Sporty's PIREPs

If you’re on final, slightly high, a touch fast, maybe not perfectly lined up, your first instinct is often to try to “fix” it. After all, we don’t want to fail, especially after a good pattern. That’s exactly when you should start thinking about a go-around. Waiting too long usually comes down to ego and fear of “failure” or the hope you can salvage the landing—and that’s when things get tricky.

Too many pilots miss out on fun and rewarding flying experiences because they’re afraid of legal gray areas, according to aviation lawyer and flight instructor Mark Kolber. He shares the facts about cost sharing, ramp checks, and medical applications, with practical advice for staying out of trouble with the FAA. Mark is also a longtime CFI, so he also offers tips for learning to fly later in life and transitioning to new airplanes. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about flying in Colorado, Carolina barbecue, and lawyer jokes.

Designed as the ultimate “Plan B” in the cockpit, the PJ2 GPS adds essential navigation capabilities to its core communication role. Built-in GPS provides critical in-flight data, including groundspeed, altitude, and track, along with simplified waypoint navigation to help pilots get home in an emergency.

Sporty’s is pleased to announce the release of its Limited Edition 2026 Cessna 172 Die-Cast Model, a finely detailed 1:72 scale replica, inspired by a real aircraft with a remarkable story. This year’s model honors a 1974 Cessna Skyhawk II named Gypsy, owned by the Hurtuk family. The aircraft was selected as the winner of Sporty’s nationwide “Shrink My Cessna” contest, which invited owners to submit photos and stories of their Skyhawks.

Air traffic controllers and pilots are on the same team, they just have different perspectives. Marcus Miller, a center controller and the creator of the PropHatCat TikTok channel, explains those differences and much more in this fast-paced episode, including: when to fly a piston airplane into an airline airport, how to ask for help as a student pilot, and what he thinks of all the jokes on guard frequency. He also talks about pursuing ATC as a career, including the role of simulators and the benefits of musical theater training. In the Ready to Copy segment, Marcus shares the number one misconception about ATC, his favorite Broadway show, and tips for pulling off magic tricks.

The first big aviation event of the year is about to kick off, and Sporty's is bringing plenty of excitement to Lakeland this year, including buzz around a major new product announcement. The annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, which takes place in sunny Lakeland, Florida (LAL), runs from April 14 through April 19. Stop by Sporty's big tent - just outside Hangar A on the main ramp - for new products, interactive demos, pilot experts, and much more.

Trying to follow an instruction you don’t fully understand or aren’t ready to execute can create a lot more risk than politely declining. Ask for clarification, request an alternative, or stick to something you can handle safely.

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts is bringing a touch of aviation charm to your garden with its new Solar-Powered Aviator Garden Gnome. Positioned on its bright red airplane, this whimsical gnome features a solar-powered LED light that illuminates the airplane’s nose cone at dusk, automatically charging by day—no cords or batteries required.

From March 15 through August 15, 2026, entrants may submit their best seaplane images for a chance to win a $1,000 Sporty’s Gift Card and to have their photo featured on the cover of a future edition of the famous Sporty’s Pilot Shop Catalog. Second and third place winners will each receive a $500 Sporty’s Gift Card. Submitted photos will also be eligible for inclusion in the SPA’s annual calendar.

Ed Galkin has flown his Cessna 210 around the world in both directions, and last year he flew a circle around the Atlantic Ocean at age 89. In his uniquely energetic way, he explains how much planning goes into each trip, how he stays focused in flight, and the best places he’s visited along the way. Ed also shares some tips for staying sharp as a pilot, even well into your 80s, including the value of an instrument rating. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn about managing your bladder on 14-hour flights, landing at Easter Island, and what Ed learned as an oral surgeon that helped in the cockpit.