Category: Gear for Pilots
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What are the Best Flight Simulator Controls – Yokes, Throttles, and Rudder Pedals
Here’s a look at the best flight simulator controls for an at-home simulator. There are others, of course–especially on the high end, for use at training facilities. But this sampling will get you started. With the suggestions made here, you can make your home simulator into anything you want it to be. Our previous articles […]
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How to Set Up a Flight Simulator at Home
Your home simulator setup can be as simple or as complex as you want. For example, you might start with nothing more than a laptop and a joystick. Then, as you progress further in your training or find that you enjoy the flight sim, you might add more monitors or realistic controls. Home simulator setups […]
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21 Best Gifts for Pilots
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 a bit of a challenge. But here’s a secret—they like flying machines! So while most gift buyers aren’t whipping […]
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How to Find the Best Sunglasses for Pilots
Every pilot needs a great pair of sunglasses. In fact, they’re one of the most critical pieces of equipment a pilot owns. Pilots always have to keep their heads on a swivel, and squinting is not an option. Pilot sunglasses are different from everyone else’s sunglasses. You don’t have to wear Aviator-style shades—unless you want […]
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The Best Aviation Headsets for Pilots
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 you’re a seasoned airline pilot, you’re sure to find a headset that […]
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Paper vs. Electronic Pilot Logbooks
There’s an app for that! It’s true most of the time, even in the cockpit of your aircraft. And true to form, one of the most tedious paperwork tasks that pilots have to complete has now been fully digitized. But are digital logbooks a good idea? Has the time finally come to ditch that heavy, […]
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The Best Flight Bags for Pilots
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 […]
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Faro G2 ANR Headset Review
A pilot’s headset choices have been set by budget for decades, and the Faro G2 ANR Headset disrupts that set budget. Most pilots agree that active noise reduction technology is worth the cost if you’re willing to spend the money. What if you’re a new student pilot? What would be the best aviation headset for […]
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Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset Review
If you’re shopping for a really nice headset, chances are you’ve narrowed your choices down to the Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset or the Bose A20 headset. Lots of pilots eye these two high-end headsets. Both are big-ticket purchases, but neither headset will disappoint. What makes them different from one another—and which aviation headset is best […]
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Best Flight Computers: Mechanical and Electronic
There are a few items that every pilot needs to keep in their flight bag. A paper chart or two, a chart plotter, and a flight computer are must-haves. Wait…a computer? Do pilots have to carry an entire computer just for flying? They do, but the flight computer might not look like you’d expect. Most […]
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Best Pilot Kneeboards
Staying organized is so very important in the cockpit of a small plane. The organized pilot lives by the old Boy Scout motto—be prepared. What is a Kneeboard? And Why Should You Have One? Kneeboards take many different forms these days, which is good because pilots use them differently. The most basic form of a […]
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7 Private Pilot Books to Make You a Better Pilot
In this post, I’m going to share 7 private pilot books that will help you prepare for and pass your FAA knowledge exam and practical test. When trying to pick the best books for private pilots to purchase, I recommend first checking with your flight school. They may have some they’ll include in your training […]
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Best iPad for Pilots
Tablet computers are everywhere these days, but there are few places where they are more valuable than in the cockpit of an airplane. Specifically, Apple’s iPad tablets have carved a niche for themselves with outstanding reliability, amazing apps, and a user-friendly design perfect for pilots. Why Have an iPad in the Cockpit? It’s safe to […]
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Bose A20 Review – Is It Worth the Price?
In this article, I’ll help you decide if the Bose A20 aviation headset is right for you. Like a good pair of your favorite sneakers or a well-tailored suit, the right headset for you probably isn’t the right headset for everyone. One of the most popular options on the market is also the most expensive—the […]
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Faro AIR Review – Top of the Line In-Ear Aviation Headset
If you’re tired of literally being weighed down by your aviation headset, you might be drawn to the Faro Air In-Ear Headset. While an in-ear headset is radically different from an over-the-ear headset, sometimes radically different is exactly what you need! Faro AIR In-Ear Headset Introduction If you are used to flying with a classic […]
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16 Gift Ideas for Your Flight Instructor
In this post I’m going to share with you some fun gift ideas for your flight instructor. Your flight instructor has sat crunched up with you in a hot, small aircraft and tirelessly nudged you towards your aviation successes. You know they deserve a pretty awesome gift! However, they may be a little tricky to […]
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10 Flight Bag Essentials Every Pilot Needs
Once you’ve picked out the best flight bag you can find, it’s time to stock it with all the essential gear you’ll need to fly. Every pilot has their own method for what gear they take with them while flying, but there are a few we think every private pilot should always take with them when they fly. Whether […]
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10 Best Books for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts
Whether you’re a brand new pilot or have thousands of hours in your logbook, 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 […]
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10 Best Flashlights and Headlamps for Pilots
In this post, I’ll share some of the best flashlights for pilots. 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 […]