Eric Radtke

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. 

The regulations (14 CFR 91.211) only require that that the flight crew use supplemental oxygen after 30 minutes at cabin pressure altitudes between 12,500 and 14,000 feet and at all times for cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet. Pilots and passengers must be provided with supplemental oxygen at cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet.

Sporty's Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for the aviation community. This limited-edition, crystal ornament brings together the magic of flight and 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. The 2024 edition of the Sporty’s Christmas Ornament captures the sleek design and adventurous essence of the AirCam.

Whether you are a seasoned aviator or just embarking on your flying journey, exploring new destinations is one of the most thrilling parts of being a pilot. Sporty’s new digital guide takes this excitement to the next level by showcasing 50 fun flying destinations across the United States, each selected for its unique charm, aviation history, or must-see attractions. Plus, we have made planning easier than ever with a custom ForeFlight Content Pack and map layer.

This durable tie-down kit includes two 10’ straps for the wings and a 6’ strap for the tail, designed to accommodate both high-wing and low-wing aircraft. Each strap features coated snap hooks on both ends for quick connections that will not damage your aircraft. With one simple pull of the strap through the cam buckle, the tie-down delivers a secure hold with a break strength of 1,100 pounds.

Nothing says innovation and toughness like the X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, flown by General Chuck Yeager in 1947. In the spirit of breaking boundaries, Sporty’s is introducing the versatile AeroWear X-1 Flight Jacket.