the Aspen Evolution program is a great way to learn the finer features of this revolutionary system.

This comprehensive program was recently updated with the addition of Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) displayed on the PFD and MFD which includes 3D terrain and obstacles, unusual attitude guidance, distance line and range markers, dynamic traffic display and the dynamic flight path marker.

“Now that thousands of general aviation pilots have upgraded their panels with Aspen, this video will help them use all the features and benefits Aspen offers,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke.

In addition, Flying the Aspen Evolution examines electronic charts on the MFD, including approach charts, departure and arrival procedures and airport diagrams. Like all Sporty’s training programs, this video is chock-full of real-life flying scenarios so you can see the equipment in actual flying conditions.

“We go beyond the meat and potatoes of using this equipment,” adds Radtke. “We like to provide insights and tips that might have taken a user a dozen flight hours to learn.

Flying the Aspen Evolution is 75 minutes in length and covers all software updates between v2.0 and v2.5, including system control and display improvements on Aspen’s PFD and MFD. The program is available in DVD format [D535A], as an App and as a download [E535A] for $31.95 at sportys.com or by calling Sporty’s at 1.800.SPORTYS.

Download hi res EPS of video screenshot

Sporty’s Reaches Another Hot Dog Milestone

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Ian Seager eats Sporty's 200,000th hot dog.

Ian Seager of Flyer Magazine eats the 200,000th hot dog at Sporty’s.

Every Saturday, rain or shine, summer or winter since 1992, Sporty’s local and transient customers gather for free hot dogs at noon. The only change is whether the hot dogs are served inside or outside.

A few days before EAA AirVenture 2012 began, Sporty’s served its 200,000 hot dog to Ian Seager, publisher of the British aviation magazine Flyer. Seager had flown his Cessna 182 across the Atlantic and made a stop at Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport (I69) on his way to AirVenture in Oshkosh.

“To put this in aviation terms, if all the hot dogs Sporty’s served were laid end to end on our runway, we’d have 28 rows of hot dogs up and down 4/22,” says Michael Wolf, Sporty’s President and CEO.

Phil Boyer, former AOPA President and airport resident, ate the 150,000 hot dog five years ago. “We’ll have to plan something special for hot dog #250,000 – that will be a quarter million tube steaks all enjoyed by our customers and friends,” says Wolf.

Download hi res EPS image file

Stratus gets update, new accessories for even better performance

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Stratus ADS-B Receiver

Sporty’s Stratus has been updated for better performance.

Stratus, the portable in-flight weather receiver for ForeFlight that was launched to critical acclaim at Sun ‘n Fun, has been improved to provide increased performance.

“Relying on the uniformly excellent reviews and customer feedback we have received on Stratus, the teams at Sporty’s, ForeFlight and Appareo have worked hard to make it even better,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “With thousands of units in the field, we listened to customer comments to make upgrades.”

A new version of firmware is now available as part of ForeFlight Mobile version 4.6, a free download from the iTunes App Store. This new firmware extends the battery life, improves the accuracy of battery monitoring, provides faster GPS lock-on, and adds NEXRAD support for Alaska. The firmware updates are easy to apply since Stratus and ForeFlight Mobile are an integrated system. Once ForeFlight 4.6 is downloaded, the Stratus owner just taps a button. A computer connection is not required, and the entire process takes just a few minutes.

In addition, Sporty’s has created a custom RAM suction cup mount so Stratus can be located out of the way on a side or rear window. The mount still allows for the use of the optional power cable if desired. “This new mounting system provides pilots with an alternative to the glareshield which can become a harsh environment on hot summer days, and allows for better ADS-B reception,” says Zimmerman. “These changes have made a great product even better.”

A new carrying case for Stratus is also available. The slim neoprene case has enough room for Stratus and any cables, and is padded for protection. It fits easily inside a larger flight bag, or can be used on its own.

Stratus [7281A] is available for $799 while the Stratus RAM Mount [2288] is available for $34.95 and the Stratus Carrying Case [9074A] is available for $12.95. Stratus and its accessories may be purchased by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com/stratus. Although previously on back order due to strong demand, Stratus is back in stock and available for immediate delivery.

Download hi res image of Stratus and iPad

Download hi res image of Stratus firmware update

Download hi res image of Stratus case

Download hi res image of iPad screenshot

Sporty’s Pilot Shop Expands Oshkosh Presence

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Visit Sporty’s new display all under one tent

Sporty’s has expanded its EAA AirVenture presence for 2012 from an inside exhibit to a much larger tent location with even more products and enhanced displays. Located in space #260 in front of Hangar B, Sporty’s will have a huge array of products on display, including an on-going demonstration of the Stratus, Sporty’s new in-flight weather receiver.

Sporty’s on-site 1,200 square foot display includes a new headset demo station where customers can try on a wide range of headsets, side by side, without having to run from booth to booth. Customers interested in cockpit video can view demonstrations and get advice from the experts at NFlightcam. Also available will be a large assortment of GPSs, Flight Gear bags, pilot kneeboards, RAM mounts, radios and more.

Sporty’s AirVenture display will have experts available not just for products, but also on iPad flying. Customers can demo new apps and the latest iPad accessories. Some of Sporty’s CFIs will also be on hand to answer questions about learning to fly and to demo Sporty’s complete pilot training courses and other flight training products.

“Whether you’re learning to fly or looking for the latest iPad accessory, Sporty’s tent is the place to be at Oshkosh,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We’ll also have some great show specials.”

iPad Flying Forums, Too

Two of Sporty’s resident iPad experts will present three iPad flying forums during AirVenture, all in Forum Pavilion #8. The forums are “Flying with the iPad and Accessories” on Thursday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. and Friday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. An additional forum, “ADS-B, Datalink Weather and the iPad,” will be presented on Thursday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m.

A forum on cockpit video cameras will take place Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in Forum Pavilion #4.

“You can find the locations for Sporty’s store and the Forum Pavilions on Sporty’s free AirVenture app, available now for free download at Sportys.com/apps,” says Zimmerman. “Plus you can make your own schedule, get flying and driving directions, buy tickets and make a full plan for your own AirVenture experience. See you in Oshkosh.”

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