Eric Radtke

Mnemonic acronyms are wonderful mechanisms for condensing complex terms, phrases or lists into something more manageable to commit to memory.  Aviation has its fair share of clever—and sometimes silly—recall devices, which stands to reason when there is critically important information that should be committed to memory.

Speaking of clever and silly, "ATOMATOFLAMES" is a mnemonic acronym used to help pilots remember the critical components required for aircraft airworthiness for daytime flight in visual (VFR) conditions. Each letter in ATOMATOFLAMES corresponds to a specific item that must be operational before takeoff.  This equipment list can be found in § 91.205.

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the new Fish Finder T-Shirt from Sporty’s, a design that combines humor with comfort and style. Featuring a " Got’em on the Fish Finder " banner, this T-shirt is sure to turn heads and spark conversations wherever you go. In addition to its comedic value, the T-shirt is a great way to connect with fellow aviators. Whether you're a pilot looking to showcase your love for flying or an aviation enthusiast seeking a conversation-starter piece, the Fish Finder T-Shirt is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. 

Sporty’s is proud to introduce the Flight Gear Pull-Down Tie-Down Kit—the simple and reliable solution for keeping your aircraft secure.  Featuring an innovative rope-ratcheting system, which allows for quick and effortless tightening and release, this device is designed with the pilot in mind. Simply attach one of the coated hooks to the aircraft and the other hook to the tie-down anchor point. Then, with very little effort, pull the rope through the automatic ratcheting system to secure the aircraft. When you are ready to fly, use the quick-release trigger on the ratcheting mechanism to release the ropes. It is that simple and quick, with no complicated knots or manual ratcheting required.

Sporty’s recently released its logbook covers as a stylish and practical way for pilots to carry and protect their logbook and other important documents. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Sporty’s Professional Logbook Covers combine elegance with functionality, making each one an ideal gift, and the essential accessory for pilots who value the perfect blend of style and practicality.

Sporty’s recently released a breakthrough app, Aerobatics with Patty Wagstaff for Apple Vision Pro, which promises to revolutionize the way pilots and aviation enthusiasts experience the thrill of aerobatics. The app offers a safe and engaging pathway to experience the complexities of aerobatic flight maneuvers through immersive 360-degree video. Aerobatics with Patty Wagstaff allows users to sit in the cockpit virtually with Patty Wagstaff as she demonstrates a variety of aerobatic maneuvers

Ethan DeVries knew from an early age that he was happiest while in and around airplanes. As a high school student in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he continued to dream of flying; but it would be several years before Ethan would take his first Discovery Flight.

Now, Ethan is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship. Since earning a political science degree from Calvin University, Ethan has worked professionally as a technology consultant, assisting both start-ups and government entities. His professional career has taken him from Washington, D.C., to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he currently resides with his wife and 17-month-old son.

May is Learn to Fly Month at Sporty’s, a celebration of learning to fly designed to help new pilots achieve their aviation goals. In addition to offering savings on popular pilot gear and training resources, Sporty’s will be posting inspiring content on its social media channels, presenting webinars, and delivering valuable flight training resources throughout Sporty’s media network sites, including FlightTrainingCentral.com and Sporty’s PIREPs Blog.

Sporty's, the industry’s leading provider of aviation products and training content, announced today that CEO Michael Wolf will retire on January 31, 2025.  Wolf has been a part of the  Sporty’s team for more than 50 years, and has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer since 2008, leading the organization through significant milestones and growth. Sporty’s President, John Zimmerman, will assume the role of CEO upon Wolf’s retirement.

Traveling just got a lot more comfortable and convenient with the launch of the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow, designed to transform the way passengers experience long flights. Crafted with the highest quality materials and ergonomic design principles, the Flight Gear Inflatable Neck Pillow is engineered to provide unparalleled comfort and support for the neck and head.

Sporty’s is proud to announce the launch of its new line of Pilot License Plaques, designed to commemorate the significant milestones achieved by aviators worldwide. These beautifully crafted plaques are a symbol of commitment, skill, and passion for aviation, making them the perfect way to honor pilot achievements.