AOPA has enjoyed a partnership with Sporty’s that began long before the company became a Supporting Sponsor in 2012.
AOPA pilots have relied on Sporty’s products since the company was launched in the early 1960s, when founder chairman, Hal Shevers, started selling supplies to his flight students. But the relationship between Sporty’s and AOPA goes beyond pilot supplies.
An AOPA member for more than 50 years, Hal pioneered the three-day ground school when he taught for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation in 1963. In the 50 plus years since, Sporty’s and AOPA have continued to partner on items critical to safety, fun and freedom to fly.
Today, the dedication of Sporty’s master instructors, product specialists, and exemplary customer service representatives positions Sporty’s as the world premier pilot shop, producing an extensive line of aviation training materials, and operating its own flight school.
Buy Sporty's award-winning Instrument Rating course and AOPA members will receive the popular Flying with ForeFlight online course - free! It's a great way to add an instrument rating, get current, or just learn some new skills. Works on Windows, Mac and tablets.
Sporty’s is pleased to offer its TAKEOFF app as a free download, and for pilots interested in the Pro version of the app, a free 30-day trial is available. This fun and easy-to-use app delivers fresh aviation content to your iPad or iPhone every day, and allows you to customize topics to match your preferences. It’s perfect for new student pilots and experienced IFR pros alike.
Sporty’s helps make it possible for AOPA to hold several regional fly-ins across the country each year. Each fly-in offers a great opportunity not just for pilots to get together and talk shop, but for the whole community to get out to the airport and experience the fun and excitement of GA flying.
From humble beginnings selling supplies to his flight students in the early 1960s, Hal Shevers built Sporty’s into the world’s premier pilot shop—and much more than just that. Through its own extensive line of training products, as well as its in-house flight school, Sporty’s reach is much broader than merchandise. “The focus of our business remains educational,” Shevers proudly points out. “We educate pilots to be safe and proficient.”
