Sporty's PIREPs

Operating a piston aircraft engine is all about compromise: maximizing speed often means burning more fuel, while prioritizing efficiency or simplicity can cost a bit in performance. When it comes to climb power or engine longevity, the balance becomes even more critical. That’s why PilotWorkshops has created Airplane Engine Operations. This goal-oriented, pilot-focused, online engine management course is designed to help you get the most out of your engine—safely, efficiently, and confidently.

As an astronaut for Virgin Galactic, Mike Masucci flies one of the most unique aircraft ever built, but at the end of the day he says his job is to be a great glider pilot. In this fascinating episode, he takes us inside the spaceship to describe what it’s like to see Earth from above, what it sounds like in space, and how he guides the aircraft back to a safe landing. Mike also spent many years flying the U-2 in the Air Force and the Citation X for a fractional provider, and he shares lessons learned from both jobs. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mike talks about test pilot school, staying awake on long flights, and tips for flight instructors.

Every pilot hits one at some point—a training plateau. You’re taking lessons regularly, but your progress suddenly stalls. Maneuvers that felt solid last week all of the sudden aren’t, and frustration starts to build. Don’t worry—this is a normal part of learning to fly, and there are ways to get past it.

Celebrate the season with Aviation Christmas Lights—a unique addition to your holiday décor that combines festive spirit with a love of the skies. Available exclusively from Sporty’s Aviation Gifts, each strand features 12 airplane-shaped LED lights, available in bright multicolor or bright white. Each airplane on the strand measures 3” in length with a 2.75” wingspan. The airplanes are spaced 6” apart along a generous 100-inch strand that includes a UL-listed plug.

The TPM or Throttle/Propeller/Mixture controls are a great emulator of what pilots use when controlling the engine instruments in a Cessna 172 aircraft. The vernier style (or push/pull style) takes up less space than the typical rotating levers found in most aircraft, and also makes small lever adjustments easy.

The only thing you need to start flight training is an open mind, but after a few lessons it will become clear that you need to invest in some aviation gear to really be efficient. This can actually be a lot of fun (like fishing or golf, you have to look the part!), but the huge variety of pilot supplies out there can sometimes be overwhelming. Since we run a flight school at Sporty's, new student pilots often ask us what you really need for flight training. Here is the list our flight instructors distribute to students at Sporty's. There's plenty more you can buy, but these are the essentials.

Sporty’s is pleased to unveil its expanded women’s AeroWear™ Collection, a curated lineup of performance apparel created exclusively for women who live and breathe aviation. Designed with premium fabrics, functional details, and signature aviation accents, the collection brings together comfort, versatility, and pilot-inspired style.

Making good decisions is a critical skill for safe flying, but it’s something most pilots rarely think about. Not Ken Stahl. He explains how to think smarter, especially under pressure, with valuable insights from his experience in cardiac surgery and the cockpit. Dr. Stahl also talks about the value of a “dopamine holiday,” how to monitor your flying performance as you age, and crew resource management. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about whether doctors are good pilots, how to live a healthier life, and his favorite question from patients.

As 2025 comes to an end, pilots are looking for innovative tools and reliable gear that offer a mix of technology, convenience, and safety. From ADS-B receivers with flight data recorders (and backup batteries to keep them charged) to robust headsets, these top picks are designed to make your flying experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s a roundup of the standout products every pilot should have in their flight bag.