PIREPs

Smartwatches are one of the hottest categories in the consumer electronics business, with over 150 million sold in 2024 alone. The latest model from Garmin is the D2 Air X15, which replaces the best-selling D2 Air X10. It retains the vivid touchscreen and pulse oximeter from its predecessor, but adds a longer battery life, new color option (slate), larger display, brighter screen, and a built-in flashlight. After testing it for the last week, we think it’s one of the best pilot watches yet.

Let’s face it, flight instructors are some of the bravest and most patient individuals on the planet. You try to kill them, and they keep coming back for more. I know for a fact that I would not be a pilot without the non-stop help and support of my flight instructors along the way for my private pilot certificate. You spend countless hours together with these individuals in the cockpit, classroom, and on the ramp—before long, they start to feel like a second family.

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 2025?

The Flight Gear Stealth Backpack redefines “bang-for-your buck” in pilot gear. When it comes to flight bags, versatility is everything. You are essentially getting three different bags in one with the new Flight Gear Stealth Backpack. Whether you prefer a shoulder bag, a backpack, or a quick-grab carry option, this bag has you covered.

As a student pilot, my flight training journey has been a constant evolution—not only in skills, but also in the gear I carry. When I first started out, my flight bag looked more like a traveling library. Here’s why I switched to the Sideslip Bag.

A good aviation headset is an essential part of any pilot’s flight bag. While the most advanced models can cost over $1,000 they also do an incredible job of protecting your hearing and enhancing the clarity of airborne communications. With proper care, headsets can also last for 10+ years, so it’s a smart investment.

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.

Flying at night is one of the many privileges we have as private pilots, and what good is a privilege if you don’t exercise it? But night flight isn’t without some challenges.  Here are my top 3 hacks to make your night flights more enjoyable.

One of the many features normally found on premium aviation headsets is Bluetooth, a wireless technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other. This is great for listening to music or making a phone call on the ground, but it can also be used to get audio alerts from your favorite electronic flight bag app. Here's how it works.

A reliable flashlight is one of the most important tools a pilot can carry. From preflight inspections at night to in-flight emergencies, flashlights provide safety, convenience, and peace of mind. It’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s essential gear for all night operations.