Sporty's PIREPs

Sporty's Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for the aviation community. This limited-edition, crystal ornament brings together the magic of flight and the spirit of the holiday season, making it the perfect gift for pilots and aviation enthusiasts—and an ideal client gift for flight schools and FBOs. The 2024 edition of the Sporty’s Christmas Ornament captures the sleek design and adventurous essence of the AirCam.

Home flight simulators can be valuable training tools, and they don’t necessarily teach bad flying habits. Evan Reiter, co-founder of the Flight Simulation Association, shares the data to back up those statements in this sim-centric episode. He also explains why virtual ATC services are so important for simulator pilots, and he offers a preview of the highly anticipated Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. In the Ready to Copy segment, Evan (who is also an airline pilot) talks about his favorite flight sim hardware, how to sound better on the radio, and the surprising way flying helps him on the ski slopes.

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.

New technology has made flying safer over the last two decades, but it hasn’t done much to prevent loss of control accidents. These are still the number one cause of fatalities in aviation, and according to upset prevention instructor Randy Brooks the only answer is better pilot training. He explains why upset training is different from aerobatics, why your first instinct should be to push, and why simulators aren’t a replacement for pulling Gs. Randy is also a longtime airshow pilot, so in the Ready to Copy segment he talks about flying formation aerobatics, what it’s like to perform an airshow in a glider, and flying the L-39 jet trainer.

This durable tie-down kit includes two 10’ straps for the wings and a 6’ strap for the tail, designed to accommodate both high-wing and low-wing aircraft. Each strap features coated snap hooks on both ends for quick connections that will not damage your aircraft. With one simple pull of the strap through the cam buckle, the tie-down delivers a secure hold with a break strength of 1,100 pounds.

All models of aviation-oriented calculators may be used, including small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Simple programmable memories (which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one number from the memory) are permissible. Also, simple functions, such as square root and percent keys, are permissible. Applicants may use scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, blank logsheets, holding pattern entry aids, and electronic or mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test.

Nothing says innovation and toughness like the X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, flown by General Chuck Yeager in 1947. In the spirit of breaking boundaries, Sporty’s is introducing the versatile AeroWear X-1 Flight Jacket.

This is the first in a series of articles about flying with Sentry ADS-B receivers and the ForeFlight Mobile app. In each “Sentry Story,” we’ll describe an actual flight and share the view out the window and ForeFlight screenshots. You’ll see how Sentry can be used to make flying safer and easier, plus you’ll learn some tips for flying with datalink weather. Want to share your story? Email ipad@sportys.com for a chance to be featured in one of our Sentry Stories.

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.

Is the post-pandemic boom over for the airlines? Industry analyst and former airline pilot Courtney Miller says the answer is both yes and no. He talks about which airlines are winning and losing in 2024, whether pilot salaries have overshot, and what to make of Boeing’s latest struggles. In the Ready to Copy segment, Courtney explains why oil prices don’t affect airfares, why the 737 MAX was not a mistake, and how to lie with statistics.