Photography by Chris Rose and David Tulis
AOPA Pilot Gear fanny pack and hat $21-$25
pilotgear.aopa.org
Alicia’s pro tip: Check the screen time limiter in your smartphone’s settings. Social media can lead to friendship and connections, but it can also quickly devolve into toxicity. Remember that everyone’s social media feed is a curated highlight reel, and limit your time on social media to protect your wellbeing. I try to keep it to a maximum of one hour each day.
- Smartphone
One of the best ways to engage with the aviation community is through social media networking that allows you to take photos and videos in flight and to share them with others. Modern smartphones have great cameras, and they’re small and user-friendly enough that they aren’t the huge distraction in flight that a bigger, fancier camera would be. $160 and up - NFlight audio recording cable for smartphones
Adding in-flight audio to your social media content is fun, and it is also useful if you want to record a flight with a student and review it with them later. $39.99
nflightcam.com - Power bank
You’ll need an external battery to keep that smartphone running, and an external battery is a great tool to keep your gear powered up even after a long day of flying. $21.99-$199.99
sportys.com - Photoshop Express, Lightroom, CapCut, VSCO, VN, or equivalent
Photo and video editing software allows you to edit photos to look more vibrant, put together Instagram reels and TikToks, and then share them with others. Most apps have a free—but limited—option and will require a subscription for the full version. - Flexible smartphone tripod
A little tripod with flexible legs is perfect for taking a group photo or a self portrait on the road, and it’s light and small enough to easily fit into a flight bag. Some come with a thumb-sized remote control. $14.99-$29.99
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Alicia Herron
Publications Content Producer
Publications Content Producer Alicia Herron joined AOPA in 2018. She is a multiengine-rated commercial pilot with advanced ground and instrument flight instructor certificates. She is based in Los Angeles and enjoys tailwheel flying best.
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