Jeremy Hilbert

We're excited to offer free shipping for AOPA Members on purchases made on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 only. Whether you're stocking up on cockpit essentials, shopping for the holidays, or treating yourself to something special, we've got you covered.

Finding the right Christmas gift for a pilot can be a challenge, especially if you're not a pilot yourself. Aviation is a specialized world, and knowing which gear is worth buying isn't always obvious. Fortunately, we have plenty of pilots here at Sporty's to help. Here are our Top 10 Pilot Gifts for 2026.

Has it been a while since you logged PIC time? At Sporty’s, we get it—we’re pilots too, while juggling jobs, families, and busy schedules. That’s why we created Rusty Pilot Week: a great chance to refresh your skills, save on essential gear, and rediscover why you fell in love with flying in the first place. All it takes is some study, a few hours with an instructor, and a plan to polish the skills that have gotten rusty.

The Sporty’s & Seaplane Pilots Association Photo Contest is happening now, and pilots are already sharing some incredible seaplane photos of lakes, rivers, coastlines, remote destinations, and favorite flying adventures. These photographic inspirations are a great reminder of what makes seaplane flying so special: freedom, adventure, and access to places most aircraft will never reach.

When your panel goes dark, all-in-one simplicity is what you need from a backup radio. The new PJ2 GPS delivers exactly that, with built-in communications and GPS navigation all in a pilot-friendly design. Even better, it can now send GPS position data straight to ForeFlight, giving you a simple backup navigation option in the app you already use—even if your iPad doesn’t have a built-in GPS.

Learn to Fly Week at Sporty's is dedicated to helping more people start their journey toward becoming a pilot. From May 9–18, Sporty’s will feature practical training content, valuable free resources, and special savings on essential tools for new and aspiring pilots. Whether you are ready to begin flight lessons, still researching the process, or looking for the right resources to stay motivated, Learn to Fly Week is designed to make that first step feel more approachable and exciting.

If you’ve been using Starlink to stay connected in the cockpit, Starlink just issued an important update that’s worth understanding before your next trip. Here’s the plain-English version of what changed, what your options are, and how to decide whether an Aviation plan makes sense for you.

The Instrument Rating is one of those ratings where “good enough” is not actually good enough. The details matter, the workload stacks fast, and small gaps in knowledge can turn into falling behind the airplane on an IFR flight. So for IFR Month, we pulled together five free resources we keep coming back to.

The new Flight Gear Tailwind Backpack was built by pilots, with smart pockets and a roomy interior that makes storing gear easy. A water-resistant base, upright headset storage, and rugged construction keep it ready for any mission. It’s tough, practical for the cockpit, or just for your everyday needs. Could it be the best flight bag of 2026?

As 2025 comes to an end, pilots are looking for innovative tools and reliable gear that offer a mix of technology, convenience, and safety. From ADS-B receivers with flight data recorders (and backup batteries to keep them charged) to robust headsets, these top picks are designed to make your flying experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s a roundup of the standout products every pilot should have in their flight bag.