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Helpful ideas for your type of flying
Do you get paid to fly? Or is the open sky your playground? Do you guide others on their aviation path, or do you own an aircraft and take great pride in caring for it? Whatever your aviation mission, the right gear can make you safer and prepare you for what comes next. In each section, we've laid out our top picks to support your aviation journey, plus a favorite product from a pilot who walks the walk.
Owner
By Paul Hargitt (with Michelle Walker)
Proper maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of any aircraft and staying ahead of routine tasks can make a world of difference. In this section, we’ve outlined a handful of items that will save you time, reduce physical strain, and help you avoid some maintenance headaches as you prepare for your aircraft’s annual inspection. Whether you’re turning wrenches every day or just brushing up between inspections, these items aim to keep both your aircraft and your back in tip-top shape. Think of this as a checklist for your sanity as much as your safety.
Your oil does a lot: It cleans, carries contaminants, cools, prevents corrosion, cushions, and seals. And while it's doing all of that, it is passing through your oil filer - the perfect place to catch early signs of trouble. For less than $100, an oil filter cutter gives you some of the best insight into your engine's current health. It's hands-down one of the best diagnostic tools in your hangar.
—Chelsea Smith, A&P/IA
@highmaintenance_chels
Oil filter cutter / $16.99
Harbor Freight creeper seat / $49.99
The Harbor Freight adjustable creeper seat is a surprisingly practical tool that can make routine aircraft maintenance comfortable and efficient. Designed to convert quickly from a rolling creeper to a padded seat, this allows you to adapt to different maintenance tasks without constantly repositioning or straining your body. Whether you’re inspecting a low-wing aircraft or the lower part of the fuselage, being able to lie flat or sit at a low height saves your knees, back, and time. It rolls smoothly on most hangar floors and folds up easily for compact storage. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about minimizing fatigue and helping you stay focused on work that matters without the price-tag of high-end gear. That said, if you’re regularly doing maintenance and spending long hours in the shop, consider upgrading to an option like the Aerocreeper, which offers superior ergonomics and durability.
Braun rechargeable penlight / $22.99
This is the tool you didn’t know you were missing, until you really, really need it. Whether you’re peering into a dark engine compartment, under the panel, or checking for leaks and cracks, this ultrabright penlight makes the job faster, easier, and far more effective. With its slim design, it slips easily into your chest pocket or tool roll, and despite its small size, the 450-lumen output is seriously impressive. The beam is clean and focused, which makes it ideal for detail work without flooding your entire workspace, and it features a magnetic base and a built-in clip, so you can keep it within reach or mount it hands-free when you need both hands on the task. Best of all is that its USB-C rechargeable, meaning no more hunting down batteries or swapping out dead AA batteries mid-task. Plug it into your power strip or your phone charger, and it’s ready to go. For the price and convenience, this little light earns its spot in your tool kit.
Tempest oil filter torque wrench / $99.85
Often called the “lollipop wrench” because of its, well, lollipop shape, the oil filter torque wrench might seem like a niche tool at first, but it quickly proves its worth in the hangar. Designed specifically for installing and removing aircraft oil filters, this one-inch hex torque wrench is built with simplicity and precision in mind. What makes it stand out is its ability to apply the exact torque recommended for oil filter installation, helping you avoid the common mistake of over- or under-tightening. This is critical not just for ease of removal during the next oil change, but also for ensuring a proper seal without damaging the filter or risking leaks. It’s the perfect size for the leverage you need, and the wrench ratchets so you can turn it in tight spaces—like the space between the oil filter and the firewall—without a fuss. Even if you’re eyeballing torque with a standard wrench, switching to a dedicated tool like the lollipop wrench brings consistency and peace of mind. It’s a small investment that pays off every time you use it.
Kinpthy borescope attachment / $30.99
This 1920P HD borescope phone attachment is exactly the tool for that job. Designed with a semi-rigid camera cable and eight adjustable LED lights, this borescope lets you inspect inside tight engine spaces, behind panels, or down tubing and ducts with ease. What sets this apart is the simple phone integration. No separate monitor or clunky hardware required. Just plug it into your phone, download the app, and instantly get a live, high-resolution video feed that makes it easy to identify issues like corrosion, foreign objects, or other problem areas that are otherwise impossible to see. You can even take photos or record videos for documentation or to review later with your A&P. Plus, its flexible yet sturdy probe makes it easy to maneuver, while the light intensity can be dialed up or down depending on how dark or reflective your inspection area is. Whether you’re performing an inspection, troubleshooting a maintenance issue, or just curious about what’s going on inside that cowling, this tool gives you the sight and insight, without taking anything apart.
Aerobatic pilot
By Chad Jones
Focus and precision are non-negotiable in aerobatic flight. There’s no room for distraction, and every piece of gear should work to support you when executing each sequence of maneuvers. Whether it’s a headset that stays secure throughout a snap roll or shoes that give you the tactile control needed to kick the rudder at the top of a hammerhead, your chosen tools can mean the difference between competitive-level performance and sloppy chops. If you’re an aspiring aerobatic pilot, we have you covered with this list of essentials.
—Aarron Deliu, aerobatic pilot
@aarrondeliu
LIFT aviation shoes / $139
Mini-Softie 240 parachute with aerobatic harness / $3,595
FAR 91.307 is clear: If you plan to intentionally bank your airplane more than 60 degrees or pitch the nose up or down 30 degrees relative to the horizon with passengers on board, everyone needs an approved parachute. The Mini Softie 240 is a compact, lightweight solution offered in 15- and 16-inch versions and is available with an aerobatic-specific harness to ensure comfort and security. The sticker price sits at the higher end of the gear spectrum, but emergency parachutes are low on the list of items you would want to fish out of a bargain bin. Should you ever need to pull on a ripcord, you’ll want the odds in your favor, so cut corners on things like store brand cereal and public transport instead.
Under Armour headband / $15
Cockpits get hot, and your sweat contains sodium chloride—the same stuff you shake on your French fries. When you’re intently focused on control inputs, the last thing you want to think about is the sting of sweat in your eyes. A breathable headband pulls double duty: It keeps sweat in check and helps secure your sunglasses and headset. Under Armour’s option dries quickly and has a nice stretch to it, but honestly, most headbands get the job done. They’re cheap and abundant, but don’t let that fool you. In my experience, it’s often the inexpensive gear that proves the most useful. This could end up being your favorite purchase.
Clarity Aloft Classic headset / $575
A good headset is one you forget you’re wearing. Still, you don’t want it sliding around mid-flight, and finding the right fit takes some trial and error. It’s give-and-take with clamping force—you want enough pressure to keep your headset firmly in place during maneuvers, but too much and it becomes an annoyance in short order. Weighing less than two ounces, the Clarity Aloft Classic headset is almost nonexistent. It boasts 29 to 47 decibel passive noise reduction, comes with six pairs of medium ear tips along with samples of their small- and large-sized tips, and offers solid performance for a reasonable price. It’s a popular choice; you’re sure to spot it on more than a few online aerobatic channels.
NFlightCam Smartphone Kit / $179.99
Sharing your flying experiences and inspiring others is one of the most rewarding aspects of aviation. And for aerobatic pilots, recording maneuvers can serve as a means of reviewing work and honing skills. Yet not every pilot wants to invest in a dedicated action camera, especially when almost everyone already carries a smartphone equipped with a capable camera. The NFlightCam Smartphone Cockpit Kit gives pilots the ability to capture the full scope of their flight by simply using their phones. The kit includes a suction cup and articulating arm, smartphone cradle, audio cable, and case. It’s an accessible alternative for pilots who want to document and share their adventures without a lot of extra gear.
Professional Pilot
By Julie Summers Walker
No one moves about the country—the world—like a professional pilot. While the average traveler spends hours packing for a trip, professional pilots must be ready at a moments’ notice and be prepared for every weather/delay/housing challenge flying for the airlines will throw at them.
—Peter A. Bedell, airline captain
Briggs & Riley 22-inch roller bag / $729
Randolph aviator sunglasses / $299
Actor Glen Powell wore Randolph Aviator sunglasses in the Korean War flying movie Devotion. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and George Clooney have worn the aviators in their movies too. Why does this matter? Well, it doesn’t, but the 52-year-old sunglass company started by two Polish emigrees is known for its quality, style, and, most important, devotion to aviators. The traditional teardrop design is inspired by military aviation. The bayonet temple tips—straight arms instead of curving around the ears—minimize discomfort under headsets. These handmade sunglasses involve 200 precise production stages, and the aviator style is the hallmark of the Massachusetts-based company. The nonpolarized, blue-mirrored lenses reduce glare and are designed for all light conditions.
Bombas Everyday compression
socks 3-pack / $90
Long flights take a toll on your body and can especially be dangerous when you stay seated too long (blood clots can form in your legs). Your legs and feet can also become very tired and achy on long flights. Compression socks work by softly tightening your ankles and legs with a graduated compression yarn. By now we all know the story of Bombas, the company started by two guys who were inspired by learning that socks were the most requested item in homeless shelters. Since 2013, Bombas has made socks, underwear, and other items and donate an equal amount to charity for every item they sell. Bombas compression socks come in a variety of colors and styles. They have honeycomb arch support and are very soft. Wearing them will improve your circulation, decrease swelling, reduce pain, and help speed up recovery after that long flight.
Flevel pilot document holder / $80
“Can you imagine if I was flying a flight to Japan and forgot my passport?” That was a question posed to me by an American Airlines captain when I asked him what was most important to carry with him on flights. The Flevel pilot documentation holder was designed by a professional pilot for just this reason. It holds all the documentation a pilot should have on their person—ID, certificates, passport, vaccination cards—all conveniently contained in a 5.5-inch by 4.3-inch leather or eco leather wallet available in five colors. The handmade documentation holder is emblazoned with a small aircraft on the bottom right, reminding pilots that this is important for flight.
Frogg Toggs Pilot II jacket / $139.99
Who hasn’t sweated through a humid, rain-soaked day in a jacket seemingly designed by weight-loss fanatics? Trapped in a thick rubberlike encasement, your rain protection feels more like a sauna than a rain forest. That’s the secret behind Frogg Toggs rain gear. Made from a specialized medical fabric, the material is as thin as a paper towel but as rain resistant as that aforementioned rubber suit. DriPore is the waterproof fabric that these jackets are made of, and the jackets have fully taped, sealed seams, without “sealing” you in. Breathability and ease of movement are also built into this versatile rain jacket for those days when you step out of the aircraft into a monsoon.
Backcountry Pilot
By Ian Wilder
As a backcountry aviator, being prepared for whatever comes your way is paramount. Remote strips are some of the most beautiful in the country but also demand unique gear considerations. Your airplane is not only your ticket in and out but also needs to become a mobile survival platform. Shelter, fire, and water are the core in any backcountry environment and the same needs to be in your airplane for every trip in the country. Weight considerations unique to flying also make picking the right backcountry gear a challenge for every mission.
I use a Jetboil on almost every camping trip and always have one in the airplane as part of my survival gear. No matter where you end up or get stuck, a warm meal always ends the flight on a good note.
—Jon Kotwicki, flight school owner
@fly8ma | fly8ma.com
Jetboil Zip 0.8 L Fast Boil System / $109.95
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus / $499.99
Although not a replacement for an emergency location transmitter, the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a function-packed emergency beacon that can be used to keep in touch with your loved ones when camping at a backcountry strip. While many features require a monthly subscription, the device will allow you to exchange texts, photos, and voice messages without cellular service—features that also work at cruise altitude. It also contains interactive SOS features, which allow you to communicate two-way with emergency service coordinators. With a battery life advertised at 600 hours, the device will comfortably survive long trips. It’s turbo-compact at 4.1 ounces and almost small enough to fit in any pocket. The inReach Messenger Plus works standalone without a cellphone, although some functionality requires (or works better) when paired with one.
Big-Screw EZ tiedown / $189.95
Lighter aircraft make backcountry flying a breeze, but it’s important that you have the appropriate tiedowns for backcountry flying. The Big Screw EZ tiedown system will work in just about every surface, and the aptly named 18-inch screws won’t go anywhere after putting in the work of wrenching them into the ground. For absolute efficiency, an impact wrench will have them in the ground in seconds. The 10-foot attachment straps also work on regular concrete tiedowns, saving you from having a dedicated airport and backcountry set of tiedown ropes. While chocks are great to have, this kit is another way to ensure that your aircraft remains secured in place if winds start to blow harder than expected. The set includes a carrying and storage bag and weighs in at 10 pounds.
Marmot Tungsten two-person tent with footprint / $249
The core principles of survival are shelter, heat, and water. You should never venture out into the backcountry without any of the three, and the Marmot Tungsten tent with a footprint is an excellent shelter to suit your backcountry needs. Tents are a balancing act between space, price, and weight, and this tent is a good balance of all three. Weighing in at 5 pounds, 14 ounces, it doesn’t even cost you a full gallon of gas to include in the back of your airplane. It's big enough to be comfortable but light enough to never warrant taking it out of your airplane for weight and balance. By far, its best feature is two doors, both with their own vestibules, which makes it a phenomenal two-person sleeper with no climbing over your tent partner required to exit the tent.
Amazon Basics vacuum seal bags / $9
The longer you plan to stay at remote strips, the more you’ll have to pack into storage compartments that aren’t always generous. You may also end up having to shift stuff between a storage compartment and the back seat to fit in the weight and balance envelope. Vacuum seal bags solve both problems. You can shrink anything bulky down into its smallest size. From there, weigh the bag, grab a piece of masking tape, and write in the weight. You can then toss it in the back of the airplane knowing exactly how much it weighs and can record all the weights on a piece of paper for your weight and balance calculations. If you fall out of the envelope, you know exactly how much each bag weighs and you can shift them as needed without having to guestimate how much it weighs and accidentally end up outside the envelope.
CFI
By Elle Colbert
Whether you’re a seasoned CFI or just starting your instructing journey, your gear can make all the difference. From ground school to checkrides, these items will help enhance your lessons, keep you organized, and ensure you and your students have fun along the way. Here are some suggestions that will keep you mission-prepared in the right seat.
—Mary Katherine (MK) Aaronson, CFI
@jetwaymk
Pilot Sheets debrief pro sheets / $4.99
Sporty's Instant IFR clip-on training
glasses / $24.95
Have your students ever complained about their glasses getting in the way while instrument training? That problem can be left behind with the help of Sporty’s Instant IFR Clip-On Training Glasses. The clip-on attachment can be easily added to prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses in seconds for comfortable, smooth instrument training. Students can quickly switch between instrument conditions and VFR by simply flipping the attachment up or down. Sporty’s Instant IFR Clip-On glasses are also a CFI favorite because they allow an unobstructed view of the wearer, unlike many IFR hoods. Additionally, the clip-on attachment is compact and durable for the busy on-the-go CFI or student. When not in use, the clip-on will attach to different objects, including kneeboards, notebooks, or flight bags.
Mini Cessna 172 training aid / $9.50
According to the National Institutes of Health, 65 percent of the population are visual learners, so why not add more visuals to your lesson plans? Sporty’s Mini Cessna 172 Training Aid combines value, reliability, durability, and ease of use to take your instruction to the next level, helping students better visualize hold entries, landing procedures, aerodynamics, and various techniques. The training aid is small enough that it can easily fit into a flight bag, so instructors can always be prepared to give a visual lesson on the fly. At just $9.50, Sporty’s Mini Cessna 172 Training Aid will provide an excellent return on investment for you and your students.
Stationary Pal fun sticky notes / $2.10
One of the most useful and inexpensive tools in a CFIs toolbox is the sticky note. Covering certain instruments can help simulate an instrument failure and help students develop their partial-panel skills. But eventually, the same yellow sticky notes get old. Stationery Pal has set out to add some spice to your everyday stationery, turning virtually anything you can think of into a sticky note pad. From cute cats to pieces of French toast, Stationery Pal has a design for everyone. If a realistic fish or shimmering image of Mars is not your style, Stationery Pal offers more conservative designs as well. These include transparent and ruled note pads for those who like a clean sheet while instructing, literally. Some of Stationery Pal’s sticky note pads cost as little as 30 cents and the company runs sales often.
Flight Gear emergency backup keychain battery / $9.95
A lot of training aircraft are limited in space, so why let your backup battery take up more than necessary? Sporty’s Flight Gear Emergency backup battery allows you to carry extra energy in an emergency, right on your keychain. With 2,000 mAh, the backup battery packs a punch for measuring in at just 2.75 inches in height and 1.75 inches in width. The backup battery also features both Type-C and Lightning charging cords, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once and never worry about leaving cables behind. As a bonus, on the back of the battery there are illustrations for the emergency ABCD checklist, transponder codes, and GUMPS. That’s not all: Sporty’s Flight Gear Emergency backup battery includes a flashlight as well for whatever your next lesson entails.
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