The only high performance, subscription-free receiver made for ForeFlight

Sporty’s has introduced the first completely wire-free weather receiver for the iPad–and it requires no monthly subscription. Stratus combines an ADS-B and GPS receiver into a single unit that wirelessly streams NEXRAD radar, text weather, TFRs and aircraft position to the popular ForeFlight Mobile app for iOS devices.

“Stratus delivers exactly what pilots have been asking for–a simple, smart and subscription-free way to view in-flight weather on their iPads,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “It’s incredibly easy to use, with just one button and virtually no setup.”

The totally portable design includes an internal eight-hour battery, a high-gain internal antenna, and a WiFi connection to the iPad, so Stratus can be placed on the glare shield and out of the way. It is easy to move from airplane to airplane, making it ideal for renters, flying clubs and corporate flight departments.

Stratus is a collaboration between Sporty’s, ForeFlight and Appareo Systems.

“ForeFlight, Appareo, and Sporty’s worked closely to ensure that the experience provided by Stratus would be best in class among portable ADS-B weather receivers and iPad applications,” says ForeFlight Co-Founder Tyson Weihs. “Pilots flying with Stratus and ForeFlight Mobile will see ADS-B information integrated throughout the app. Nice touches — like the ability to remotely control LED brightness and real-time ADS-B station information — will make flying with Stratus a joy.”

Stratus wirelessly streams the full suite of available weather products: NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, PIREPs, TFRs, and winds aloft. Stratus also includes a built-in WAAS GPS receiver that provides high-quality position information to ForeFlight Mobile’s moving map, which includes VFR sectional and IFR enroute charts.

“Stratus is a high-performance product that leverages Appareo’s years of ADS-B expertise,” says Jeff Johnson, Vice President of Business Development at Appareo. “Designed and manufactured at Appareo’s facilities in Fargo, North Dakota, Stratus is built and tested to withstand a wide range of operating conditions. Pilots have looked forward to a high-quality, wire-free, battery-powered device that is tightly integrated with ForeFlight. Stratus meets these needs and more.”

The WiFi connection allows multiple iPads to connect to Stratus, making it possible for two-pilot crews to view weather on separate iPads. Stratus weighs less than 12 oz, and measures 4.25”w x 5.75”d x 1”h.

Stratus [7281A] is available for $799 and comes with a wall plug and charging cable. Stratus may be ordered at sportys.com/stratus or by calling 1-800-SPORTYS.

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New features make this year’s app even more useful

Sporty’s, in partnership with Sun ‘n Fun, has created a mobile app for the 2012 show, which is now 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 (formerly Android Market).

All the information a show-goer needs to travel to and navigate around the show is available on this app. New this year is an interactive exhibitors list with detailed hangar and exhibit area maps. When you click on an exhibitor’s company name, you will instantly see a map pinpointing the exhibitor’s location on the show grounds.

“This feature is so useful in that you no longer have to figure out what something like C-090 means as a location,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “You’ll be able to see quickly on a map where you want to go.”

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. Of course, those flying to the show can also stock up on supplies you need with a direct link to Sporty’s. The complete Sun ‘n Fun NOTAM is included for arrival and departure procedures as well as a convenient local airport directory and even special FBO offers. It’s perfect for in-flight reference and does not require an internet connection.

Another new feature will help you make your trip to Sun ‘n Fun even more efficient. You can pull out the exhibitors, seminars, workshops and other activities you don’t want to miss and compile the list into a “My Sun ‘n Fun” section. Once at the show, the Sun ‘n Fun app has plenty of maps: the convention grounds, the campgrounds, an aerial map, Splash-In map and more.

Your smartphone will be your best companion as you walk the grounds of Sun ‘n Fun. The daily schedule will be at your fingertips including forums, workshops, the daily air show, evening programs and special Fly-In activities. You can even enjoy Sun ‘n Fun radio and get the latest show updates via the app.

“When you walk around an airshow, you want to carry as little as possible,” adds Zimmerman. “With Sporty’s Sun ‘n Fun app, you will have all the information you need right in your phone.”

Sporty’s created the app as a service to Sun ‘n Fun attendees. In addition to Sun ‘n Fun, Sporty’s has also created apps for EAA AirVenture, AOPA Summit and the International Women in Aviation Conference.

Sporty’s 2012 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.

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Download hi res EPS of Su’n Fun App on Android Phone

New model adds fuel strainer, eliminates wasted fuel

The “plus” in the MultiSump+™ is its built-in fuel strainer. This popular fuel tester has been enhanced with the addition of a micro-mesh stainless steel screen that keeps impurities and water from entering the fuel tank during pour back.

Moreover, the MultiSump+ allows the pilot to sample and individually inspect fuel from each sump while a quick dump feature transfers fuel to the lower catch can. This feature eliminates emptying the tester after each sump, saving valuable pre-flight time. Up to eight sumps can be tested before the catch can needs to be emptied.

“Many of the new aircraft on the market today have over 10 fuel sumps, which can quickly overwhelm standard fuel testers,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “The MultiSump+ was designed specifically to increase capacity without compromising safety.”

Measuring 7” high by 2-3/4” in diameter, the MultiSump+ is easy to use by simply drawing a sample from the sump and inspecting it in the upper sampling cup. The fuel is then transferred to the lower catch can by tipping the sample cup in any direction.

The MultiSump+ [1352A] is available for $24.95 and may be ordered by calling 1-800-SPORTYS or at sportys.com.

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Official WAI Conference app for iPad and iPhone

Sporty’s now offers a fourth app in its series of apps for aviation conventions and shows. Having produced successful apps for Sun ‘n Fun, EAA AirVenture and AOPA Expo, Sporty’s has now developed an app for the 2012 International Women in Aviation Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas, from March 8-10, 2012.

“Thank you to Sporty’s for this fantastic app for our members and others who will be attending this year’s Conference which is jam-packed with nearly non-stop activities. The app will help keep everyone organized and informed,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “And those members who are unable to attend this year’s Conference can get real-time information of what they are missing through this app.”

The WAI app contains all the information necessary to navigate through the 2012 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 hotel and exhibit hall, and many other informational features.

“The star of this app, however, 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. “No more trying to figure out, for example, where booth #342 is. The app will show you on the floor plan instantly.”

What’s more, the app user will be able to compile a favorites list of 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 show 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, you’ll be good to go,” adds Wolf.

The WAI app is free and may be downloaded at www.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.

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Two companies collaborate on flight training systems and products

Sporty’s and Frasca International, Inc. have partnered to develop and market an integrated training program and other products that utilize Sporty’s training expertise and Frasca’s simulation expertise. The partnership will work to create training materials, course content, and programs for flight students to use with Frasca simulators.

Flight students at Sporty’s will soon have their training experience enhanced with the addition of a Frasca Mentor™ Cessna 172S Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) flight simulator with a spectacular, 200 degree visual system. The training programs and procedures developed at Sporty’s Academy will help improve the flight training process for all students.

The Mentor™ includes options that have typically only been available on higher level devices including Frasca’s TruVision™ technology. TruVision™ provides worldwide visuals including over 20,000 runways, coastlines, rivers, roads, and more, allowing the pilot to fly anywhere in the world. In addition, the Mentor™ at Sporty’s comes complete with detailed satellite imagery within 150 miles of the Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport (I69). This visual enhancement allows for realistic, scenario based-training, meaningful VFR cross-country flying and even ground reference maneuvers.

The Frasca Mentor™ replicates a Cessna 172 cockpit layout, complete with an authentic Garmin G1000 panel. “The visual system is what creates a powerful learning experience,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke. “And with the advanced aerodynamic modeling and robust customization options, the Mentor™ delivers realistic scenarios, for example, communicating with ATC, interacting with flight deck technology and the ability to practice visual maneuvers and pilotage.”

A planned outcome of the Sporty’s/Frasca partnership is to create systems which make the flight training process more efficient and make learning to fly easier and faster, thus maximizing the financial investment of every flight student.

“We can’t think of a better training partner than Sporty’s,” says John Frasca, President of Frasca International, Inc. “With our expertise in producing state-of-the-art simulation for general aviation pilots and Sporty’s long history of training pilots for real-world conditions, we thoroughly expect to impact how all future pilots are trained. Sporty’s has used our simulators in its University of Cincinnati training programs for more than 20 years.”

“Our initial plans are to concentrate on scenario-based training that will specifically address what we know historically to be challenging for new pilots,” added Radtke. “This includes both standard maneuvers as well as overcoming obstacles found in cross-country training.”

For information on flight training at Sporty’s Academy or to schedule time with an instructor in the Frasca Mentor, please call 513-735-9500 or sportysacademy.com.

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Sporty’s is a world-renowned aviation educational company that has been on the cutting-edge of flight instruction for over 50 years. Sporty’s develops, produces and provides aviation courses and video programs – offering more than 1,000 hours of original educational and safety programs in a multitude of formats to pilots around the world. In addition, Sporty’s operates a Part 141 approved flight school and administers the University of Cincinnati’s professional pilot training program

Frasca International manufactures flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools and military organizations worldwide. Founded in 1958, Frasca has delivered over 2,400 devices to over 70 countries. At Frasca, the mission has always been to provide the best flight training equipment available to the many categories of flight training organizations worldwide.

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