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 iPad,” 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.

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Sporty's will once again present its popular iPad seminar at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-in 2012. Pilots from all over the world flock to Lakeland, FL every spring for the unofficial start of flying season. The show features exhibits, seminars, daily air shows and much more. 

"Flying with the iPad" has been Sporty's most popular seminar since it was first presented at Sun 'n Fun last year. This exciting program explains the basics of using an iPad in the cockpit, plus advanced tips and time-saving tricks. Attendees will also get a preview of many of the exciting apps currently available, plus some of the accessories that can make flying with an iPad easier. There are even some new products debuting at the show that pilots can learn more about.

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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 atSportys.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. 

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Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course offers a new approach to pilot training, bringing the proven techniques from Sporty’s own flight school to pilots’ homes. Aspiring pilots will no longer have to decide which certificate to pursue when purchasing a training course. The Learn to Fly Course provides learning tracks for Private, Recreational and Sport pilot–or any combination.

“This modular approach to learning to fly provides for a more modern and personalized learning experience,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke.

For one price, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course provides all the training material and test preparation necessary to pass all three tests and real-world flying, but the options don’t stop there. Pilots may choose to learn via DVD, online or through a dedicated app for iPad or iPhone.

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Sporty’s annual Fly-In will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at the Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport. At this year’s Fly-In, the winner of Sporty’s 2012 Skycatcher Sweepstakes will be announced.

“We’re going to have fun all day long,” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “Our guests can talk with aviation company representatives in our exhibit hall, eat free hot dogs, attend seminars, shop our retail store – and, of course, stand by to see if they are this year’s Sweepstakes winner of a brand-new Garmin-equipped Cessna Skycatcher.”

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