Sporty's PIREPs

As with most things aviation, we pilots often want to take things to the next level. If a bird feeder that looked like an airport was a good idea, what if we made a whole airport complex around this idea? Skybeak Birdport (KSIB) was born that day.

Sporty's is pleased to announce a new partnership with Jeppesen ForeFlight to distribute its industry-leading aviation education products, expanding access to trusted training resources for pilots, flight schools, aviation businesses, and resellers.

The key to working collaboratively with ATC is to remember that humans are on both sides of the mic, says longtime pilot and air traffic controller John Krug. He offers tips for when to cancel IFR at non-towered airports, how to get that shortcut you want, and what his biggest pet peeve was as a controller. John also talks about how to practice decision-making once you’ve learned basic flying skills and why the checkride isn’t enough. In the Ready to Copy segment, John shares his opinion on when to declare an emergency, landing at St. Barth’s, and building an RV-9A.

The world's largest airshow starts Monday, July 20, 2026, and as usual, Sporty's will be there in a big way. Our main tent is located in Outdoor Space #260, just outside of Exhibit Hangar B, and Sporty's Aviation Gifts will be exhibiting inside Hangar B, booth 2111. We'll also be presenting seminars throughout the week.

The Sporty’s & Seaplane Pilots Association Photo Contest is happening now, and pilots are already sharing some incredible seaplane photos of lakes, rivers, coastlines, remote destinations, and favorite flying adventures. These photographic inspirations are a great reminder of what makes seaplane flying so special: freedom, adventure, and access to places most aircraft will never reach.

Sporty’s recently launched the new Flight Gear® Carbon Monoxide Detector Charger, a compact cockpit accessory that continuously monitors carbon monoxide levels on an easy-to-read screen while also providing fast charging for EFBs, smartphones, and other portable devices.

Start by creating an account on the PSI FAA testing website. Once you're logged in, you can select your exam, search for a nearby testing center, and choose a date and time that works for your schedule. Many flight schools and FBOs serve as testing centers, so there's a good chance you'll find one close to home.

Cold weather can mean better airplane performance and some beautiful winter sunrises, but it can also mean potential danger from the airplane's heating system. Here's what pilots need to know about carbon monoxide: where it comes from, how to prevent it from entering the cockpit, and what tools are available for detecting it.

Pilots should aspire to a higher standard than just passing the checkride, according to author and instructor Rick Durden. He explains how to be one of these “thinking pilots,” pursuing excellence while still having fun in the air, with tips for new pilots and pro pilots alike. Rick is unafraid to tackle any subject, so he also weighs in on why shock cooling is a myth and why talking about “real pilots” is foolish. In the Ready to Copy segment, Rick shares tips for landing on taxiways, his least favorite FAR, and the best-handling airplane he’s ever flown

When your panel goes dark, all-in-one simplicity is what you need from a backup radio. The new PJ2 GPS delivers exactly that, with built-in communications and GPS navigation all in a pilot-friendly design. Even better, it can now send GPS position data straight to ForeFlight, giving you a simple backup navigation option in the app you already use—even if your iPad doesn’t have a built-in GPS.