Sporty's PIREPs

Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.

As pilots here at Sporty’s, we know your passion for aviation doesn't stay at the airport and how important it is to wear your love for aviation wherever you go. Finding shirts that make this statement without overcomplicating your look is the key to displaying your love for flying without compromising comfort. From t-shirts to polos, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered (literally). Here are the top 5 shirts at Sporty's for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

In late July, I flew a Cessna 182 on an IFR trip from Cincinnati to Charleston, anticipating an uneventful flight under a high-pressure system. But as I approached the destination, spotty storms near Charleston added complexity to the arrival. With the help of my Sentry ADS-B receiver and ForeFlight, I carefully tracked the evolving weather and made adjustments along the way. With each Sentry Story, you’ll see how Sentry ADS-B Receivers 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.

A few weeks ago Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was released and reenergized the longest running software product line under Microsoft’s umbrella. It’s a great program, and the sim community is vibrant with videos of digital pilots pushing the envelope. But what does MSFS 2024 offer to real world pilots? We decided to test it out and here are five things we like, and one we don’t.

Flying at night is amazing. Fewer people fly at night so there is much less traffic to deal with. The air is often smoother than during the day and the visibility is even better. Seeing city lights from a small airplane ranks high on the must-do list for many a land lover. 

Advanced avionics are changing GA airplanes, but all that technology is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Jessica Koss, Garmin’s chief flight instructor, shares her time-tested tips for avionics mastery in this episode, from understanding integrated panels to managing autopilots. She also talks about the latest Garmin technology, like Emergency Autoland and touchscreen panels in jets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica describes what it’s like to land with auto-throttles, explains how to teach better ground schools, and shares her pick for the best barbecue in Kansas City.

Pilots can be some of the hardest people to buy for. Finding something unique and different that already isn’t on their shelf can be extremely difficult. This year has been filled with a ton of new and innovative products, so the odds will be in your favor if you stick to these top 5 gifts introduced this year. The best part about this list is that 4 of the 5 are under $50.  

Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.

Thanksgiving morning’s most interesting reads, with five can’t-miss posts this week. Take a break from the turkey prep with exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events—it’s your holiday connection to what’s happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.

Pilots always need reliable, practical gear—and having a trusty utility tool in the cockpit is no exception. You never know when you’ll need it, whether it’s cutting tie-down rope, tightening a loose screw, or opening a can of oil.
With so many options on the market, we at Sporty’s focus on selecting tools specifically suited for aviators. These five essentials are must-haves for tackling the unexpected in the air or on the ground.