Sporty's PIREPs

Shopping for that special aviator on your list? A Christmas ornament can make the perfect gift.  Whether it’s the plane they learned how to fly in or the plane they dream of one day owning, there is bound to be an ornament at Sporty’s to fit the occasion. 

Sporty’s Aviation Gifts is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive collection of aviation-themed Christmas ornaments, just in time for the holiday season. Designed to capture the magic and thrill of flight, Christmas ornaments make the perfect gift for pilots or for anyone with an affinity for flight.

When looking at student pilot headsets, the first thing to consider is your budget. The saying, “You get what you pay for” is pretty accurate when it comes to aviation headsets. Many student pilots are on a tight budget. This has them looking towards less expensive passive headsets. Most pilots will start out with one of these headsets, then graduate to an active noise canceling headset once they get their license. Their original passive headset then becomes a passenger headset.

The success of BasicMed proves the third-class medical is obsolete—that’s according to senior AME Brent Blue. He covers a wide range of medical topics in this episode, including how to fill out the FAA medical application, what the latest rules are on mental health treatment, and whether new drugs like Ozempic are safe for pilots. Dr. Blue is also a leading advocate for pulse oximeters and carbon monoxide detectors, and he shares his rules of thumb for using both in the cockpit. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear why patients need to occasionally say no, a simple habit for healthy living, and what it’s like to fly a Canadian bushplane.

As 2024 comes to an end, pilots are looking for innovative tools and reliable gear that offer a mix of technology, convenience, and safety. From ADS-B receivers with flight data recorders (and backup batteries to keep them charged) to robust headsets, these top picks are designed to make your flying experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s a roundup of the standout products every pilot should have in their flight bag. 

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.

In each “Sentry Story,” we’ll describe an actual flight and share the view out the window and ForeFlight mobile app screenshots. 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.

Looking for the latest and greatest in aviation-inspired products? We’ve compiled a list of five new must-haves for any aviation enthusiast’s wishlist. Hold onto your peanuts and Biscoff cookies folks, because we’re about to land with some gear that’s much more entertaining than an in-flight safety video!

The pilot and passenger seat belt and shoulder harness requirements are referenced in FAR 91.107 and FAR 91.105. During takeoff and landing, crew members must wear both seat belts and shoulder harnesses (if equipped), unless the shoulder harness would interfere with their duties. In-flight, crew members must keep their seat belts fastened while at their station (pilot seat). The use of a shoulder harnesses in flight is not required, but it is encouraged when feasible.

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.