News

Sporty’s has been training and equipping pilots worldwide since 1961, when Hal Shevers, a flight instructor, sold his first product out of the trunk of his car. In the six decades since, we’ve continuously worked to develop the finest training courses and pilot supplies, all backed by fast and friendly service. Originally based at a small retail location at Lunken Airport (LUK) in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sporty’s quickly grew and soon moved to a larger location at the Clermont County Airport (I69). Today Sporty’s is one of the most respected names in aviation, with corporate activities in every segment of light aircraft from retail to training to maintenance to airport management. Most importantly, our company is still made up of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, just like you.

Media contact: Mark Wiesenhahn, mark.w@sportys.com          /          Download Sporty's logo          /          Sporty's history and team

Instant FAA Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis–Free from Sporty’s

Struggling to decode your FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report? Sporty’s has introduced a free Knowledge Test ACS Code Analysis Tool, designed to instantly identify your deficient knowledge areas and help you focus your study efforts. This powerful AI-driven feature is part of our Aviation Intelligence℠ (AI) tools, delivering a detailed breakdown of your missed FAA test questions in seconds. Simply upload a photo or scan of your written test report, and our AI will extract the relevant Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes along with descriptions of the topics you need to review. No more flipping through pages of ACS documents—get instant clarity on where to focus your studies!

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Posted in PIREPs and News

Sporty’s Introduces Flight Gear Cooler Caddy

Long flights can be draining, especially when hydration takes a backseat. The Flight Gear Cooler Caddy addresses this issue head-on with a leak-proof main compartment that can handle ice and keep your beverages cold—and handy—for hours. The two integrated beverage holders (designed to fit bottles up to 3” in diameter) keep your drinks secure and prevent them from rolling around in the bumps—a thoughtful touch for summer flying. 

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New Spiral-Bound Airman Certification Standards (ACS) from Sporty’s

  • Mar 11, 2025

Pilots preparing for their checkrides now have a better way to study. Sporty’s has reprinted the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot in a convenient, spiral-bound format that allows pilots to lay them flat on a desk or table for easy studying and note-taking—no more wrestling with pages that won’t stay open!

The ACS publications outline the knowledge, skills, and risk management elements that pilots must demonstrate to earn their certificates and ratings. These books serve as the FAA’s official guide for both applicants and examiners, making them an essential tool for checkride preparation and success.

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The Ultimate Aircraft Tie-Down Kit Has Arrived—Meet Flight Gear ChockMate

Whether you are stopping for a quick visit or parking an aircraft overnight, the ChockMate system offers a quick, reliable, and portable tie-down solution. The anchor brackets double as chocks for added convenience, while the entire kit fits neatly into the included carrying case, making this an easy addition to any pilot’s gear.

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Introducing the Cockpit Hook—A Simple Way to Keep Your Cockpit Organized

Perfect for hanging flight bags, headsets, oxygen bags, or other small accessories, this versatile hook can be positioned on the front or back of your seat for flexible storage and to protect your gear. With a holding capacity of up to 11.5 pounds and compatibility with gaps up to 5.5 inches, it’s a simple solution for keeping your cockpit tidy.

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Earning Your Instrument Rating Has Never Been Easier with Sporty’s Online Training Course

Sporty’s award-winning Instrument Rating Course has been updated for 2025, with a number of significant enhancements that make IFR training more engaging and efficient. If earning an instrument rating is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, now is the time to get started. Updates for 2025 include the introduction of cutting-edge AI tools, new video-based training content, and extensive test prep updates.

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Posted in PIREPs and News

Sporty’s and Flight Schedule Pro Team Up to Enhance the Flight Training Experience

At Sporty’s, we’re always looking for ways to make flight training more accessible, efficient, and engaging. That’s why we are excited to announce a new integration with Flight Schedule Pro, a leading flight school management platform. This partnership makes it easier than ever for flight schools to incorporate Sporty’s award-winning online training into their curriculum, streamlining the learning process for students and instructors alike.

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Posted in PIREPs and News

Sporty’s Congratulates Don Wykoff on Receiving the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Sporty’s is proud to announce that Don Wykoff, a distinguished member of our flight training team, has been honored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with its prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This accolade is bestowed upon pilots who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safe flight operations for 50 or more years.

Don began working part-time at Sporty’s in 1974 which provided the opportunity to pursue pilot training. He completed his first solo flight in September 1974 and earned his Private Pilot Certificate two months later.  Through the past five decades, Don has exemplified professionalism and exhibited safety across a variety of aviation sectors, including general aviation, military, and Part 121 airline operations.

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Sporty’s Acquires PilotWorkshops

Sporty’s, the leader in aviation education, is excited to announce the acquisition of PilotWorkshops, a trusted name in pilot proficiency training. This partnership unites two organizations with a shared mission:  to make flying safer, easier, and more enjoyable for pilots everywhere.

Founded by a flight instructor, Sporty’s has been at the forefront of aviation education for more than 60 years. From the first training programs in the 1960s to an active flight school to our comprehensive suite of online tools for pilots, education has always been at the heart of what Sporty’s offers. Combining forces with PilotWorkshops and their talented team of educators creates natural synergies and sets the stage for incredible new learning opportunities.

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February is IFR Month at Sporty’s

Throughout February, Sporty’s will be celebrating IFR Month, with a focus on the challenges and rewards of instrument flying. In addition to special savings on pilot gear and training courses, we will offer interactive webinars, articles, videos, and answers to common IFR questions. Our goal is to encourage all pilots to earn their instrument rating, get current, and enjoy more utility from their pilot certificate.

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