Eric Radtke

First, take a deep breath, you’re not starting from zero just because you can’t find your logbook. While the FAA requires pilots to log training and aeronautical experience to prove eligibility for certificates and ratings (FAR 61.51) and currency, there’s no requirement that those records be kept in a single physical book or in any particular format. The real key is proof—you must be able to substantiate the experience you claim.

Sporty’s has released a new Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Test Prep and Checkride Course, available now in the Sporty’s Pilot Training platform. Designed specifically for ATP Multiengine applicants, this all-digital course goes beyond rote memorization to deliver deep understanding, scenario-based learning, and oral exam readiness—all in one integrated solution.

Sporty’s has announced the winner of its 50 Fun Flying Destinations summer challenge: Charles Blondeau. Charles and a friend spent the summer flying a Piper Arrow from the East Coast to Alaska, with several memorable stops inspired by Sporty’s free Fun Flying Destinations guide and ForeFlight content pack.

Donald Ezeude didn’t grow up around airplanes or pilots—but after one life-changing flight on the Fourth of July, he quickly gained more than a passing interest in aviation. Now, just weeks into his flight training, Donald has been awarded Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship to help fund his Private Pilot License.

Sporty’s has released two new portable power solutions designed specifically for pilots: the Flight Gear® Smart Battery Pack and its big brother, the Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX. Both models feature a high-resolution color screen—an uncommon feature in backup batteries—that provides real-time readouts of remaining power, output in watts, temperature, and charging status. Whether you're powering an iPad or a Starlink Mini, these smart batteries offer clean, reliable energy with zero interference.

If you fly regularly at a non-towered airport, radio calls quickly become second nature—a rhythm of position reports that helps everyone stay on the same page. But if you're used to the towered environment, the transition can feel a little disorienting, like you're flying blind. The good news? You’re not alone on frequency, and with a few key calls, you can confidently communicate your intentions and stay in sync and safe while operating with other traffic.

Sporty’s has introduced the newest generation of its popular Flight Gear line—six brand-new bags, designed from the ground up for today's pilots. Using customer feedback from thousands of flight hours and real-world testing at Sporty’s, these bags offer the ideal blend of thoughtful organization, modern features, and affordability.

Whether you're a student pilot heading to your first lesson or a professional pilot flying multiple legs per day, there's a Flight Gear bag built for your mission.

Sporty’s is proud to announce the launch of the Lightspeed Zulu 4, the latest generation of premium ANR aviation headsets, available now exclusively at Sporty’s. With a sleek new design, improved audio clarity, and industry-first Bluetooth capabilities, the Zulu 4 represents a bold step forward in flight deck technology—and Sporty’s customers will be the first to experience it!

As summer temperatures climb, density altitude becomes more than just a textbook concept—it becomes a real-world performance factor that can catch even experienced pilots off guard.

So what is density altitude, really?
In simple terms, density altitude is the altitude your airplane thinks it’s operating at, based on the current air density. As temperature, humidity, and elevation increase, air becomes less dense. This means your engine produces less power, your wings generate less lift, and your propeller becomes less efficient.

Sporty’s has introduced a new cockpit accessory that solves a persistent problem for pilots:  what to do with your ANR (active noise reduction) headset control box. The ANR Control Box Holder eliminates this cockpit clutter by keeping your control box securely mounted, and within arm’s reach, but conveniently out of the way.