PIREPs

If you’ve spent any time in a flight school lounge or a hangar on a rainy day, you know the best learning often happens when the Hobbs isn’t running. It’s the "What would you do?" conversations—the debates over a tricky weather problem, an obscure avionics failure in IMC, or a confusing ATC instruction—that truly sharpen a pilot’s judgment and make them safer. With that, we are thrilled to announce a major evolution: PIlotWorkshops Mastery is officially available in the Sporty’s Pilot Training app for iOS and online.

The PJ2 GPS isn't just a backup radio; it’s a powerful situational awareness tool designed for simplicity when you need it most. Let’s jump in and look at how to set up the GPS portion of this radio. 

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.

The first big aviation event of the year is about to kick off, and Sporty's is bringing plenty of excitement to Lakeland this year, including buzz around a major new product announcement. The annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, which takes place in sunny Lakeland, Florida (LAL), runs from April 14 through April 19. Stop by Sporty's big tent - just outside Hangar A on the main ramp - for new products, interactive demos, pilot experts, and much more.

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.

Tying down an airplane isn’t the glamorous part of flying. No one brags about their knot-tying technique at the FBO. But whether you’re training in a 172, flying a taildragger into a grass strip, or parking on a windy ramp overnight, securing your aircraft is one of the most important things you’ll do all day. Your airplane (and the one parked next to it) will thank 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 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?