Sporty's Product PIREPs

Datalink weather for pilots: ADS-B vs. SiriusXM

Datalink weather, either from ADS-B or SiriusXM, is an essential tool for almost all pilots. Once you've flown a cross country with in-flight radar, up-to-date METARs, and visual AIRMETs, it's awfully hard to go back to flying without it. If you're considering adding a datalink weather receiver to your iPad (like a Sentry, Stratus, or GDL), one of the first decisions you'll face is the source of your weather data: ADS-B or SiriusXM? Both are reliable systems that deliver the same key information, so neither one is a bad choice. But there are important differences to consider. Let's review each option.

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Flight Gear Drinkware

This collection of doubled walled drinkware features a handy placard for in flight reference. Each piece was selected and used by Sporty’s team of test pilots.

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PIREP: Flying Eyes Sunglasses

Flying Eyes Sunglasses offer a unique combination of style and practicality. The sleek, flexible frames prioritize comfort during extended wear. Constructed from lightweight, durable materials, these sunglasses ensure you can focus on your journey without the distraction of uncomfortable eyewear. 

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Finding the perfect flight jacket—for any climate

Winter flying is in full swing, which means it’s time to layer up and prepare for those colder flights. Not every jacket is suitable for the cockpit, but that’s where we come in—let Sporty’s help you pick the right one for you. We’ll break down each jacket we sell, focusing on weight, fit, durability, weather resistance, and warmth.

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Episode 68. Business aviation trends and new technology, with Brian Foley

How much of the recent boom in private aviation will last now that the pandemic is over? Aviation analyst Brian Foley says about 10%, which is good for the industry but not enough to sustain some overly optimistic business models. In this episode, he talks about the current state of the market, the fate of Wheels Up, and Cirrus Aircraft’s plan to go public. Brian is also getting current as a pilot after 15 years, and he offers some realistic advice for other rusty pilots. In the Ready to Copy segment, Brian shares his famously blunt opinion about Sustainable Aviation Fuel, electric airplanes, hydrogen power, and the best-looking Falcon jets.

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Intro to IFR Question #28 - What are Holding Patterns?

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

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Intro to IFR Question #27 - How many hours does it take to get an instrument rating?

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

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Intro to IFR Question #26 - What benefits does an Instrument Rating provide

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

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Intro to IFR Question #25 - What are popular IFR acronyms?

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

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Intro to IFR Question #24 - What is the 1-2-3 rule in IFR?

The IFR category of flight can be intimidating to pilots of all experience. Weather minimums, required equipment, fuel reserves - it all changes when flying in the Instrument system. Sporty's Pilot Shop is taking on the task of demystifying the IFR category of aviation by answering these common instrument flying questions.

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