TheHangarOfficePilot Gear We Recommend
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, TheHangarOffice may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We only list gear that's widely used and well regarded by pilots and instructors.
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.
Link coming soon
Jeppesen or ASA pilot logbook
Log every flight from day one. Your examiner will review it.
Link coming soon
ASA E6B flight computer
The manual whiz-wheel still used on FAA knowledge tests and in cross-country planning.
Link coming soon
Plotter and kneeboard
A rotating plotter and a lap kneeboard keep charts and notes in reach.
Link coming soon
Flight bag
A padded pilot bag such as a Flight Outfitters or Brightline model holds the headset, iPad and docs.
Link coming soon
Checkride prep
FAR/AIM (current edition)
The regulations and procedures your examiner will ask you to explain.
Link coming soon
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.
Link coming soon
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.
Link coming soon · Link coming soon
View-limiting device
Foggles or an IFR hood for simulated instrument time.
Link coming soon
iPad mini and kneeboard mount
The most common EFB platform for ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot.
Link coming soon
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.
Link coming soon
Cowl plugs and pitot cover
Keep birds, bugs and water out while you're parked.
Link coming soon
Portable CO detector
A cheap layer of protection against exhaust leaks.
Link coming soon
Product names are trademarks of their owners. TheHangarOffice isn't affiliated with or endorsed by these brands.