Sporty's Product PIREPs

There are two simple rules for improving engine longevity, says Mike Busch, and corrosion is a much bigger problem than wear. He should know—as aviation's best known mechanic, he has been leading the revolution in "reliability-centered maintenance." In this episode, Mike explains what that means, why more maintenance isn't always better, and how hot is too hot when it comes to cylinder head temperature. He also shares his views on oil additives, lean of peak operation, and owner-performed maintenance. Whether you're an experienced aircraft owner or a new student pilot, there's plenty to learn from this packed episode.

Slowly but surely, the big screen in your living room has evolved from an old fashioned tube to a powerful computer, capable of running thousands of apps. Sporty’s Pilot Training app is a great example: for 2022, we’re proud to announce support for five different smart TV platforms, covering more than 95% of Americans. It’s truly a cross-device app—from your iPhone to your Android tablet to your Amazon Fire TV, Pilot Training is there to help you become a better pilot. If you haven’t tried it on your TV yet, now is the perfect time. In fact, watching flying videos on your 4K TV is probably the best way to absorb complicated aviation topics.

Weather geeks, this episode is for you! Dr. Scott Dennstaedt, a former National Weather Service meteorologist and an active flight instructor, joins the podcast to talk about his preflight weather briefing routine, why you can't simply learn weather from the left seat, and how datalink weather has changed flying. He also offers tips for avoiding VFR-into-IMC accidents, what his favorite weather books are, and his opinion on more obscure weather products like Skew-T log-p and MOS forecasts. Whether you're a student pilot or an experienced pro, there are plenty of tips here to make your next flight safer and more comfortable.

A custom gift is the perfect way to give something special to the person who has everything. These are the top 5 custom gifts on our list this year.

If you're shopping for a mount or kneeboard you'll quickly have to answer the question, "which iPad do I have?" It's not as simple as it might sound, so if you're not sure which model you have, you're not alone. Please note that we loathe the naming convention Apple has chosen for the iPads as much as you do. It’s difficult to be sure which iPad you have but if you need to look that information up here’s how you do so.

While Microsoft Flight Simulator enjoys the notoriety of being the most popular title and X-Plane has been called the most realistic simulation platform, Prepar3D is being used by home simmers for some of the most precise, in-depth simulation that’s happening—alongside its government, military, and commercial flight training applications. In this article, we’ll look at Prepar3D’s history, its role in the home flight simulation market, and the effect it is having on military, government, and civilian flight training.

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.

Why are flight simulators so hot right now? Can pilots use them for real training or just for fun? What are the pros and cons of the different simulator software options? Chris McGonegle, a Commercial Pilot who heads the flight simulator department at Sporty's, answers all these questions and more. If you're thinking about adding a home flight simulator to your training toolkit, this podcast will give you the information you need to save money and avoid frustration. Chris also shares his tips for avoiding the "rusty pilot" label, suggestions for making passengers comfortable on first flights, and his pick for best aviation book. 

The purpose of this three part blog is to grade Microsoft Flight Simulator versus X-Plane on a wide range of features. Each program has its strengths as well as its weaknesses and it’s worth researching those before financially committing to a software trainer. Edition one of this blog will focus on the differences you need to know before buying either program. 

Sporty’s courses have helped over 100,000 pilots learn to fly, and are famous for their relentless pace of innovation. Every year, we add new content, new training tools, and technological enhancements. This year is no exception, with a host of upgrades that make training more engaging and more efficient. Here’s a look at some highlights.