TheHangarOfficeGuides & Gear
Pilot study guides, planning tools and the gear we recommend, all in one place. Tap any card for previews and details.
BundlesToolsStudy guidesRecommended gear
Free Pilot Training Guide: Paths to Free Flight Training
Free and paid-for paths into flying, with the PPL checkride checklist included. Plus one short email a week on training, costs and lessons from real NTSB cases.
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Bundles best value
Bundle savings are the real difference from the list prices below.
BundleStudent Pilot Starter BundleTraining cost estimator + W&B calculator.$21 
BundleAircraft Owner BundleBuyer's toolkit + W&B calculator.$33 
BundleHangar Complete BundleAll three student and owner tools.$42 Individual tools
ToolFlight Training Cost Estimator & Budget PlannerPlan PPL, IR and CPL costs and track hours against 14 CFR 61.109.$14Details →
ToolAircraft Weight & Balance CalculatorWeight, moment and CG the PHAK way, with an envelope check.$12Details →
ToolSmall Aircraft Buyer's ToolkitPre-buy and logbook checklists, ownership costs, partnership worksheet.$29Details →
ToolPart 135 SMS Starter KitSafety management system templates for small on-demand operators.$199Details →Study guides
Study guidePPL Study GuideAn expert-built checkride oral study guide from a former military aviator. Every answer cited to FAA sources.$14Details →
Study guideMilitary-to-Civilian Pilot Transition KitTurn military flying into an FAA certificate: 14 CFR 61.73 steps, GI Bill checklist, document tracker.$24Details →Want something free first? Grab the free Pilot Training Guide.
Recommended gear
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 I 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.
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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