In 1961, a young flight instructor named Hal Shevers began selling pilot supplies from the trunk of his Studebaker, with the goal of making general aviation safer, easier, and more fun.
Now 60 years later, Sporty’s has long since outgrown that first “warehouse,” but the company is still focused on Hal’s goal.
To celebrate the 60th milestone, the company is throwing a six week birthday party, featuring special savings, customer contests, and livestreams from Sporty’s headquarters.
“A lot has changed since 1961, from hairstyles to aviation technology,” said Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “But one thing hasn’t changed: Sporty’s is still for pilots, by pilots. Our team is made up of flight instructors, aircraft owners, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, and all of us work in general aviation because we love it.”
Throughout March and April, customers can take advantage of limited time savings on some of Sporty’s most popular products — what the company is dubbing “60 deals for 60 years.” Savings will be offered on some of today’s most popular categories, including flight simulators, ADS-B receivers, and aviation headsets. This also includes the latest generation of Sporty’s flight training courses and aviation radios, two product lines that stretch back to the very beginning of the company. In fact, the very first product offered for sale in the early 1960s was a Realtone radio, while Hal was pioneering the three-day ground school concept.
Interactive events are also being held throughout the celebration, including educational webinars and new product livestreams from Sporty’s store.
Customers can also participate in weekly contests, with prizes awarded for the oldest Sporty’s catalog, the most complete Sporty’s Christmas ornament set, and more.
The company also will be sharing a variety of stories and pictures from the last six decades, in a series of articles and videos.
“We wouldn’t be here today without our loyal customers, so we want to make them the center of our celebration,” added Wolf. “We look forward to seeing many pilots online for one of our livestream events, or at one of our famous Saturday cookouts on the ramp at the Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport.”
For a complete schedule of events, go to Sportys.com/60.