News

The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be “my most memorable flight.”

Zachary Erck is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship, an award he intends to apply toward accomplishing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Since that magical first flight more than 20 years ago, Erck, with the help of his supportive family, has taken several more Discovery Flights.  Until recently, though, he had never been in a position to pursue aviation as a career.

As 2024 comes to a close, Sporty’s is thrilled to showcase the year’s most innovative and in-demand products. These top picks highlight cutting-edge technology, enhanced functionality, and thoughtful designs. Sporty’s 2024 Gear of the Year is sure to inspire, from groundbreaking tools for pilot training to must-have accessories for every flight deck, so get ready to explore these industry-leading essentials. 

Put an aviation stamp on your holiday decorations with this exclusive collection of Aviation-Themed Christmas Inflatables from Sporty’s Aviation Gifts. Whether you are a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a person who just wants to outdo the neighbors, these inflatables will make your yard the talk of the town.

Don’t get stuck unwrapping an ugly shirt or a boring book this Christmas. Sporty’s knows what pilots want when it comes to gifts and makes it easy for friends and families to turn wish lists into reality with its much-anticipated Pilot Gift Guide. This guide features items that combine function with a touch of flair, from cutting-edge tools for the cockpit to aviation-inspired lifestyle gifts and stocking stuffers.

Light up your holiday celebration with Aviation Christmas Lights—a unique addition to your holiday décor that combines festive spirit with a love of the skies. Available exclusively from Sporty’s Aviation Gifts, each strand features 12 charming airplane-shaped LED lights, available in bright multicolor or bright white. Each airplane on the strand measures 3” in length with a 2.75” wingspan. The airplanes are spaced 6” apart along a generous 100-inch strand that includes a UL-listed plug.

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.

Designed for pilots of all skill levels, these high-quality tabs identify what is most important and make it easy to find and reference essential regulations and procedures found in both the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The tabs break down the vast amount of information into manageable sections, helping you quickly find what you need—so you can spend less time searching and more time understanding. 

Sporty's Christmas Ornament is an annual tradition for the aviation community. This limited-edition, crystal ornament brings together the magic of flight and the spirit of the holiday season, making it the perfect gift for pilots and aviation enthusiasts—and an ideal client gift for flight schools and FBOs. The 2024 edition of the Sporty’s Christmas Ornament captures the sleek design and adventurous essence of the AirCam.

Whether you are a seasoned aviator or just embarking on your flying journey, exploring new destinations is one of the most thrilling parts of being a pilot. Sporty’s new digital guide takes this excitement to the next level by showcasing 50 fun flying destinations across the United States, each selected for its unique charm, aviation history, or must-see attractions. Plus, we have made planning easier than ever with a custom ForeFlight Content Pack and map layer.