Gear Guide
The right fit for how you fly
New avionics technology and creative apps that enhance flight safety and enjoyment are included, as are some thoroughly old-school items such as aircraft covers and batteries that have proven themselves in harsh conditions. Whether you’re a gadget freak or a Luddite, there’s something for you in this collection.
There’s also an unavoidable subjectivity to our choices. AOPA Pilot editors are shown with the products they like, trust, and recommend from personal experience. Sometimes—as in the choice of headsets—that comes down to personal taste.
General aviation is in a period of rapid change, and some of these items reflect our hope and expectation that a few of these products may someday make the jump from purely Experimental use to the wider GA fleet. We hope you enjoy these products as much as we do.
Editor’s pick
Garmin Flight Stream 510: Business flying often means landing at busy airports, and many come with complex arrival and departure procedures. Flight Stream 510 makes it easy to plan routes on a tablet and wirelessly upload them to the panel. In return, I get traffic, weather, and back-up attitude information from the panel to the tablet. A win all the way around on a dynamic travel day, $1,495, www.garmin.com —Thomas B. Haines, Editor in Chief
Tom Haines wears: Stretch Pique Polo – Navy, $39, www.aopapilotgear.com
Business Flier
Editor’s pick
Ray-Ban RB3025 sunglasses: There are a lot of great sunglasses out there, so choosing one really comes down to personal preference. I like the classic aviator look, and Ray-Bans come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for a narrow face. The 55-millimeter, nonpolarized model suits me just right. $153, www.ray-ban.com —Sarah Deener, Managing Editor
Also consider: Dual Eyewear AV2, $99.95, www.dualeyewear.com
Sarah Deener wears: Ladies Knit Funnelneck, $45, www.aopapilotgear.com
Personal Flier
Editor’s pick
Bonehead Composite Pilot-X Flight Helmet: Bonehead Composites makes helmets specifically designed for general aviation. Unlike military varieties made for jet cockpits, these lightweight, low-profile helmets are made for the high noise and tight confines of aerobatic, agricultural, or sport airplanes. Bonehead founder Chris Frisella is a GA pilot, and it shows in his company’s products. $1,095, www.boneheadcomposites.com —Dave Hirschman, Editor at Large
Dave Hirschman wears: Pounce Puma Polo, $69, www.aopapilotgear.com
Experimental Aircraft Owner
Editor’s pick
Sporty’s Flight Gear HP iPad Flight bag: I’ve tried every combination of flight bag over the years, from some that may have required a checked bag fee to one or two that were barely big enough for a headset. Sporty’s Flight Gear HP iPad Bag is my personal go-to. It perfectly carries an instructor’s essentials—a headset, water, a small writing pad, and an iPad. $69.95, www.sportys.com. —Ian J. Twombly, Editor
Also consider: BrightLine Bags Flex System bags, starting at $107, www.brightlinebags.com
Ian Twombly wears: Eddie Bauer Fishing Shirt, $68, www.aopapilotgear.com
Instructor
Editor’s pick
Bruce’s Custom Covers: Your airplane is your prized possession. If you can’t hangar it, a well-designed aircraft cover is practically the next best thing. Bruce’s Custom Covers are, as the name suggests, made to order, so the fit will be right for your airplane—no matter how many antennas it has. The cover will also help keep the sun from baking the avionics and fading the upholstery. Prices start at $510 for a Piper PA–28, www.aircraftcovers.com —Jill W. Tallman, Technical Editor
Jill Tallman wears: Ladies Sweater Fleece Jacket, $75, www.aopapilotgear.com
New Aircraft Owner
Editor’s pick
MGF water bottle: It may seem irrational to “hate” plastic water bottles, but I do. Aside from their obvious need in developing countries where we’ve gone for stories, there’s no reason to use them—especially now that you can carry an MGF Water Bottle inspired by S’well. The owner of S’well and I are simpatico—she created these remarkable bottles because she, too, dislikes plastic water bottles. Plus, this ingenious carry-on keeps both cold water cold and hot stuff hot. Like coffee. Like when your editor says wheels up at 6 a.m. and you know you can’t drink a cup of coffee for the three-hour leg or other personal issues will arise, but you need the ritual of brewing or buying a cup just to start your day. So fill the MGF Water Bottle with hot coffee and when you reach the first fuel stop, voila, coffee’s hot and the day can truly begin. $35, http://mgfproduct.com —Julie Summers Walker, Senior Features Editor
Julie Walker wears: Ladies Puffy Jacket, $129, www.aopapilotgear.com
Passenger
