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40+ Best Gifts for Pilots

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In this article I’m going to share some of the best gifts for pilots I can find (and some I’ve even gifted).

For someone outside of aviation, shopping for the pilot in your life might seem like a bit of a challenge. But here’s a secret—they like flying machines! So most of the gift ideas for pilots on our list are centered on those and the pilot lifestyle.

So while most gift buyers aren’t whipping out the latest edition of Trade-a-Plane to shop for their loved ones, there are all sorts of fabulous aviation gifts available online that feature aircraft of every description.

You can roughly break down pilot gifts into a few categories. For one, there are technology items and gadgets that they can use in the cockpit and crew lounge.

These gifts for pilots range from the most expensive high-end aviation headsets to simple things like battery chargers. 

Then there are things that make their home life more aeronautically themed. Bar sets, wall art, and even airplane ties if your aviation bud is inclined to dress well. 

Here are 40+ aviation gifts that any pilot will love, including the best picks for tech lovers, pilot home decor, and lifestyle gadgets they can’t live without.

And if you’re looking for flight school graduation gift ideas, this list has some great recommendations as well.

10 High-Tech Aviation Gifts Pilots Will Love

Very few pilots aren’t gadget nerds at heart. But shopping for tech presents for a pilot requires knowing your pilot’s cockpit habits well.

Many pilots buy what they need to fill their flight bags, so it’s possible that these things may already be in there! 

If you want gifts for a pilot in training, these tech gifts are easily some of your best options.

Device Backup Battery

One of the handiest things a pilot can carry in their flight bag these days is a backup battery for their devices. It’s one of the most practical aviator gifts for him. You can use these small power packs to recharge any small device.

They’re convenient for pilots since many older aircraft are not equipped with accessory outlets like cars are. They also make great gifts for flight attendants.

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These batteries come in any shape and size you can imagine.

Apple AirPods

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Some small plane pilots might be tempted to use AirPods under their headsets on long cross-country flights, but it’s the exception rather than the rule.

More accurately, pilots simply love the functionality of these AirPods for use during their downtime, hanging out in pilot lounges waiting for passengers to arrive or weather to clear up!

Foreflight – Top Gift for Pilots

If you’re looking for the most useful gifts for pilots, this is it.

You can purchase either a Foreflight Basic Plus plan or Pro Plus plan. Most of the students at our school go with the Pro Plus plan but the Basic plan will work as well.

iPad

If you’re buying for a brand-new student pilot an iPad is an excellent gift. They’ll use it extensively throughout their flight training.

There are countless helpful apps for flying (one mentioned below) as well as study aids that are all used best on the iPad.

The two biggest things to consider when purchasing an iPad for a pilot in training is the size of the iPad and cellular connection. The vast majority of pilots prefer the iPad Mini because it’s easier to use in the cockpit. We’ve surveyed our students and about 70% of them use the Mini.

The other thing to remember is that they’ll need the cellular-equipped iPad. You don’t need to have a cellular plan for the iPad, you just need to be cellular equipped to work with the apps they’ll use in training.

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Icom Handheld NAV/COM

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But they’re great for day-to-day pilot life, too. Instructors love to use these so they can listen in on their students during those stressful solo flights.

In addition, they can usually receive the ATIS and weather broadcast a few miles from the airport, so pilots can tune into local conditions on the way to work. 

Smartwatches are still catching on, but there are certainly some activities in life where these wearables are super handy. Of course, we’re all pretty familiar with how they’ve improved health and fitness. But some brands are making great strides in things like aviation, too.

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The pulse oxygen sensor and barometric altimeter are especially welcome features on such a device. One word of warning, though—Garmin watches work best for pilots who already use Garmin products and the Garmin Pilot app on their mobile devices. 

A New Headset (The Ultimate Present for a Pilot)

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A more affordable option that’s incredibly popular with students is the David Clark H10 headset. It’s basically the Honda Civic of the pilot headset world. This headset has been tested extensively and simply works. There’s nothing complicated about it. It’s just a dependable headset that will handle the abuse a student pilot will probably put it through.

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Light-up Aeronautical Chart Wall Art

DIY Metar has an amazing and unique gift for any aviation lover.

They make custom posters out of sectional charts and give you a kit that you can rig up to make each airport light up green for VFR, blue for MVFR, and red for IFR. The lights also indicate high winds or lightning. 

You can select the size poster you want and include the airports you want the zone to cover. You can also purchase the posters fully assembled and ready to go.

The set includes a Wi-Fi dongle that connects to aviationweather.gov and works without a subscription.

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New Flight Bag

Kindle Paperwhite

They make a smaller, 8 GB version and a larger 32 GB version. If you’re trying to find great gifts for airline pilots be sure to add this one to your list.

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6 Presents for a Pilot Crashpad

While those tech gadgets are all useful and cool, they lack the whim of a heartfelt gift for the home. Something is reassuring about receiving a gift that isn’t just about your job but is instead about making your life more fun and more comfortable. 

Airplane Spotter Print

Help them decorate their hanger or home with these one-of-a-kind vintage airplane spotter prints. These posters are designed to look like the cards passed out during WWII to help people identify what airplanes were flying overhead. They’re popular gifts for pilots and make for a great gallery wall. Check out all of the prints here.

Personalized Airplane Hangar Sign

Help the pilot in your life decorate their hangar (or home) with a personalized hangar sign.

This 4″ x 18″ metal sign is a wonderful customized gift that can hang inside or outside.

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Model of “Their” Plane

Aircraft models are excellent gifts for pilots, but many people fail to realize that a very thoughtful gesture can be made with a simple mode.

Maybe it’s the Cessna they soloed in or the Airbus they dream of driving one day; the plane you pick says a lot.

Pilots love model airplanes, so the challenges lie in figuring out 1) the right type of airplane and 2) the right type of model. Finding the plane depends on your pilot — what’s most special to them?

When picking the actual model, remember that models range from small die-cast toys for a few dollars to hand-carved artworks for hundreds.

Some are fun and artsy, capturing the spirit of the artists or making them toy-like, while others are hyper-accurate depictions suitable for museums. It comes down to what you think your pilot will like most and (of course) how much you want to spend.

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Whiskey Decanter

Some are available with matching glasses, and there are multiple aircraft available inside the globe.

Replica Wood Prop

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World Map and Scratch-Off Travel Poster

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Wall Art Airplane Blueprint Poster

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Personalized Airplane Ornament or Stocking

And if your shopping for a young aviation enthusiast, a personalized airplane ornament is the perfect aviation gift.

5 Best Gifts for the Pilot Lifestyle

Finally, here are some gifts for the lifestyles of the FAA certificated. These gifts are less expensive and are both practical and thoughtful.

Yeti Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated during a flight is no joke. In hot environments, small planes are notoriously hot. When you get to altitude, the air is cool but much drier. Hydration is a safety issue for pilots.

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Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

Sunglasses make an excellent gift for pilots. Like the water bottle, they’re an item that every pilot needs. Like buying shoes, many pilots are fickle about precisely which styles and lenses they use during flight.

For more suggestions on sunglasses check out this post on the best sunglasses for flying.

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Fisher Space Pen

Pilots take a lot of notes, and while electronics have filled new cockpits, many pilots still resort to the old-school pen and paper. But pilots often write in cramped spaces and at awkward angles.

Nerdy? Yes.

Useful? Infinitely.

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TRX Exercise Kit

Unfortunately, many pilots find themselves living a more sedentary lifestyle than they’d like.

With all the long hours in small cockpits, fast meals on the go, and quick turns in strange cities, pilots can have difficulty finding time to work out. So packable workout kits are great gifts for pilots.

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Leatherman Wingman

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Leather Pilots Jacket

A high-quality leather jacket combines style, durability, functionality, and sentimental value, making it an excellent gift for pilots who appreciate both fashion and the aviation heritage.

It’s a gesture that not only keeps them warm but also warms their heart.

While high quality leather jackets are pricier, they will also last them for years to come and will come in handy on those cold flying days. This is truly one of the quintessential aviation gifts for him.

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What are some of the best gifts for pilots you’ve seen? Share them in the comment section below.

Custom Leathergoods from Zephyr Aviation

Zephyr sells several great pilot gifts handcrafted from high-quality leather.

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A Special Flight Training Experience

If you’re looking for a special gift for a pilot deep in their flight training, consider purchasing them a gift certificate for a different kind of flying — something that they wouldn’t normally pay for but that they’d love to try out.

Every pilot is excited to fly in new types of planes or new places, so you might consider some of these options.

  • A discovery flight/hour of training during an upcoming vacation (think Hawaii or the Florida Keys)
  • A mountain flying familiarization flight
  • An aerobatics introduction flight or an hour of upset-recovery training
  • A helicopter discovery flight
  • A tailwheel lesson (Extra kudos if you find one that operates out of a small country grass airstrip!)
  • A glider flight
  • A seaplane discovery flight
  • Skydiving, hang gliding, or a powered parachute lesson

To make this gift work, you’ll have to do some homework and find the right school for the right job. Most small flight schools will happily issue gift certificates or work out arrangements with you.

For a student deep in flight training and short on cash, the great thing about a gift like this is that you are both giving them an hour of time in their logbook and an experience they’ll remember forever.

Plus, it helps keep them excited about aviation even if they’re tired of pattern work at their home airport. 

Personalized and Unique Etsy Pilot Gifts

The best aviation gifts have a personalized touch, and Etsy is the perfect website to start shopping for the pilot in your life. The site sells anything from antique aviation swag to personalized clothing and jewelry. 

Here are a few of our favorites:

Aviation Socks

Are you at a loss of what to get that special pilot in your life?

Socks are always the answer; just ask a mom. Check out these aviation-themed socks in three patterns.

They’ll add a fun, whimsical touch to any pilot’s uniform (or look pretty good on the golf course).

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‘Trust Me, I’m a Pilot’ Swag

How do you know someone is a pilot?

Because they’ll tell you they are!

Help your flying friends and family out by providing whiskey glasses (or t-shirts, socks, mugs, & pretty much anything) emblazoned with the words, “Trust me, I’m a pilot.”

Also always popular: Anything that looks like a ‘Remove Before Flight‘ flag.

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Best Aviation Gifts Under $50

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Aviation Gifts $50-$100

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Pilot Gifts $100-$200

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Presents for Pilots for $200+

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Book Gifts for Pilots

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