Sporty's PIREPs

Sporty’s has introduced a sleek, new addition to its popular Flight Gear line: the Executive Kneeboard, a premium, all-in-one organizer, designed for pilots who demand both form and function in the cockpit.

If you’re training at a towered airport, you’ll eventually hear the phrase “cleared for the option.” It’s an ATC clearance that gives you flexibility to perform any one of several landing maneuvers: a full stop landing, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, or low approach/go-around.

Sporty’s has introduced a new solution for students looking for realistic instrument conditions:  the Instant IFR™ Clip-On Training Glasses. Designed to simulate instrument flying with unmatched comfort and convenience, these compact glasses offer a modern alternative to bulky hoods and awkward foggles.

From ATC modernization to the new MOSAIC rule to unleaded avgas, AOPA is involved in all the key issues for pilots. New President Darren Pleasance shares his opinion on each of these topics and explains what role his organization is playing. Darren is a longtime pilot, flying everything from aerobatic airplanes to warbirds, so he also shares many lessons learned from his 8000+ hours. In the Ready to Copy segment, Darren talks about flying a P-51 solo, pursuing innovation at Google, and kiteboarding.

Sporty’s is proud to announce the launch of IFR Focus, a new online publication dedicated entirely to instrument flying. Designed for active IFR pilots and pilots working toward their instrument rating, this site offers a practical, pilot-centered approach to staying sharp in the system.

Sporty’s has released version 2.0 of its popular Instructor Guide to FAA Endorsements, developed in partnership with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). This free, digital reference is designed to help flight instructors navigate the most common FAA endorsements—efficiently, accurately, and with confidence.

Breaking the sound barrier isn’t like the movies, and Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg would know: he’s done it both as a Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot and as a test pilot in Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. He talks about Boom’s plans for supersonic airline travel, learning to fly an all-new design, and the aerodynamics of flight at Mach 1.1. Tristan also talks about his Navy career, including what it was like to make his first carrier landing. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear what it was like to fly the F-104 Starfighter, what flutter is, and tips for better landings in a Mooney.

Flying into an unfamiliar airport can be challenging, but a little prep goes a long way. Start with the basics: review the airport diagram to identify runway layout, hot spots, and taxi routes. Pay close attention to NOTAMs for runway closures or special procedures, and check for nearby terrain or obstacles—especially at non-towered or mountainous locations.

Use satellite imagery and tools like ForeFlight’s 3D preview to get a visual sense of the airport environment. This can help you spot unusual runway alignments, nearby highways, or terrain features that might influence your arrival.

In each Sentry Story, we’ll describe an actual flight and share the view out the window and ForeFlight screenshots. You’ll see how Sentry can be used to make flying safer and easier, plus you’ll learn some tips for flying with datalink weather. Want to share your story? Email ipad@sportys.com

Each month, we highlight standout gear that’s earned a place on our New Product Checklist. From training tools and cockpit upgrades to thoughtful gifts and pilot favorites, these are the picks worth knowing. See what made the list this month, and why it belongs in every pilot’s lineup.