TheHangarOfficePilot Gear We Recommend
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Organized by where you are in your training. Always check with your CFI and your aircraft's POH before buying anything for the cockpit.
Student pilot starter kit
David Clark H10-13.4 headset
A durable passive headset that has been a flight-school standard for decades.
Jeppesen or ASA pilot logbook
Log every flight from day one. Your examiner will review it.
ASA E6B flight computer
The manual whiz-wheel still used on FAA knowledge tests and in cross-country planning.
Plotter and kneeboard
A rotating plotter and a lap kneeboard keep charts and notes in reach.
Flight bag
A padded pilot bag such as a Flight Outfitters or Brightline model holds the headset, iPad and docs.
More essentials
Pilot flashlight (white and red)
White light for the preflight walkaround, red light in the cockpit at night to help protect your night vision.
Non-polarized aviator sunglasses
Polarized lenses can make glass-cockpit displays and iPad screens look dark or blotchy at some angles. Non-polarized lenses keep them readable.
Checkride prep
FAR/AIM (current edition)
The regulations and procedures your examiner will ask you to explain.
Private Pilot knowledge test prep
ASA's Private Pilot Test Prep covers the FAA knowledge test with explanations for every answer and comes with Prepware online practice tests.
Online ground school
Structured video courses (e.g., Sporty's or Pilot Institute) for the knowledge test and the oral exam.
Link coming soon
Oral exam guide
Question-and-answer prep such as ASA's Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide.
Instrument & advanced
Lightspeed or Bose ANR headset
Active noise reduction cuts fatigue on long cross-countries. The Lightspeed Zulu and Bose A30 are popular choices.
Lightspeed: Link coming soon Bose A30 on Amazon
iPad mini and kneeboard mount
The most common EFB platform for ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot.
Portable ADS-B receiver
A Sporty's Stratus or Garmin GDL unit brings traffic and weather onto your EFB.
Link coming soon
Aircraft ownership
Fuel sampler (GATS jar)
Check every sump for water and contamination on every preflight.
Cowl plugs and pitot cover
Keep birds, bugs and water out while you're parked.
Portable CO detector
An affordable layer of protection against exhaust and heater leaks.
Gifts for pilots
"Remove Before Flight" keychain
The red streamer from every ramp, as an embroidered key tag. A small, easy gift for any pilot or student.
Stick and Rudder
Wolfgang Langewiesche's classic on angle of attack and the art of flying. First published in 1944 and still widely recommended by instructors.
Military to civilian pilots
Resources that can help veterans moving from military to civilian flying. FAA requirements depend on your records and goals, so confirm the current rules for your situation before you start studying.
Commercial Pilot and Military Competency test prep
ASA's Commercial Pilot Test Prep covers the FAA Commercial Pilot knowledge tests and the Military Competency (MCN) knowledge test, with Prepware online practice tests.
Airline interview prep
Cheryl Cage's Checklist for Success walks you from the application through the airline interview and is written with career changers in mind.
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