PIREPs

A headset is one of the most important investments a pilot will ever make, and not simply because of the expense. A quality aviation headset can protect your hearing, reduce fatigue, and even improve flight safety. That's why Sporty's offers a variety of tools and resources to make your next headset purchase fast, easy and affordable. We are proud to be the #1 headset retailer in aviation.

When looking at student pilot headsets, the first thing to consider is your budget. The saying, “You get what you pay for” is pretty accurate when it comes to aviation headsets. Many student pilots are on a tight budget. This has them looking towards less expensive passive headsets. Most pilots will start out with one of these headsets, then graduate to an active noise canceling headset once they get their license. Their original passive headset then becomes a passenger headset.

Selecting the right aviation headset is a big decision for any pilot, impacting comfort, clarity, and even safety during flight. A well-designed headset not only ensures clear communication with air traffic control and other pilots but also provides crucial noise reduction, which helps minimize distractions and fatigue. Whether you’re flying short routes or a cross-country flight, the right headset can make all the difference in the cockpit. 

Winter flying is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to layer up and prepare for those colder flights. Not every jacket is suitable for the cockpit, but that’s where we come in—let Sporty’s help you pick the right one for you. We’ll break down some of the most popular jackets we sell, focusing on weight, fit, durability, weather resistance, and warmth.

In an industry famous for its ridiculous acronyms, ADS-B stands out for being uniquely confusing. Lots of pilots use the term, but not everyone really knows what it means. And who can blame them - it’s incredibly complicated. So what is ADS-B? Why should you care about it? Can you just ignore it? No. While ADS-B may be confusing, it’s probably the most important technological change you will have to deal with as a pilot over the next two decades. So it's worth the effort to learn this new language.

Learning to fly is one of the most rewarding adventures, and Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course has been the trusted co-pilot for countless pilots. Now, with the 2025 edition, we're taking aviation education to the next level by blending cutting-edge Aviation Intelligence℠ (AI) tools, immersive video lessons, and integrated real-world flight simulation—all designed to make your learning experience faster, easier, and more engaging. Whether you're preparing for your first solo or polishing up your test skills, Sporty's keeps you ahead of the curve with lifetime updates, exciting new features, and content that makes flying safe and fun.

Whether you are a seasoned aviator or just embarking on your flying journey, exploring new destinations is one of the most thrilling parts of being a pilot. Sporty’s new digital guide takes this excitement to the next level by showcasing 50 fun flying destinations across the United States, each selected for its unique charm, aviation history, or must-see attractions. Plus, we have made planning easier than ever with a custom ForeFlight Content Pack and map layer.

Has it been a few years since you logged time as pilot in command? Don't worry—your pilot's license never expires, and you don't have to pass a checkride to regain currency. All it takes is some studying and a few hours with a flight instructor. Sporty's is here to help, with honest advice and hundreds of helpful products that make flying safer, easier, and more fun. If you've been thinking about knocking the rust off, enjoy limited time savings and articles from our team of pilots.

In an exciting revelation at Flight Sim Expo 2024, Sporty’s and Infinite Flight announced a partnership, aiming to bridge the gap between flight simulation and real-world aviation training. This collaboration strives to revolutionize how aspiring pilots learn and practice flying skills, offering a seamless integration of mobile flight simulation and comprehensive flight training courses.

Did you ever fly out of Meigs field in downtown Chicago before it closed? It’s one of those airports you will never forget if you were lucky enough to visit before the painful closure in 2003. Beyond its reputation as a scenic and convenient access point to downtown Chicago, it was just as memorable to many pilots for a different reason. Ask just about any pilot today who learned to fly in the late 90s or early 2000s and memories will flood back to the view from the departure end of Runway 36 at KCGX, preparing for takeoff in Microsoft Flight Simulator. For many, including me, this was the first introduction to the excitement and freedom of general aviation.