Hal Shevers, the iconic founder of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, will be the featured guest speaker at the regular bimonthly meeting of the Atlanta Aero Club Sept. 12.
Since founding Sporty’s in 1961, Shevers is one of the most recognizable entrepreneurs in general aviation. Starting with one product he sold out of the trunk of his car, a small radio that picked up Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower transmissions, Shevers built his company into the world’s largest pilot shop.
Shevers love for aviation started when he was a student at Purdue University, acquiring his pilot’s license in 1958. Adding commercial and instrument ratings along the way, Shevers is an ATP certified pilot with more than 10,000 hours.
Although Shevers has participated in numerous aviation organizations, one of his priorities is the Aviation Exploring Committee for the Boy Scouts of America. Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he was also awarded the Boy Scouts’ Distinguished Eagle for his lifetime achievements in aviation and was inducted into the National Flight Instructors Hall of Fame in 2007.
The meeting is scheduled for noon on Sept. 12 in the Grand Ballroom of the Capital City Club, 7 John Portman St., downtown Atlanta. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members and includes lunch. Check in and a networking hour begins at 11 am. Aero Club members bringing a guest are eligible for a drawing for a leather flight jacket.
Reservations can be made online, by calling 800-878-7555 or email [email protected]
The Atlanta Aero Club was founded in 1984 by Lockheed Aircraft Co. executives and is one of the oldest continuous operating aviation clubs in the US. With nearly 250 members, the Atlanta Aero Club has operated as a chapter of the National Aeronautics Association (NAA) since its inception. Recently, the Atlanta Aero Club took a leadership position in developing a Georgia State Proclamation declaring October as the official Aviation Appreciation Month to honor the businesses and individuals who contribute to the state’s and nation’s large aviation industry. The Proclamation was signed into effect by Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue. Thus far, a total of 42 states have signed the proclamation. The Club meets bimonthly at th downtown Capital City Club and regularly invites key aviation business leaders as guest speakers for Noon luncheons.