Sporty's PIREPs

Speed enroute is a nice problem to have—flying fast enough that you actually need to worry about speed limits. Many student pilots spend most of their training days flying less than 100 knots, so the idea of going too fast in an airplane can sound like a luxury. But yes, there are speed limits, and pilots are expected to know and follow them.

Sporty’s has combined two powerful training programs into one comprehensive offering: Real World Flight Review. This new course pairs Sporty’s acclaimed Flight Review online video course with PilotWorkshops’ Real World VFR program, creating the most complete and practical flight proficiency resource available today.

Flying a turbine airplane like a Citation Mustang requires a new approach to training and procedures. Longtime jet pilot and safety expert David Miller shares what he’s learned over 50+ years of flying, including how to fly stabilized approaches, preparing for simulator training, and the value of a lead passenger. David also offers advice on the insurance process and when to fly with a second pilot. In the Ready to Copy segment, David talks about the Sabreliner, the Special Olympics Airlift, and detailing clay for cars.

Sporty’s latest addition to its Aviation Gifts collection takes inspiration directly from the beauty and nostalgia of commercial airline travel. The new Cast Aluminum Aircraft Window Picture Frames replicate the timeless look of jet windows, making them the perfect way to display favorite memories with a bold aviation touch.

Sentry is the ultimate safety addition to any cockpit. Most pilots focus on its ability to deliver ADS-B weather to an iPad running ForeFlight, but it also includes several other safety features that I won’t fly without. The built-in GPS receiver makes sure you never get lost, the carbon monoxide sensor continuously monitors cabin air quality, and the ADS-B traffic receiver warns of potential mid-air conflicts.

Sporty’s has introduced its new line of Snug Seal Cowl Plugs, designed to protect aircraft engines from birds, critters, and debris while providing a secure, tangle-free fit.

Cowl plugs are an essential safeguard for parked airplanes, preventing foreign objects from entering the engine compartment. Birds and rodents can quickly turn an aircraft’s cowling into a nesting site, while leaves, twigs, and other debris pose risks of clogs, corrosion, and even fire hazards during startup.

A reliable flashlight is one of the most important tools a pilot can carry. From preflight inspections at night to in-flight emergencies, flashlights provide safety, convenience, and peace of mind. It’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s essential gear for all night operations. 

Experienced airplane broker and all-around Cessna expert Mark Pilkington shares invaluable tips for avoiding disaster when buying an airplane, including his advice for first-time buyers, the right way to do a pre-buy inspection, and what to look for when buying a utility airplane like a Cessna 185. He also explains how he became an accidental YouTube star, and what his newest video series is all about (think Airplane Repo). In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark talks about the worst airplane model to buy, handling engine failures, and English pubs.

The iPad has changed the way pilots fly, but there’s one thing it can’t fix—battery life. Long flights and heavy use can leave your devices drained at the worst possible time.

First, take a deep breath, you’re not starting from zero just because you can’t find your logbook. While the FAA requires pilots to log training and aeronautical experience to prove eligibility for certificates and ratings (FAR 61.51) and currency, there’s no requirement that those records be kept in a single physical book or in any particular format. The real key is proof—you must be able to substantiate the experience you claim.