Eric Radtke

Zachary Erck is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship, an award he intends to apply toward accomplishing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Since that magical first flight more than 20 years ago, Erck, with the help of his supportive family, has taken several more Discovery Flights.  Until recently, though, he had never been in a position to pursue aviation as a career.

As 2024 comes to a close, Sporty’s is thrilled to showcase the year’s most innovative and in-demand products. These top picks highlight cutting-edge technology, enhanced functionality, and thoughtful designs. Sporty’s 2024 Gear of the Year is sure to inspire, from groundbreaking tools for pilot training to must-have accessories for every flight deck, so get ready to explore these industry-leading essentials. 

Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) is a mechanism that allows pilots to operate in conditions that are less than those required for basic VFR flight within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D or Class E surface areas below 10,000 feet—useful to pilots for getting in and out of airports under VFR when the weather is changing rapidly or when the weather may differ in specific directions surrounding the airport.

Put an aviation stamp on your holiday decorations with this exclusive collection of Aviation-Themed Christmas Inflatables from Sporty’s Aviation Gifts. Whether you are a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a person who just wants to outdo the neighbors, these inflatables will make your yard the talk of the town.

A constant-speed propeller is a controllable-pitch propeller whose pitch is automatically varied in flight to maintain a constant speed (RPM) despite varying air loads. Engine RPM is controlled and changed by changing the pitch, or the blade angle, taken by the propeller. This is regulated by the propeller governor which changes the pitch to maintain the RPM that you have selected.

Don’t get stuck unwrapping an ugly shirt or a boring book this Christmas. Sporty’s knows what pilots want when it comes to gifts and makes it easy for friends and families to turn wish lists into reality with its much-anticipated Pilot Gift Guide. This guide features items that combine function with a touch of flair, from cutting-edge tools for the cockpit to aviation-inspired lifestyle gifts and stocking stuffers.

Light up your holiday celebration 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 charming 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 Aviation Gifts is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive collection of aviation-themed Christmas ornaments, just in time for the holiday season. Designed to capture the magic and thrill of flight, Christmas ornaments make the perfect gift for pilots or for anyone with an affinity for flight.

The pilot and passenger seat belt and shoulder harness requirements are referenced in FAR 91.107 and FAR 91.105. During takeoff and landing, crew members must wear both seat belts and shoulder harnesses (if equipped), unless the shoulder harness would interfere with their duties. In-flight, crew members must keep their seat belts fastened while at their station (pilot seat). The use of a shoulder harnesses in flight is not required, but it is encouraged when feasible.

Designed for pilots of all skill levels, these high-quality tabs identify what is most important and make it easy to find and reference essential regulations and procedures found in both the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The tabs break down the vast amount of information into manageable sections, helping you quickly find what you need—so you can spend less time searching and more time understanding.