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.
ProgramsPilots have adopted the iPad faster than any other consumer technology in recent memory. Keeping up with this developing technology can be difficult, with new apps constantly being released and new accessories coming on the market. That’s why iPad Pilot News exists–to cut through the clutter and help pilots get the maximum utility out of their tablets.
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.
Proud sponsor of Rusty Pilots seminars
Sporty’s is a proud sponsor of AOPA’s in-person Rusty Pilots seminars, which have helped thousands of pilots get back in the left seat. If you need additional brush up before taking your flight review, take a look at Sporty’s online Rusty Pilot Kit. The ultimate kit for the rusty pilot, it includes two online video courses to bring you up to speed on the latest fying technology, procedures, regulations, communications, and resources: VFR Communications and Flight Review. You’ll also receive the 2019 edition of the FAR/AIM, the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, and Sporty’s Flight Gear HP Tri-Fold Kneeboard.
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.”
