PIREPs

The ASA FAR/AIM is a trusted, accurate, and well-supported resource that every pilot should have. While you might encounter cheaper "knock-off" versions in the market, they are purposefully trying to mislead you into buying a book that is not a FAR/AIM.

Sporty’s Pilot Shop is proud to offer high-quality gear from ASA. Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA) manufactures plotters, E6Bs, logbooks, kneeboards, and is a leading publisher of aviation books. With such a vast product range, there is sure to be a gift for the aviator on your list. Here are the top 5 ASA gifts for pilots. 

Having joined the Garmin aviation watch trend years ago, I've consistently been impressed. Every new release introduces additional features and capabilities to an already robust set. The Garmin D2 Mach 2 upholds this tradition, offering even more advanced functionalities to enhance your flying experience.

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 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.

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.