Hal Shevers, aviation pioneer and Sporty's founder, dies at 90

Hal Shevers, the founder and longtime chairman of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, has died. His passing marks the end of an era for a company he built over six decades. Shevers and his wife, Sandy, retired from the business just this year after shaping it into a cornerstone of aviation education and retail. Shevers launched Sporty’s in 1961 as a modest operation selling portable aviation radios. Under his leadership, the company grew into a leading supplier of pilot training materials, online courses, and flight instruction. He often described the business as 'an educational institution' rather than just a store.

Beyond Sporty’s, Shevers played a key role in transforming Clermont County Airport into a busy general aviation hub. His influence extended well beyond retail, earning him a reputation as a passionate advocate for pilot training and small aircraft flying. In 2007, his contributions were recognised with induction into the Experimental Aircraft Association Flight Instructor Hall of Fame. The company remembered Shevers as a visionary whose ideas shaped both Sporty’s and the wider aviation world. Even after stepping back, his legacy remains in the firm’s commitment to high-quality products and customer-focused service.

Shevers leaves behind a business that still reflects his original principles. Sporty’s continues to operate as a major provider of aviation education and supplies. His impact on general aviation and pilot training will endure through the company he built.