Eric Radtke

Sporty’s is pleased to announce the release of its Limited Edition 2026 Cessna 172 Die-Cast Model, a finely detailed 1:72 scale replica, inspired by a real aircraft with a remarkable story. This year’s model honors a 1974 Cessna Skyhawk II named Gypsy, owned by the Hurtuk family. The aircraft was selected as the winner of Sporty’s nationwide “Shrink My Cessna” contest, which invited owners to submit photos and stories of their Skyhawks.

Trying to follow an instruction you don’t fully understand or aren’t ready to execute can create a lot more risk than politely declining. Ask for clarification, request an alternative, or stick to something you can handle safely.

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts is bringing a touch of aviation charm to your garden with its new Solar-Powered Aviator Garden Gnome. Positioned on its bright red airplane, this whimsical gnome features a solar-powered LED light that illuminates the airplane’s nose cone at dusk, automatically charging by day—no cords or batteries required.

From March 15 through August 15, 2026, entrants may submit their best seaplane images for a chance to win a $1,000 Sporty’s Gift Card and to have their photo featured on the cover of a future edition of the famous Sporty’s Pilot Shop Catalog. Second and third place winners will each receive a $500 Sporty’s Gift Card. Submitted photos will also be eligible for inclusion in the SPA’s annual calendar.

For years, Sporty’s aviation media properties have served pilots at every stage of flying—from students to seasoned IFR pilots. Each outlet has its own editorial focus, but there’s significant overlap in audience and a shared passion and interest across the community. The Active Runway now connects that entire ecosystem in one place.

Designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12, the Echo Aviation Controller integrates primary flight controls (pitch, roll, and yaw) with secondary and trim inputs into a single, handheld unit. Throttle, propeller, and mixture controls are built directly into the controller, complemented by dedicated levers for flaps, landing gear position, speed brakes, and parking brake.

Sporty’s is proud to bring pilots and aviation enthusiasts a new way to enjoy flying without leaving the ground: the Cessna 172R Cockpit Puzzle. This 500-piece puzzle features a detailed view of the Skyhawk’s classic flight deck, capturing the complete panel—from the flight instruments to the avionics stack.

Smith & Wesson has been producing dependable tools since the 19th century, and the Captain’s Flashlight reflects that legacy with a design aimed squarely at real-world flight deck and preflight use. Featuring independent red and white LEDs, the flashlight delivers the right light at the right time—without the frustration of cycling through modes.

First, you need both competence and confidence. Competence means you can handle navigation, flight deck management, and abnormals without prompting. Confidence means you trust your judgment (training) when something unexpected happens.

As the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) works toward its ambitious Mission 2.5 goal of flying 2.5 million Young Eagles by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, Sporty’s is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to introducing youth to aviation and supporting the next generation of pilots.