Sporty's Product PIREPs

I’m a modern pilot and I’m a technology enthusiast. Today’s wide availability of aviation gadgets and gear is right up my alley. I fully appreciate and utilize electronics when I’m flying not only because it makes my navigating easier but because I enjoy having the latest tech gear. Merging my love of flying and pursuit of technology has led me to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones, the media’s favorite new buzzword. Drones are the perfect mix of cool technology and flying. I’m not able to go flying every day, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be flying however possible. So what do I need to know before I get a drone?

There's been a lot of talk about WAC charts lately. Are they going away? When? Are there replacements? In this article, we explain what's really going on and how you can be ready for the change.

Tips from the pilots at Sporty's

Buying an aviation headset is a surprisingly personal decision. There is no “right answer” for every pilot – it depends on the type of flying you do, what airplane you fly most often and your personal preferences. Here are a few things to consider as you compare models.

The new features that matter

Bose announced improved features to the popular A20 headset in the summer of 2015. The new enhancements take advantage of some new technology and give pilots more options for customizations. Here's the executive summary.

What does it all mean?

Aviation loves acronyms and long words, and unfortunately headsets are no different. Here are some of the most common terms you'll encounter when shopping for a headset. Understanding what they mean can help you make the best decision.

How to choose the right connector 

Buying a headset can be tricky but we're here to help. Sporty's has been selling headsets for over 50 years and in that time we've become the world's largest aviation headset dealer. We're pilots and we regularly fly with every brand we sell. Often times we get the question, "What's the difference between twin plugs and 6-pin connectors?" Or "Do I need a battery powered or aircraft powered headset?" I'm going to take you through differences of each connector so that when you select a headset you're confident that you chose the right type.  

EAA’s annual fly-in/trade show/family reunion - officially called EAA AirVenture Oshkosh - is the highlight of the year for many pilots. Over 10,000 airplanes and hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts descend on KOSH for a week of incredible airshows, new technology demonstrations and great hangar flying. Many pilots have been attending for decades. If you’ve never been to the big show, it should be on your list. While some pilots are intimidated by all the other airplanes and the special procedures, it’s really not that hard. But like most things in aviation, preparation pays off.

Visit our booth

Sporty’s 1,600-square foot tent, just in front of Hangar B, is a must-visit for any pilot at Oshkosh. Inside you’ll find product experts, manufacturer’s representatives, flight instructors and fellow general aviation pilots all anxious to answer questions about the merchandise or just talk about airplanes. Visit our headset station to compare models side-by-side, or get your flight training questions answered.