Hal Shevers, a tireless booster of general aviation who started a business empire by selling radios out of the trunk of his car, died at his Florida home Tuesday at the age of 90. The founder of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Shevers was a fixture in the industry he loved and who never missed an opportunity to promote GA, particularly to young people. “Hal’s life’s work shaped the landscape of general aviation for more than six decades,” the company said in a news release. Sporty’s CEO John Zimmerman told AvBrief Shevers “was a modest man in many ways” who was committed to growing and expanding general aviation.
His practical application of that heartfelt belief manifested as one of the largest flight training enterprises in the world. “Hal’s passion and dedication transformed Sporty’s from an idea into a great American business story,” said Zimmerman. “As an employee-owned company, we remain committed to his original vision: create uniquely high quality products and back them up with friendly, helpful service.” He is survived by his wife and partner of more than 60 years, Sandy. Shevers asked that there not be a large funeral service, but Zimmerman said there will be an event to mark his passing and his major impact on the industry.
Beyond his incalculable contribution to GA, Hal was a genuinely humble and gracious man. And a ton of fun to be around if you got the chance.
Thank you, Hal for Sporty’s. Condolences to your family.
Blue skies & tailwinds, Hal. I remember you from your car trunk to I69.
Hal was a gentleman. I can’t say the GA pilot supply market would be quite the same without Sporty’s.
How many of our modern “titans of industry” would sneer at the idea of building up a business slowly over time, or remaining invested in the community and active with the customer-base long after finding success?
My condolences and support to Sandy and all those who were close to Hal. I wish the employees continued success in providing good value to the aviation community; and in turn I hope that powers further success in their business ventures.
From Hot Dog Saturdays to Quality Products to outstanding personnel, I have enjoyed Patronizing Sporty’s for decades. Flying in or driving in or mail or online, it has always been a good experience. A testimony to Hal, Sandy and the rest of the team.
Tailwinds and cavu skies Hal.
Gods speed
blue skies hal. As a new pilot, I loved your catalogs as much as I loved the sears toy catalog when I was a kid.
RIP
There is not a single individual in the aviation sector I know who hasn’t purchased at least one Sporty’s product. My condolences to the Shevers family.
Hal was a pivotal person in my life. In 1987 he approved my being chosen to be the on-camera “educator” for Sporty’s “Learn to Fly” video series. He was indeed dedicated to GA and I’m grateful for that.
I never met you in person but I enjoyed your good service and hospitality from buying 5 decades worth of everything from radios to charts to fuel testers to headsets from your magnificent establishment that truly embraced not only GA but all of aviation. RIP, Hal and condolences to your family and close friends.
Thanks Hal.
Flew in to Sporty’s 1990 in my 182 and Hal was the linesman that helped me get tied down. Such a humble guy.
The Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center considers Hal an “adopted Ohioan”, and looks forward to honoring his valuable contributions to aviation when we go operational with that process. May God bless.