Sporty's PIREPs

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 2026?

Smith & Wesson has been producing dependable tools since the 19th century, and the Captain’s Flashlight reflects that legacy with a design aimed squarely at real-world flight deck and preflight use. Featuring independent red and white LEDs, the flashlight delivers the right light at the right time—without the frustration of cycling through modes.

Pilots with 50-350 hours are involved in more fatal accidents than anyone else, according to research from flight instructor Paul Craig. In this safety-focused episode, he explains the numbers behind this “killing zone,” how to avoid its traps, and whether any accident trends have changed in the 25 years he’s been studying them. Paul also talks about scenario-based training (which he helped write the book on) and new flight instructors (who he teaches every day). In the Ready to Copy segment, Paul talks about VFR-into-IMC accidents, whether pilots are normal, and signing autographs in court.

First, you need both competence and confidence. Competence means you can handle navigation, flight deck management, and abnormals without prompting. Confidence means you trust your judgment (training) when something unexpected happens.

As the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) works toward its ambitious Mission 2.5 goal of flying 2.5 million Young Eagles by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, Sporty’s is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to introducing youth to aviation and supporting the next generation of pilots.

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

Sporty’s is proud to serve as a Presenting Sponsor of Migration 2026, the leading conference for aviation educators, taking place March 3–4, 2026, at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida. Hosted by Redbird Flight, Migration brings together flight instructors, flight training organizations, and K–12 aviation educators for two days of practical, forward-looking discussions focused on strengthening the pilot training pipeline.

Bruce Gordon learned to fly in Aspen over 40 years ago and has been flying in the Rockies ever since. He uses that experience to share tips for flying piston airplanes out West, name some of his favorite airports, and explain why the Cessna T210 is the perfect airplane for his missions. Bruce also talks about EcoFlight, the organization he founded that uses light airplanes to promote conservation, and how short flights can change people’s perspectives about the world. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bruce talks about flying with John Denver, lessons learned from mountain climbing, and the best soccer player of all time.

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.