Eric Radtke

Sporty’s has announced its 2025 Gear of the Year award winners, recognizing the standout aviation products that pilots selected most and liked best this year. Among hundreds of new products introduced in 2025, the winners reflect a combination of customer feedback and evaluations by Sporty’s staff of experienced pilots and instructors.

Whether it’s a student pilot or a seasoned pilot accomplishing a flight review, the pattern of getting behind the airplane is remarkably consistent. Things are going fine until multiple small tasks pile up at once. By the time the pilot notices, they’re already chasing airspeed, altitude, or a clearance.

Aviation has long been a part of Gabriel Kesler’s life, from the time he attended airshows as a child in northern Iowa to his teaching future pilots in RV–12s at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.  Now, as a newly certificated flight instructor and single father of two, Gabriel is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship, which he will use to obtain his Multiengine and Multiengine Instructor ratings.

Let’s be honest—these days, the only reason most of us would get lost in the air is if our iPad died (and we forgot the charger) or it overheated halfway through the flight. Even with GPS and moving maps, it can happen. And when it does, it’s surprisingly easy to feel a little helpless.

The key is to stay calm, rely on your remaining tools, and follow a logical plan.

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.

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.

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.

Sporty’s Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for the aviation community. This limited-edition, crystal ornament combines the magic of flight with the spirit of the holiday season, making it the perfect gift for pilots and aviation enthusiasts and an ideal client gift for flight schools and FBOs.

Knowing when to cancel or delay a flight is a skill every pilot develops over time and with experience.

Weather—usually the first factor to consider:

• Visibility and ceilings: Are they above your personal minimums?
• Wind: Are crosswinds within your comfort zone?
• Thunderstorms: they can escalate quickly especially in the spring and summer.

Even if you’re legal to fly, think about whether you’re comfortable handling unexpected changes.