Sporty’s Pilot Shop continues to add new features and content to its Takeoff app, which was launched last year at the Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In. “The Takeoff app is the daily companion for pilots,” sais Sporty’s vice president John Zimmerman. “We continue to improve the app with new features and have recently expanded our Takeoff team with a roster of interesting and accomplished pilots.”

Newly added features include a widget for quick access to the latest stories and 3D touch shortcuts. On the content side, flight instructor, ATP and AIN contributor Amy Laboda will write articles on general proficiency topics and aircraft ownership; Matt Guthmiller, who flew around the world solo at 18, will provide video tips on flying technique; Patrick Carter, an A&P, ATP and former corporate pilot, as well as a former Cessna factory test pilot and current Alaska bush pilot, will provide perspectives based on his experience; and Steve Thorne, aka “Flight Chops” on his YouTube video blog, will share lessons learned.

These four pilots join Takeoff’s existing contributors: Jason Miller from The Finer Points of Flying, Scott Dimmich, an on-air meteorologist and Takeoff’s weather expert, and the Sporty's team of Bret Koebbe, Eric Radtke, and John Zimmerman.

The Takeoff app is free, but a Takeoff Pro subscription ($59.99 per year) provides ad-free viewing and premium content. A one-month free trial of Takeoff Pro is available. Both Takeoff and Takeoff Pro are available at the iTunes App Store.