Ever since Hal Shevers started working as a flight instructor and began selling a modular radio out of his car in 1961, Sporty’s has emerged as the leader in aviation products and pilot training. And most recently, the company has been on the cutting edge of mobile technology. No longer focused on selling its products through a paper catalog, the company’s online digital catalog will soon be available on the iPad. Sporty’s has already released more than 12 apps for the iPad and iPhone, including the official app for the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in and Expo, and by the end of this week, the company will have a total of six Android apps available.
Sporty’s also recently released a free online airplane manager which allows airplane owners to keep a journal of maintenance events and expenses that they can share with their CFIs and mechanics. On the flight school end, Sporty’s new focus has become student retention. The company is breaking down the Private Pilot training into the solo phase, Recreational or Sport Pilot certificate and finally the Private Pilot Certificate. Sporty’s Sport Pilot course will be released this summer. Also, Sporty’s ground school courses are available for use on mobile devices, allowing students to study anywhere, anytime. (Click here to read Martha Lunken’s perspective of Hal Shevers and the birth of Sporty’s.)
