Sporty’s Pilot Shop continues to expand beyond basic training courses and pilot products, detailed in a number of announcements during the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida.
Takeoff is a new app that will soon be added to the company’s extensive lineup. The idea came when the staff was updating training video footage on more advanced proficiency topics, such as turbochargers and weather. They realized that these segments are only seen by pilots going through training for a rating, but they apply to everyone. Takeoff will be a way to access these segments. Built in two parts, the app will have a free portion that includes articles from Air Facts and other sources, and video segments from Sporty’s library and content produced from partners. For $9.99 a month or $59.99 annually, users can access more in-depth Sporty’s content. The other side of the app takes content from many other publishers, including AOPA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and others.
Sporty’s continues to expand its service business, and is now partnering with Mike Busch’s Savvy Aircraft Maintenance Management to offer breakdown assistance. More or less AAA for pilots, the service will give pilots a resource to contact in the event of a mechanical problem when away from home. The folks at Savvy Maintenance will advise the pilot as to the safety and legality of continuing with the maintenance issue, or if maintenance is needed, a recommendation for a local shop. The service is $149 a year for single-engine piston aircraft and $199 for multiengine aircraft.
Training and products continue to drive Sporty’s core business, and there were announcements there as well. Flight instructors will be able to turn to Sporty’s for renewal. Launching later this spring, the eFIRC (electronic flight instructor refresher course) will feature much of Sporty’s video content, and cover all the necessary requirements for full renewal. It costs $99.
Finally, the company has updated its private pilot course with more modern high-definition video. Richard Collins fans will find entertainment in his new retrospective Logbooks: Life in Aviation. The memoir is a look at his many pilot reports and flying tips over the years. It sells for $19.95.
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