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A flight jacket tells a story

October 24, 2016/in Personal stories, Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

On a blustery, cold morning, back before I knew what lift was, a short freckled face kid strolled into the local airport to take his first airplane ride. Just about every pilot can recall his first flight, whether it was for training or for the thrill. As I stepped through that door, I knew right […]

Sporty’s new Flight Gear HP bags show off unique features

October 23, 2016/in Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

Sporty’s recently introduced a completely new selection of flight bags for general aviation pilots, called Flight Gear High Performance. These bags have a modern look and some unique new features, but with options for customizing each bag to match the mission.

A flight jacket tells a story

October 24, 2016/in Personal stories, Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

Sporty’s new Flight Gear HP bags show off unique features

October 23, 2016/in Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

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A flight jacket tells a story

October 24, 2016/in Personal stories, Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

On a blustery, cold morning, back before I knew what lift was, a short freckled face kid strolled into the local airport to take his first airplane ride.

The flight jacket commands respect

Just about every pilot can recall his first flight, whether it was for training or for the thrill. As I stepped through that door, I knew right away who was going to be at the helm of our airborne chariot. Sitting with his legs crossed in a chair that had to be left over from a 1950s sitcom, was a man with a leather coat. Not just any coat, it was a pilot’s flight jacket. This “Member’s Only” jacket was reserved for only the finest aviators. Anyone not qualified, would just look silly. Because he possessed that unique ability to guide a piece of metal through the air, he alone could don this leather monster and command the respect of his peers by merely entering a room.

Fast forward 20 years later, one of the first items I bought once I started flight training was a leather flight jacket. I too wanted the prestige that was bestowed upon the elite few that could take to the skies. I couldn’t just walk into the local department store and find this ego boosting apparel. It wasn’t sold to the land-bound common folk. I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find a JC Penny or Sears-labeled “Bomber” jacket, but that wouldn’t do justice for this commander of the skies. I needed a coat that a WWII vet would be proud to stand next to. One that would last for decades and keep the battle scars of my dogfights for the entire world to see.

Flight jackets were used out of necessity in WWI

But what makes a Flight Jacket worthy of having that title? Certainly it has to have some distinctive features, but why are they there? I’m sure there wasn’t a Betsy Ross of Flight Jackets who decided that epaulets are cool. To find the origins of flight jackets, you have to turn the clock back to the WWI. Pilots of this era flew in open cockpits. Exposed to the elements, they would wear whatever they could get their hands on to protect them. The U.S. Army officially started the Aviation Clothing Board in 1917. They issued heavy-duty leather jackets with knit cuffs and knit waist bands to help seal out the cold.

During World War II, flight jackets became essential to the well being of the crew. Often flying at altitudes in excess of 25,000 feet where temperatures were well below zero, most aircraft cabins were not insulated. The only way to keep warm was a thick, heavy flight jacket. As time passed, certain crews wanted pen holders or oxygen hose clips or fluffy collars or lighter weight, but the core of the jacket remained thick and warm to protect crews from the harsh elements found at higher altitudes.

Some jackets were decorated with squadron patches or painted. The jackets were issued to more than just flight crews, and became popular with generals. The Army and the Navy each had their own type of jacket. Once the war ended and as these pilot returned home and started careers as airline captains, the jackets lived on and became a symbol of their status. Pilot wannabes (myself included) saw them as a must have to be considered a real pilot.

While considering what to put on your Christmas list, consider a flight jacket to make the aviator – a real flight jacket.

Sporty’s new Flight Gear HP bags show off unique features

October 23, 2016/in Pilot Gear/by Studentpltnews

Flight bags are like airplanes. They’re constantly changing to adapt to new technology, and yet there’s no such thing as a single perfect design – everyone has their own wants and needs. In recognition of those two trends, Sporty’s recently introduced a completely new selection of flight bags for general aviation pilots, called Flight Gear High Performance. These bags have a modern look and some unique new features, but with options for customizing each bag to match the mission.

Every new Flight Gear HP bag is made from durable ripstop nylon, with sturdy hardware and extra stitching where it counts. With a three year warranty and Sporty’s famous support, you can count on your bag for years of reliable service. Beyond those essential features, though, Flight Gear HP has some thoughtful design choices.

1. Light weight. A great flight bag should store and protect lots of aviation gear, but that doesn’t mean it has to be heavy. By using the right fabric and some novel construction techniques, we’ve been able to make Flight Gear HP 30% lighter than our previous generation of bags – without sacrificing durability. That means your bag is lighter before you ever load it. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you pick one up.

2. Reinforced carry handles. Grab and go is our philosophy, so we added large, padded handles to our Tailwind Backpack, iPad Bag and Captain’s Bag. These make it easy to haul heavy loads without hurting your hands. Each handle is securely riveted to the bag.

3. Oversized headset pockets. A good ANR headset is often a pilot’s most expensive investment, so we designed our new Flight Gear HP with extra protection. The Captain’s Bag and Crosswind Bag feature large, padded headset pockets on the side, with wide zippered openings. These have a contoured cut to make it easy to remove a headset, including ANR battery box, in an instant.

4. Headset hanger. For our Tailwind Backpack and iPad bag, we still found a way to accommodate a dedicated headset storage area without taking up too much space. The innovative headset hanger is loop and buckle at the top of the interior compartment, which wraps around your headset’s headband. This keeps your headset stable and elevated, so it won’t hit the ground when you drop your bag.

5. Pass-through iPad pocket. The Captain’s Bag has room for everything you carry, but with easy-access pockets that make it simple to find your gear. For example, a padded iPad pocket on the inside offers unmatched protection for your tablet, but the pass-through slot on the top of the bag allows you to remove your iPad without opening up the entire bag.

6. Charging cable slot for electronics. The iPad bag also features a padded iPad pocket, but with a unique cable slot that allows you to keep your tablet connected to a battery pack while it’s in the bag. Keep a battery pack (sold separately) in the main compartment, then connect it to your iPad with the pass-through slot. Everything remains separated and protected, but you never run out of juice.

7. Gear Mods. Different flights call for different equipment, so a great flight bag has to adapt to fit long cross countries and local flights alike. Our Gear Mods are the perfect answer. These handy accessories attach to the back wall of any Flight Gear HP bag, and offer additional storage and organization options, from cables to tablets to radios. Don’t need that radio pocket for today’s flight? Just remove the Gear Mod.

8. Custom Embroidery. Make your bag uniquely yours, with custom embroidery from Sporty’s in-house team. We’ll add your initials, N-number, airplane silhouette or whatever else you dream up.