Communication is absolutely critical while you’re up in the air – and good quality aviation headsets make all the difference when you’re communicating with the tower and other aircraft.

Whether you’re a brand new pilot searching for your first headset before you start flight training or your a seasoned airline pilot, you’re sure to find a headset that will meet your needs on this list.

Here are some of the most important factors you should consider when trying to pick out an aviation headset.

A great aviation headset has to block out more than just one type of background noise and system interference at the same time.

Some headsets are great at the one and not so good at the other, and many times this is something you’ll only discover once you’ve tested it out for yourself.

Passive noise reduction is simply the noise the headphones block with their design. Most aviation headsets are over ear headsets and will block out a good amount of sound.

Active noise reduction (ANR) is when a headset emits a second sound that cancels out the other sound. In simple terms, the emitted sound wave is the inverse of the outside noise sound wave and thus they cancel each other out.

After a long 4 hour cross country flight with a bad headset you’ll be ready to upgrade to something more comfortable. You want a headset that isn’t too tight but tight enough to provide a good seal and provide that passive noise reduction.

To help you find a good fit you may be able to borrow different brands of headsets from your flight school to test out before you buy your own.

Another thing to consider is in-ear vs. over ear. Good in-ear headsets are comparatively new to the market but have become quite good at blocking sound (typically via active noise reduction).

Even with advancements, however, over ear headsets are still generally better at reducing noise in the cockpit. You may also find over ear headsets more comfortable when wearing for long periods of time.

The quality of the microphone is just as important as the quality of what you can hear through your headset.

Communication while up in the air (or still on the ground for that matter) are always a two-way street. What’s the point if you can hear the other side just fine, but they can’t hear a thing on your end?

Again, testing out a few different headsets ate your flight school can be a great way to find ones you like.

Every pilot will have their own preference when it comes to a good headset. Considering the most important qualities listed above, I’ve tried to break down this list into top performers by category.

Some look for in-ear headsets, others want Bluetooth capability and a wireless model; you yourself might be after something else.

The Bose A20 is one of the most popular aviation headsets on the market. It’s used by thousands of pilots around the world.

It’s designed to be used in environments with a high volume of external noise and uses active noise cancellation to minimize it. Bose claims this headset reduces external noise by 30% compared to conventional headsets (granted, they don’t define what they mean by conventional headsets).

There is a Bluetooth option of this headset that allows you to listen to music or take phone calls. And you can choose to mute or mix your audio sources.

All of the settings on this headset are conveniently controlled using a small control module attached to the headset cable.

The mic can be connected to the right or left earphone allowing you to customize it to your liking. And while the headset isn’t nearly as light as the Bose Proflight Series 2 below, it’s still a lightweight headset at only 12 oz.

The biggest downside to the A20 headset is the price tag. This headset comes in at about $1,000 making it one of the priciest options on the market.

If you’re looking to wear one of the best pilot headsets on the market this is the one for you.

If you’re tired of bulky, heavy aviation headsets, then consider the Bose Proflight Series 2. It’s one of the lightest headsets available on the market right now – and the best possible value for money at this price level.

Weight is a defining factor with this model weighing in at a total of only 4.5 oz. That’s considerably lighter than the standard aviation headsets some readers might be used.

This headset uses active noise cancellation to cut back on outside noise so you can hear tower clearly. There are three different active noise cancellation settings you can choose from so you can adjust the headset in flight.

The headset also includes Bluetooth connectivity. All of the settings on the headset can be controlled via a control module on the cable.

One downside to this headset is the earbuds. If you aren’t a huge fan of earbuds you may not want to wear these. After a few hours they can start to get a bit uncomfortable.

In terms of clarity, both in-and-out, the Bose Proflight Series 2 is highly rated.

You can probably find David Clark headsets in just about every flight school across the country. It’s a dependable headset that doesn’t break the bank. I even have a couple pairs on hand to use whenever I take friends up to fly.

David Clark headsets use passive noise reduction so it won’t get nearly as quite as some of the other options that include active noise cancellation but they still work quite well.

One of its best qualities is the fact that the David Clark aviation headset is highly adjustable: The boom mic can be worn on both sides, and adjusted to exactly where you need it.

The headset does use a noise cancelling mic that helps reduce the noise transmitted when you speak and the function certainly seems to work well in my experience.

This is really one of the best headsets out there for new pilots. David Clark headsets make a great first, second or backup headset for anyone.

When it comes to headsets that fall under the $300 price point, a lot of professional pilots may think you can’t get a high quality headset for the money. But in reality, you can find some decent options such as the Kore Aviation KA-1 headset.

While it lacks many of the features of the Bose A20, it will still operate well enough for most student pilots.

Gel cushioning keeps it from pressing too hard against the ears. Many cheap headsets are known for being rather uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time but that isn’t the case with the Kore headset. Of course, comfort isn’t the only thing that makes the Kore model worth considering.

Easy-to-reach controls and its highly adjustable nature helps. It also performs well when it comes to noise canceling and overall sound quality. Better than other models of the same price point, which is how this particular model ended up on this list.

The biggest downside to a low budget headset such as this one is long term durability. Don’t expect to use this headset for years and years. It will however, get you through your student training.

All things considered, the Kore Aviation KA-1 headset is a good option for student pilots on a tight budget.

If you don’t want to shell out $1,000 for the Bose A20 but you’d like a step up from the David Clark headset, this is the headset for you.

The Lightspeed Sierra headset comes highly rated both for it’s comfort and noise cancelling abilities.

Just like the Bose A20, this headset uses active noise cancellation (ANR) which does an excellent job eliminating outside noise so you can hear tower and other pilots/passengers clearly.

This headset also uses conventional AA batteries so you don’t have to worry about keeping it charged, just make sure you keep extra batteries in your flight bag.

The headset also includes Bluetooth functionality but there are some users who have had issues using it on phone calls.

Overall this is an excellent headset with top features unavailable in many other headsets. Take a look and see if this is the right headset for you.

If you’re budget is really tight, the Kore Aviation P1 PNR is probably the best option for you. It’s priced even lower than the Kore Aviation KA-1.

Some of the benefits of the PNR Aviation Headset include what the manufacturer calls Premium Noise Reduction, and it is equipped with foam cups and traditional wire boom microphone control.

It has a 3.5mm port so you could run a cable to your phone to listen to music if you’d like.

It can be one of the heavier headsets, but it’s also priced at the point where weight usually isn’t as vital as quality: Who cares if it fits a little heavier than the lightest model mentioned in this article when it still fits the bill as one of the most budget-friendly.

How much does this model stand to cost you? Take a look.

Here’s another one by David Clark, who’s known for making high quality headsets. The DC ONE-X headset could be considered David Clarks competition with the A20 headset.

Essential features that define the David Clark model are the 5-year warranty and the active noise canceling ability.

This headset also includes Bluetooth functionality so you can listen to music or take phone calls with it which is a handy feature. The ability to listen to music on those long flights definitely helps out.

While I haven’t used this headset personally, it does have a decent number of complaints around comfort on longer flights.

Overall the DC ONE-X is a sound headset that will serve you well.

The Faro G2 headset is a decent option but I think there are better options found above. I include it here because it’s the low priced headset that actually includes active noise reduction, something you normally have to pay more to get.

There’s a 3-year warranty, and it ranks high on reliability: It could be said that it’s built like a tank – but that is the only impressive enough feature to still give it a mention in this article.

The headset also includes noise cancelling in the mic which should make your voice come through a bit clearer when speaking. And it has volume controls for each ear which can come in handy.

The total weight ranks at more than 2 pounds so it’s heavier than many headsets out there. The biggest complaint I found with this headset was the sound quality. While the ANR functions well, the headset just doesn’t bring audio in loud enough for some pilots.

What headset recommendations do you have? Let us know if you have one that didn’t make the list and we’ll take a look.

Every pilot needs a good flight bag.

Whether you’re jumping in a Cessna for your very first training flight, or you’re a pilot with thousands of hours under your belt, this article will help you find the best flight bag to meet your needs.

Before we jump into the flight bag reviews, however, let’s talk about what makes a good flight bag.

They type of flight bag you buy will largely depend on the type of flying you do.

If you’re a brand new student pilot, you may want a larger bag to carry all of the extra study materials you’ll need when you’re at the airport.

If you just fly occasionally, or always go on short day trips, you can usually get away with a smaller bag that will just fit your headset and iPad/charts.

Of course, if you’re an airline pilot, or about to be one, you’ll want a much larger bag for those overnight flights.

Overall, you’ll want a bag made out of a durable material that won’t wear down easily.

Every pilot has different opinions on what the essential flight bag gear is but in general, you’ll always have these items:

1. Pilot certificate and Medical
2. Headset
3. Backup Batteries (if needed)
4. iPad
5. Extra charts
6. Pencil/Pen
7. Flashlight
8. Kneeboard
9. Water & snacks
10. Sunglasses
11. Fuel Tester

As you look at bags, it may help to write out a list of everything you’d like to be able to carry with you. Some pilots also like to have a backup radio and other emergency/backup gear.

Whatever you decide, make sure you buy a bag with enough storage space to comfortably fit everything.

Now that you know what gear you need to store in your flight bag, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.

What’s great about this bag is just how clearly it has been designed specifically for pilots – with lots of thoughtful compartments and design features. The manufacturer Flight Outfitters is well known for creating premium pilot products, and this bag is no different.

The bag is also particularly sturdy and compact, meaning it doesn’t get in your way and you’ll never have to worry about damaging your possessions.

The bag comes in a few different colors, mainly with a black body and colored accents. The fleece interior is lined orange to make it easier to find in the dark.

The drawback is that this bag is relatively small and with very specific pockets. That is to say that it isn’t quite as versatile as some other bags on this list. Some buyers might also prefer a leather aesthetic.

Its compact size once again ensures that it won’t get in the way, and makes it perfect for fitting into cockpits or under chairs.

The front of the bag unzips entirely, which means you’ll be able to easily get in and access all the things you need.

Measurements are 12”x7.5”x132. This makes it just slightly bigger than the previous entry.

The bag only comes in one color, which is black and cyan.

Like the previous option, this bag is very structured with very clearly defined compartments for specific roles. If you hang your headphones inside, this doesn’t leave a lot of space for additional items – such as lunch or a few books.

You’ll also find a front pocket with space for pens and spare batteries, side slots for fuel testers, flashlights, and water bottles, and an adjustable strap. Note that the water bottle pocket is not specifically intended for that role and won’t fit all bottles.

The interior is lined blue to make it easier to find what you’re looking for in the dark.

While the front compartment is front opening, the two main pockets need to be accessed from the top.

Dimensions are 11.5”x9”x4.5”.

It also comes with many of the benefits you associate with the Flight Gear brand, such as a high visibility interior for easily finding things in the dark, exterior pockets for fuel testers and water bottles, and a comfortable padded strap.

That said, it only comes in a single color and has fewer “specialty” pockets for pilots. It also lacks any additional reinforcement that would make it more durable.

This is a simpler, more affordable design. It will do the job for most, but perhaps lacks the wow factor of some options here, or the extreme practicality.

Likewise, the amount of storage it affords will also be very beneficial for many. The entire front compartment opens up, allowing easy access to the roomy interior.

Here, you’ll be able to store an iPad in a pocket, as well as numerous other gadgets and tools in the mesh pockets on the opposite side. These are perfect for headphones, cables, chargers, and more. A handy strap is also perfect for fuel-testers.

The only downsides here are the price, and the fact that it is somewhat large, meaning you’ll need a bit more storage space for it.

The bag comes with a SPE instead of a SPA, a big adjustable water bottle pocket. It also has a particularly strong main handle with slots for a J-hook.

The B7 Flight is designed specifically for airline captains, but is suitable for everyone else too. The huge number of pockets, compartments, and zippers means there is plenty of room for all the gear you need.

And with a whole lot of storage space, it’s ideal for a large number of personal uses as well. This will easily hold an iPad AND a keyboard, including cases. You can even fit a 13″ MacBook Pro in here, along with a ton of adapters and documents!

And you can actually fit two sets of headphones in!

Despite all this, it’s actually rather compact and easy to carry in one hand – though it might create a few more space challenges than some of the other options we’ve looked at so far.

It’s tough, though it isn’t specially reinforced as some other options on this list are.

One other handy feature on this bag is its ability to separate into different bags. So if you’re headed to the airport to fly IFR and need more gear you can bring the whole thing. If it’s a VFR day, you can separate the bag and take just take a third of the bag.

No other brand on the list has this unique functionality.

This is another bag from the excellent Flight Outfitters, and again comes with a lot of extremely thoughtful design features.

For example, the Brush Pilot Bag features a pass through strap on the back which lets you easily slide it over rolling luggage handles. The orange interior meanwhile makes it easy to find things in a dark cockpit.

We love this bag, but it’s a shame the design won’t be to all tastes.

The front is divided with an organizer pocket for useful items and documents. A zippered rear pocket is great for storing iPads, and the side pockets are ideal for water bottles and fuel checkers – or you can use it for storing a transceiver thanks to the handy antenna-on storage feature.

There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can check out the bag first and return it if it’s not for you.

Of course, there is a trade-off with leather and this option is not as structured or reinforced as some others. It’s also not likely to hold up as well to the weather. But if you want something really premium with lots of pilot-centric features, the Markham is a cut above.

Have a recommendation we missed? Let us know in the comments below. And be sure to check out the best books for pilots and add them to your flight bag!

A good quality flashlight is a flight bag essential. But you don’t want just any cheap light. You want a quality light you can depend on when you need it.

Once you start flying at night you’ll need a nice light for your preflight inspection and for reading any charts in the cockpit.

This list of flashlights and headlamps are some of our top pics for quality lights you can pack in your flight bag.

When searching for the perfect flashlight there’s a few things you’ll want to consider.

You’ll want a flashlight or headlamp that has a few different light level options as well as a red or green color option. This will help you preserve night vision in the cockpit.

Be sure to look into the function of the light, as well. Some lights require you to go through the bright white light options before getting to the red option. Unfortunately, it can a bit of a challenge to find good flashlights with this well thought out design but many headlamps do have this function.

You may also want a flashlight that uses conventional batteries (AA or AAA) so you don’t have to remember to keep them charged. However, if you’ll already be carrying a spare battery to charge other items, it may not be a big deal.

If you’re going to go with a headlamp you’ll want one that’s comfortable to wear on those long flights.

This is our top pick for a basic flashlight that should work for any pilot.

This is a very bright, very compact, and affordable flashlight. It comes with 5 separate brightness settings, a red mode, and a number of special features such as strobe, SOS, and beacon.

Plus it uses AA batteries so with a few extras in your bag you’ll be good for a long time.

We also like the inclusion of the SOS and beacon features. These are the kinds of things that you aren’t likely to use often, but which could someday be extremely useful – even life-saving! The five brightness settings are also welcome.

The package includes a number of additional features too, such as a lanyard, spare parts, keychain light, and holster.

Especially at larger and busier airports, you will want to write down everything you are told. Directions can get long and complicated at times, so the less transmissions it takes to get instructions to you, the better for ATC and for you.

This flashlight has a lot going for it, but with one main flaw.

First the good. The Stinger is an extremely well-made, compact, and powerful light that will stand the test of time and prove a joy to use. The beam has three brightness settings which is really useful for your preflight inspection of the plane. And the resilience of the light is second-to-none.

Unfortunately, though, the flashlight does not include a red or green option, meaning that it won’t be as effective for providing a low level of light that won’t ruin your night vision. There is a solution to this however (see below).

It’s also a shame that the battery is rechargeable. While there will be some people who like this feature, for many others it can mean another thing to remember before a night flight.

If you loved everything about the Stinger but need that red or green functionality, then there is always the option to add colors using these lenses.

This is a neat solution, but you’ll have to buy the lenses separately and then store them with the light.

This tactical pack should provide everything that the average pilot needs in a flashlight, all in a single package.

Specifically, you’ll receive a light with a powerful LED beam. This is a small, compact, and very well-made tool, anodized against corrosion.

The tactical pack includes colored lenses, pocket clip, and an anti-roll device. Again, this is not as convenient as being able to switch between colors with the press of a button. But it’s a great pack and particularly well-made and durable tool.

The Lumenshooter places its multiple colors front and center, and each of these is vivid and useful.

The flashlight also comes with some useful additional features, such as a memory function. This means that if you’re on a color for three seconds, the torch will remain on that color when you turn it back on. No rotating between colors. If you’re using this primarily for reading charts in the cockpit, then that’s a perfect feature.

Otherwise, this is another very nicely made flashlight and one that is once again resilient, compact, and ergonomic to use.

So how does this Smith & Wesson Galaxy 12 stack up against the others?

In terms of the basics, it has those covered well. This is a small and well-made flashlight with a satisfying ergonomic grip, and a durable anodized aerospace aluminum. That’s important, as it means the flashlight will last a long time and won’t fail you in an emergency. We also like that this is powered by regular AAA batteries (included), and the included holster and wrist lanyard could also be useful.

The flashlight also uses multiple switch technology, mapping red, blue, and white to a single switch. It’s quick and easy to use.

The downside of this design that we can see, is that it means you need to cycle through all the colors before you can turn it off. This can be an issue if you’re trying to keep the light low and you need to switch to the more disruptive blue before you can turn it off. Covering the end with a hand will solve this issue though.

The torch is also nice and compact at 6.25” and only weighs 6.4 ounces: perfect for throwing into a bag.

The Flight Outfitters LED Headlamp is an excellent option for any pilot. One of the best features of this headlamp (and missing on many others) is two separate buttons for the red and white light. This makes it easy to turn on the red light without having to flash through the white light.

Another great feature that’s often missing on other headlamps is two brightness settings for the red light. This can make a big difference while in the cockpit.

The only downside to this light is it doesn’t feel like a quality headlamp like some of the other options.

The Black Diamond Cosmo headlamp comes with a red night vision, dimming options, strobe lighting feature, and the ability to turn on and off without needing to cycle through the white modes. In short, that’s everything you could need for a headlamp like this.

It’s powered by AAA batteries, and offers basic water resistance so you don’t need to worry about it getting wet in the rain.

One complaint we have with this headlamp however is it’s somewhat confusing function. It has a bit of a learning curve to get used to switching between white and red light.

The BioLite headlamp features a smart, low-profile design that is comfortable to use. The device is rechargeable via USB which may not be preferred by all pilots. The headlamp also comes with a variety of different modes, including white + dim, red + dim, white strobe, and red strobe.

A great feature is the option to tilt the front panel downward. This can help you to angle it down to read checklists or charts in the cockpit, while also avoiding ruining your night vision.

A single charge will offer you 40 hours on low, or 3 hours on the highest setting white light. The whole thing weighs only 50 grams (which is extremely light). One small downside is there’s no water resistance.

If you’d like a higher output option the BioLite 330 lumen headlamp is another great option.

Finally, we have one last headlamp, the Nitecore NU25. This high output headlamp includes a 13 lumen red light for reading charts in the cockpit.

This incredibly lightweight headlamp will be comfortable to wear for those long night flights. It also includes a high CRI 20 lumen light that renders colors better and makes it easier to read.

This headlamp uses a rechargeable battery so you’ll want to take that into account when deciding if this is the headlamp for you.

Overall, the Flight Outfitters is our favorite headlamp on the list but any of these will work well for a pilot.

Whether you’re a brand new pilot or have thousands of hours in your log book, there’s always more to learn. And one of my favorite ways to learn is from books. So I’ve put together a list of my 10 favorite books for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

These books range from instructional to biographical so there’s something for everyone. Just pick up one or two and slip them in your flight bag or on your e-reader for when your stuck at an airport with a weather delay.

The famous pilot who made his first solo flight in Chicago in 1934 shares the discrepancy in the aviation world that he discovered early on in his flying career: words and realities disagree.

In other words, what aviators said that they were doing when they were piloting airplanes and what they were actually doing when they were flying were two different things. Langewische aimed to provide more accurate and realistic descriptions of what pilots actually do when they fly.

His first attempt at making these explanations was a collection of articles that were titled ‘Air Facts’, which assessed the different techniques pilots used to fly aircraft. In 1944, the aviator’s book ‘Stick & Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying’ was published.

Some of the key details that are discussed in this book include:

• An explanation of the Angle of Attack, including what it is and why it is not visible, as well as how lift is created and the pilots role in creating it.
• The reasons why planes stall.
• The Landing Approach, including how an aviator’s acts in judging the landing approach and the visual clues that veteran pilots judge unconsciously to land their aircraft – including “The Spot that Does Not Move” and how novice pilots can learn and use these clues to their advantage.
• The paradox of glide.
• The “tail-dragger”, which highlights landing gear and explains why it can be difficult.
• Why planes don’t feel the wind and hence, why they typically fly slightly sidewise.

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This book captures the five women who offered incredible contributions to the aviation industry, and besides Amelia Earhart, are not well-known.

In addition to Earhart, the additional four female aviators highlighted in this book are Ruth Elder, Ruth Nichols, Florence Klingensmith, and Louise Thaden.

The author accounts the trials, tribulations, successes, and everlasting impact these women had on the aviation industry – an industry that is historically male-dominated – and how they paved the way for women pilots today.

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This story tells the inspiring tale of Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, the most famed duo pilots in the history of the U.S. Navy. Hudner was a white male who hailed from an affluent New England Family who forewent studying at Harvard to fly fighter jets in the Navy.

Brown was an African American from Mississippi, the son of a sharecropper, who became the first African American carrier pilot for the Navy and served a country at a time when Jim Crow laws prevented him from being served in restaurants and bars.

The duo manned fighter jets in the Korean War together and defend Marines who were cornered at the Chosin Reservoir. When one is shot down, the other must decide how to save his friend from certain death.

This is the true story of a commuter plane that crashed in the remote wilderness of, Canada in October, 1984. On board the plane were 10 passengers; 6 perished and four survived: the pilot, a politician, a police officer, and a criminal who was being escorted to face his charges.

The politician was Larry Shaben, the first Muslim Cabinet Ministor of Canada and the father of the book’s author.

The story recounts the real-life harrowing experience the four survivors endured and the life-changing friendships they forged under desperate circumstances.

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A resource guide that provides insightful and potentially life-saving tips that pilots’ can use to fly their aircraft in all kinds of weather conditions.

‘Weather Flying’ is regarded as the ‘bible of weather flying’, as it explains the vast types of weather a pilot may face and the appropriate ways to deal with that weather. This is definitely a must read for every new pilot.

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This guidebook picks up where standard flight-training manuals leave off. The author illustrates topics that aren’t taught in flight-training school and encourages aviators to think about these topics in real-life applications.

Topics range from how to actually handle a preflight to handling difficult landings. It also offers details on aerobatics, flying float planes, and exposes some of the most common aviation myths you’ll inevitably hear from other pilots.

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An official FAA handbook that has been required reading for pilots for more than three decades. It offers basic flying fundamentals for all types of pilots and all types of aircraft.

The guide offers required knowledge that pilots need in order to comprehend aerodynamic theory and earn a certificate.

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This book recounts the journey Peter Buffington, the author, took to achieve his childhood dream: becoming a pilot for a commercial airline.

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Author and aviator Collins shares his personal experience in the hopes that pilots of all experience levels and abilities will be able to learn how to navigate through the inherent risks that are associated with flying small planes. Topics include:

• The three word emergency checklist all pilots should know
• Why the thought process of a pilot is more important than his experience
• The unique trials, tribulations – and rewards – of night flying.
• How to effectively manage technology in the cockpit.

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A collection of author and aviator Martha Lunken’s favorite Flying Magazine columns. Lunken collected these columns in her book in an effort to reach a wider audience.

The stories highlight her experience in aviation and fellow aviators who shaped her career and had a lasting impact on her life.

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What are some of your favorite aviation books? Let us know in the comments below.