Doug Ranly

Top 5 Budget Friendly Gifts for Pilots in 2024

Pilots can be some of the hardest people to buy for. Finding something unique and different that already isn’t on their shelf can be extremely difficult. This year has been filled with a ton of new and innovative products, so the odds will be in your favor if you stick to these top 5 gifts introduced this year. The best part about this list is that 4 of the 5 are under $50.  

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Posted in PIREPs

Top 5 Trending Stocking Stuffers for Pilots

Do you need that last minute gift for the pilot on your list?  These are the top 5 trending gifts for 2024.  They are sure to put a smile on the face of the pilot on your list.

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Posted in PIREPs

Finding the best aviation headset: three videos to help you decide

Every pilot needs a headset, but every pilot has different wants and needs when it comes to hearing protection. To help you find the perfect headset, Sporty's has created this series of three videos covering the most popular options. Whether you're looking for the best overall headset, the best value ANR headset, or the best passive headset, we'll show you what to look for and offer tips for our favorite models. 

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Posted in PIREPs and Headsets

Top Five Christmas Ornaments for Pilots in 2024

Shopping for that special aviator on your list? A Christmas ornament can make the perfect gift.  Whether it’s the plane they learned how to fly in or the plane they dream of one day owning, there is bound to be an ornament at Sporty’s to fit the occasion. 

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Top 4 Passive Aviation Headsets for Student Pilots

When looking at student pilot headsets, the first thing to consider is your budget. The saying, “You get what you pay for” is pretty accurate when it comes to aviation headsets. Many student pilots are on a tight budget. This has them looking towards less expensive passive headsets. Most pilots will start out with one of these headsets, then graduate to an active noise canceling headset once they get their license. Their original passive headset then becomes a passenger headset.

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Posted in PIREPs and Headsets

Aviation Headsets and Hearing Aids

Inevitably, there will probably come a time when most of us pilots will need to have some sort of hearing aid. After all, much like losing hair, it can be a natural part of aging. So it comes as no surprise that we get a lot of questions about hearing aids and aviation headsets. Which headset is the most compatible? Does my brand “X” hearing aid work well with ANR headsets? Should I take hearing aids out before starting up?

 

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Posted in PIREPs and Headsets

An avgeek's guide to pre-gaming for AirVenture

AirVenture, held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is the world's largest aviation celebration and is often considered a must-attend event for pilots from all backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or just starting your journey in the world of aviation, Airventure is the place to be in late July. If you are like me, the weeks preceding Oshkosh seem to drag on forever. While we can’t alter the space-time continuum to get AirVenture here sooner, we can embrace our inner avgeek to fully immerse ourselves in pre-KOSH activities. Here are six things you can do to get your KOSH fix pre-AirVenture. 

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Posted in PIREPs

Webinar: Aviation Headsets

Buying a headset can be confusing. Do you need ANR? How does Bluetooth music input work? Which brands are the most popular? Join Sporty's for a guided tour of the aviation headset market in this fast-paced webinar recording. From the technology behind the products to some real world advice on making the right choice, you'll get the information you need to make a good decision.

 

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Posted in PIREPs and Headsets

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