PIREPs

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 Flight Gear Dual Headset Duffel hits the "Goldilocks" zone of aviation luggage. It’s bigger than a daily commuter bag but more organized than a standard gym duffel. 

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?

Every year we see hundreds of new products come through Sporty’s, and a handful rise to the top because pilots actually use them, talk about them, and come back for them. These are the 2025 Gear of the Year winners, voted on by you (the customers) plus our staff of expert pilots. If you’re looking for upgrades that make flying smoother, simpler, and more reliable, this is a great place to start.

Starlink is appearing in more and more aircraft on our ramp, and for good reason: it works great. The Starlink Mini is the right combination of capability and size for smaller, general aviation aircraft. It’s not overly expensive, and the data plan required is reasonable. For comparison, business jets and commercial aircraft pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to install and tens of thousands of dollars for data.

It’s been an exciting year for aviation gear, and we’ve rounded up the Top 10 New Products of 2025. From smart cockpit tools to upgraded flight bags and must-have accessories, these standout releases from the past 12 months are worth a closer look.

Buying an aviation headset is a surprisingly personal decision. There is no "right answer" for every pilot—it depends on the type of flying you do, what airplane you fly most often and your personal preferences. Here are a few things to consider as you compare models.

The only thing you need to start flight training is an open mind, but after a few lessons it will become clear that you need to invest in some aviation gear to really be efficient. This can actually be a lot of fun (like fishing or golf, you have to look the part!), but the huge variety of pilot supplies out there can sometimes be overwhelming. Since we run a flight school at Sporty's, new student pilots often ask us what you really need for flight training. Here is the list our flight instructors distribute to students at Sporty's. There's plenty more you can buy, but these are the essentials.