Gear. Stuff. Products. Swag. Whatever you want to call it, pilots buy it. Buying headsets, bags, charts, hats, kneeboards, and just about anything else we can get our hands on is both a quest to find the right thing that will make our flying more enjoyable, and the item that will make us feel like a part of the larger flying community.
Many students just starting out have no idea where to turn for product reviews and sources—or even information on what to buy, for that matter. When we go to grade school, they give us a list. But when we start flying, they tell us to show up with a headset. Now what?
The reason the initial product experience is likely so unstructured is because what you buy and when you buy it is largely a matter of personal preference. If you’re the poster child of frugality, when it comes down to it, there’s very little you must buy to fly an airplane. I’d put a sectional chart and an Airport/Facility Directory in that category. For night flying, add in a flashlight. That’s pretty much it.
But I’m guessing you didn’t begin this pursuit to avoid spending money. And you want to look the part. Then it’s time to gear up. First up, you’ll want the chart and A/FD, a headset, a kneeboard of some sort, a plotter, an E6B, some learning materials, and a flight bag to keep it all in.
In this issue we cover many of those product categories and more in our first-ever gear guide, which begins on page 27. The guide is meant to bring awareness to what we consider some of the best offerings in the major categories, including headsets, flight bags, and so on. Is what we profile the only good stuff on the market? Absolutely not. But it represents some of the best-sellers and best-performers. In each category we’ve also taken the opportunity for the editor to give advice on how to shop for a product, and why they use a particular model.
We hope the guide is a good start for both new students and those seasoned enough to have already gone through the buying process. Because as those who’ve purchased aviation gear in the past can attest, even after you find out what to buy and where to buy it, the options are just beginning. With thousands of choices it can get a bit overwhelming.
The best piece of advice we can give is to buy what’s right for you. I know that sounds like a major cop out, but it’s true. Headsets are a prime example. The Lightspeed Zulu, which I think is a top pick, might be a bad choice for some. The reason is personal preference on looks and features, but more than that, it’s a question of fit. The Zulu fits me better than the more popular Bose X, but that’s not true for other pilots I know.
The key is to test these products the best you can and then buy what’s right for you. Chances are you’ll miss a few times along the way and create a collection of forgotten aviation gear in your closet, but with money-back guarantees, social media, and user reviews popping up with online retailers, the chances aren’t as high as they used to be that you’ll drop $500 on a headset, only to hate it after your first lesson.
Finally, I’d like to offer a special thanks to Sporty’s Pilot Shop for the use of its studio in the making of the guide. Sporty’s is a family-owned business that began by offering one radio, and has grown into one of the world’s largest pilot shops.
Let us know what you think about the gear we chose, and what we didn't, by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, or by e-mail.
Related Articles
