Just Over Two Weeks to Go – Get Your 2012 EAA AirVenture App Now

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Sporty's AirVenture app for iPad and iPhone

Sporty’s 2012 AirVenture Oshkosh app is a free download for show attendees.

Sporty’s, EAA partner again to offer free show apps

Hundreds of exhibitors, forums and workshops, thousands of aircraft on display, daily airshows and other attractions. If you’re attending EAA AirVenture this year, you’ve got to go with a plan.

Sporty’s has made planning easier with the official AirVenture 2012 app for iPad, iPhone and Android. The free app contains all the maps, times, places and schedules to maximize the time spent in Oshkosh.

“AirVenture is way too big to arrive without a plan. There’s no way you can see and do everything just strolling around,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “With Sporty’s app, you can chart your course ahead of time and design your days based on your own must-do’s and must-see’s.”

By using the app’s “My Schedule” feature, you can make an hour by hour itinerary for yourself, full of details, times, and locations. To keep current with last-minute additions, you can also access EAA news and twitter feeds as well as EAA Radio.

The 2012 AirVenture app includes an interactive exhibitors list and showgrounds 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.

“It’s easy to get frustrated wandering from pillar to post trying to find the location of 260, for example,” adds Zimmerman. “With the app, you can go direct.”

Of course, your free Sporty’s AirVenture app is 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. Those flying to the show can stock up on supplies you need with a direct link to Sporty’s Pilot Shop.

The complete EAA AirVenture NOTAM is included for arrival and departure procedures as well as a convenient Understanding AirVenture ATC Guide and even special FBO offers. It’s perfect for in-flight reference and does not require an internet connection.

“Just stick your smartphone in your pocket or your tablet in your backpack, and you’re set for the day,” says Zimmerman. “Everything will be at your fingertips – maps, schedules, workshops, speakers, forums – all the components of a busy AirVenture.”

Sporty’s has also created apps for Sun ‘n Fun, AOPA Summit and the International Women in Aviation Conference.

Sporty’s 2012 AirVenture 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.

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Sporty’s Celebrates 2012 Air Race Classic Finish

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Air Race Classic

Hal Shevers with the 2012 Air Race Classic winners, Dianna Stanger of Fort Lavaca, TX and Victoria Holt of Belton, TX, who flew a Cirrus SR-2

Over 100 air race pilots competing in the 36th annual Air Race Classic descended on the Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport last week, after flying a 2,330 nm cross-country course in four days. Starting on June 19, the aircraft left Lake Havasu, Arizona on a course that would take them east, north, and finally southeast to Sporty’s.

The first racers began to arrive early on Friday, June 22, and continued streaming in throughout the day. While waiting for their fellow racers, the women enjoyed the hospitality of Sporty’s and each other’s company. The winning team, based on fastest handicapped speed, was Dianna Stanger of Fort Lavaca, TX and Victoria Holt of Belton, TX, who flew a Cirrus SR-22.

The race continues the tradition of the transcontinental women’s air race, first held in 1929. After World War II, the race came to be known as the Powder Puff Derby before being reincorporated as the Air Race Classic, a 501(c)3 organization. Famous participants through the years include Amelia Earhart and Louise Thaden.

“These air racers are a competitive bunch,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman, Hal Shevers. “Sporty’s was honored to host the terminus in 2001, and we’re glad to roll out the welcome mat for such a spirited group once again.”

As a major event sponsor, Sporty’s was proud to host a hangar party and dinner on Saturday night. Air Race Classic participants were treated to a fun evening, including musical entertainment by students from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a special operatic performance arranged by one of Sporty’s flight instructors who also is a professor of voice at CCM. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks show.

For more information on the Air Race Classic, including finishing times for all race teams, visit www.airraceclassic.org.

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New iPad Briefcase is Perfect for High-Tech Pilots

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Go from cockpit to office to home with the compact Pilot’s iPad Briefcase.

Sleek case holds iPad and accessories, but takes up virtually no space

With the tremendous popularity of the iPad, many pilots are carrying less gear with them in the cockpit. Stacks of paper charts and heavy manuals have been replaced by a single tablet–and flight bags need to adapt. That’s why Sporty’s has introduced the new Pilot’s iPad Briefcase. It’s perfect for iPad pilots who travel light, as it organizes and protects expensive electronic gear, but without a bulky shape.

A soft padded main compartment is the perfect size for an iPad, even if you keep your iPad in a case. A variety of internal and external pockets are ideal for storing a charging cable, cleaning cloth, backup battery and stylus.

The Pilot’s iPad Briefcase offers two options for carrying it. For lighter loads, two carry handles can be used. For heavier loads, the carry handles retract out of sight and a padded shoulder strap can be attached.

Measuring 12” x 9” x 2”, the Briefcase [7285A] is available for $39.95 and may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

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Destination: Sporty’s for Summer Fun

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Sporty's Building

Make Sporty’s your summer destination.

Make I69 a stop on your next flying trip for pilot-friendly service

Whether it’s for a fuel stop on the way to Oshkosh, a weekend outing or a place for quality flight instruction, Sporty’s headquarters at the Clermont County Airport (I69) should be on every pilot’s flight plan this summer. With a full schedule of events and on-site services including FBO, flight school, avionics shop and pilot store, there’s always something happening at Sporty’s.

Conveniently located in southwest Ohio, Sporty’s airport is an ideal fuel stop on the way to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, Sporty’s full-service FBO, offers excellent prices on Avgas and Jet A, and the overnight parking fee is waived with a fuel purchase. There are never landing or facility fees, and with no tower, arrivals and departures are quick and easy.

Sporty’s also offers free on-site camping (including shower facilities), special rates at area hotels and rental cars. There is even a deluxe weather briefing center that includes live Doppler radar.

“We make all of Sporty’s resources available to our student pilots and transient pilots,” says Sporty’s president and CEO Michael Wolf. “Consult with a flight instructor at no charge; use our crew car or relax in Sporty’s café with free WiFi while you watch the airplanes take off and land.”

The airport is also home to Sporty’s Academy, a world-class flight school with a fleet of 13 aircraft. Many pilots come for accelerated training programs or to fly the all-new Frasca Mentor flight simulator. The Mentor replicates a Cessna 172S cockpit layout, complete with an authentic Garmin G1000 panel with integrated GFC-700 autopilot that features advanced aerodynamic modeling, robust customization options and an impressive 200 degree visual display. Sporty’s Academy is also offering a variety of weekend ground schools throughout the summer.

During a visit, pilots also have the opportunity to schedule an appointment with Sporty’s on-site Aviation Medical Examiner, shop the famous retail store, visit Cincinnati Avionics or even take an FAA test at the Sporty’s Academy written testing center. In addition, the Tri-State Warbird Museum is across the runway with an impressive collection of restored and flying World War II airplanes.

Many pilots choose to come on Saturday to take part in Sporty’s weekly customer appreciation cookout where hot dogs, mettwurst and bratwurst are served free of charge from noon to 2 p.m. The event has become a tradition for thousands of pilots, with nearly 200,000 hot dogs served since the cookout began.

“And just like travelers enjoy getting their passports stamped, we’ll stamp your logbook to show that you’ve visited one of aviation’s prime destinations – the largest pilot shop in the world,” says Wolf.

FlyECA.com

SportysAcademy.com

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Sporty’s Will Award Legend Cub for 2013 Sweepstakes

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America’s most popular LSA to go to one lucky customer

Sporty’s 2013 Sweepstakes airplane.

All Sporty’s Pilot Shop customers are automatically entered to win the airplane every time they order.

“The Legend Cub combines the best of both worlds,” says Sporty’s President and CEO Michael Wolf. “The airplane has the classic design of the original Cub along with new technological enhancements to create an airplane that’s both modern and nostalgic.”

Manufactured by American Legend Aircraft Company, the Legend Cub is an aircraft any pilot would enjoy flying, and one of the most gratifying recreational aircraft available today.

The Cub features a complete Garmin panel, including an Aera 796 GPS, SL40 com radio and GTX 330 transponder.

“Sporty’s is all about having fun in the air, and there’s no better plane for that than a Cub,” adds Wolf. “This promises to be one of our most popular airplanes.”

The Legend Cub will be awarded during Sporty’s Annual Fly-In, scheduled for May 18, 2013. For more information please visit sportys.com/sweepstakes.

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Eighth Annual Sporty’s Fly-In Draws Record Crowds

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Great weather made for a perfect fly-in day

Sporty's Fly-in

Sporty’s Fly-in 2012

Approximately 200 aircraft arrived during the Fly-in, making Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport one busy place on Saturday, May 19.

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, a short program paid tribute to Rudy Frasca, founder of Frasca International. The National Association of Flight Instructors chose International Learn to Fly Day and Sporty’s Fly-in as the venue to induct Frasca into its Flight Instructor Hall of Fame. Accepting for Frasca, who was unable to attend, was his daughter, Peggy.

Yes, Dr. Smolin, you are the winner – for real!

An all-new Garmin equipped Cessna Skycatcher and two Bose A20 headsets were awarded to Dr. Matthew Smolin, a cardiologist in the United States Army Reserves who has served time in Iraq. Sporty’s President and CEO Michael Wolf telephoned Dr. Smolin from a speaker phone, while the fly-in attendees listened in, to inform him that he was the winner of Sporty’s Sweepstakes. After a few moments of silence, all Dr. Smolin could say was a quiet, “For real?” Later, plans were made for Dr. Smolin to come to Sporty’s to fly his new airplane home.

Free seminars were once again popular, with the seminar on Flying with the iPad, hosted by Sporty’s Vice President Bret Koebbe, attracting the most interest with more than 150 pilots in attendance. Other seminars were presented by Garmin, Aspen Avionics, Air Mod, ForeFlight and NFlightcam.

As part of International Learn to Fly Day, Sporty’s Academy provided several introductory lessons to aspiring aviators in airplanes and a glider. They also hosted a landing competition in its Frasca Mentor Flight Simulator, with the winner taking home one of Sporty’s most popular training courses – Sporty’s Flight Review.

“Our parking lot was full, the exhibit area buzzed, and we just about ran out of room to park airplanes,” said Wolf. “Our Fly-in is one of our favorite days of the year, and it’s always a good day when we can reward one of our customers with a brand-new airplane.”

Next year’s Fly-in and Sweepstakes award is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2013.

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Learn Weather Flying from Richard Collins with Four New Apps

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Richard Collin's Weather Flying App

Richard Collin’s Weather Flying App

iPad/iPhone app for each season provides real-world weather flying tips

Each season presents different weather scenarios general aviation pilots must face. In this four-part weather flying series, now available for iPad and iPhone, general aviation weather expert Richard Collins breaks down the challenges and opportunities for flying in seasonal weather conditions.

Richard L. Collins’ Advanced Spring Weather Flying, Advanced Summer Weather Flying, Advanced Fall Weather Flying and Advanced Winter Weather Flying present pilots with real-world flying and weather conditions. Viewers will go on actual flights with Collins to explore the relationship between forecast weather and real conditions, and how complex weather systems affect the airplane.

“There’s no one more knowledgeable about general aviation weather flying than Richard Collins,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “In these apps produced from his classic videos, Richard looks a little younger, the airplanes look a little older, but the content is timeless. To my mind, these four programs are among the best material we’ve ever offered and belong in every pilot’s collection.”

Each season’s program runs from 90 to 110 minutes and is chock-full of weather information that will make you a more informed pilot. Also included in each app is a review quiz based on content from the videos. After finishing the questions, pilots will receive instant feedback on their score and be able to review missed questions. There’s even a way to quickly review the video segment from which the question is based.

Richard Collins’ Advanced Weather Flying apps are available for each of the four seasons for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Each App is $4.99 and may be ordered at sportys.com/apps.

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Pint-Size, but Powerful: Sporty’s Fly Away Cleaning Kit

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You love your airplane so keep it sparkling with Sporty’s Fly Away Cleaning Kit.

Keep your airplane clean when away from home base

Sporty’s has assembled the perfect cleaning kit to keep in your airplane. One pint containers of an assortment of high quality cleaning supplies will ensure your airplane gleams even after a long flight. The small size of the containers makes sure your weight and balance won’t be thrown off with bulky gallon bottles.

The Sporty’s Fly Away Cleaning Kit contains all the basics needed to keep your airplane looking new. Each kit includes N’viro Solve, a bio-based degreaser; Xhaust & Soot Remover, a powerful cleaner/degreaser; Pro Wash RX, an everyday cleaner; Aero Glide, a dry wash/polish; and Mr. Detail, which cleans and shines. Every chemical has been tested and is safe for aircraft. An optional, convenient bag keeps all products organized and in one place.

“Your airplane will look like new while sitting on the line at Oshkosh, even after a four-hour cross country flight and an arrival through swarms of Wisconsin-size mosquitos,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “And it’s a convenient size for storage.”

Sporty’s Fly Away Cleaning Kit [B2098A]is available for $49.95, with the Cleaning Kit Bag [7655A] available for $15.95. Gallon size containers of these products as well as a box of 100 Dupont Aerospace Wipes [7726A] for $17.95 are also available. All products may be ordered at sportys.com or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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No More Dreading the “Low Battery” Warning

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Dual 2.1 Amp Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Keep all your portable electronic devices charged in flight with Sporty’s pilot-tested accessories.

iPad charging accessories that belong in every flight bag

Pilots have plenty of batteries to keep charged these days, from iPads to smartphones to portable ADS-B receivers. Many of these gadgets require special high amp charging devices, and Sporty’s now offers a complete selection of pilot-tested gear to meet these needs.

The Dual 2.1 Amp Cigarette Lighter Adapter plugs into any cockpit power plug (12 or 24V) and provides two high amp USB ports. It’s ideal for charging an iPad and Stratus at the same time, and its universal design means it will work with almost any aircraft and any electronic device with a USB charging cable.

Sometimes you don’t have a cigarette lighter plug, though. For those occasions, Sporty’s offers the Backup Battery pack, with a long-lasting 16,000mAh internal battery that can increase the endurance of an iPad by 150%. With five USB ports, it also allows for multiple devices to be charged simultaneously. There’s even a built-in flashlight for backup illumination. The pack can be recharged by plugging it into any wall outlet.

Of course, neither of these accessories will work without the right cords. To make sure pilots always have a spare cable on hand, Sporty’s now offers a 3.5’ iPad/iPhone Charging Cord for the unbeatable price of $8.50. One can be left in the airplane, one in the car and one at home.

The Dual 2.1 Amp Cigarette Lighter Adapter [#7565A] is available for $14.95; the Backup Battery [#2126A] is available for $99.95; and the iPad Charging Cable [#9059A] is available for $8.50 or $5.00 each for four or more. All products may be ordered at sportys.com or by phone at 1.800.SPORTYS.

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Commemorate a First Solo with this custom Plaque from Sporty’s

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Sporty's Solo Plaque

The First Solo Commemorative Wooden Plaque is an excellent way to remember that first special flight.

This once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment should be honored

Whether it’s your own first solo or that of a friend or family member, Sporty’s First Solo Commemorative Wooden Plaque will forever keep that memory vivid. Perfect for hanging in the home office or den, this alder wood, laser-etched plaque is custom engraved with the pilot’s name and airplane on two lines (up to 30 characters per line).

The words on the plaque read: Rare is a sense of accomplishment felt greater than after your first solo flight. The thrill and excitement is indescribable to those who have not taken the controls into their own hands.

Measuring 8” x 10”, the First Solo Commemorative Wooden Plaque [#7587A] ships within two business days and is available for $29.95 at sportys.com or by telephone at 1-800-SPORTYS.

 

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