Top Picks is our short list of pilot gear we would actually recommend, grouped by the kit student pilots and aviation fans ask us about most. Every product here ties back to one of our in-depth guides, so you can read the reasoning, and the safety and regulation notes, before you buy.
Headsets
A headset is the biggest gear decision most student pilots make. Our guide to the best aviation headsets under $500 explains passive versus active noise reduction and what to check before you buy, and the student pilot gear checklist covers when you actually need your own. Check the plug type your school’s aircraft use first.
Passive headsets: rugged and reliable
- Bundle Savings: This headset comes bundled with a Single Headset Bag providing exceptional value
- Comfort Features: Super-soft double-foam headpad and undercut gel ear seals provide exceptional comfort during long flig…
- Noise Reduction: Features impressive passive noise reduction rating of 23 dB for enhanced audio clarity
- SUPERIOR AUDIO CLARITY – Featuring a premier noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24db and stereo sound output, this aviation…
- COMFORTABLE AND DURABLE DESIGN – Designed for extended wear during long flights that can withstand the rigors of regular…
- HIGH-QUALITY MICROPHONE – Equipped with an electret noise-canceling microphone with preamp on 360° flex boom, ensuring y…
Budget active noise reduction (ANR)
- Backed by FARO’s World-Famous Commercial-Grade Three-Year Replacement Warranty. Pilot Care Service Centers in U.S.
- Premium Pleather Ear Protection offers up to an incredible 52db of Noise Reduction with Active noise compression technol…
- MP3/Radio/iPod/iPad Compatible
Premium ANR headsets
If you are buying a big-ticket headset as a gift, our gifts for pilots guide explains why it pays to check which headset and plug they want first.
- UNPARALLELED COMFORT: The Bose A30 is a full-sized circumaural aviation headset with a lightweight design and 20% lower …
- PRECISION-FOCUSED NOISE CANCELLING MICROPHONE: The Bose A30’s microphone is engineered for aircraft with “hot mic” or PT…
- FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a CERTIFIED: The Bose A30’s robust design has passed 145 tests by the Bose engineering and qu…
- Premium Comfort: Weighing just 14.9 ounces, this noise canceling aviation headset has a low-profile and tapered performa…
- Carbon Monoxide Sensor: Built-in Kanari smart alert technology measures aircraft cabin carbon monoxide levels and provid…
- Integrated App: Lightspeed's app smoothly integrates key features CO monitoring, personalized EQ settings, and conversat…
Safety: carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, and an active detector with an alert you can notice while wearing a headset is a sensible addition to any piston aircraft. Our guide to the best carbon monoxide detectors for UK pilots covers what the UK CAA rule requires and the features that matter. It is a research-based comparison, so check the latest CAA documents and your aircraft documentation before you buy.
- AVIATION CO MONITORING – Real-time CO readings from 0-500 ppm for pilots, ground crew, maintenance technicians, and insp…
- INDUSTRIAL and SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS – Trusted by pilots, flight schools, ground crew, aviation maintenance technician…
- HANDS-FREE IN THE COCKPIT – Compact lightweight design with steel clip, lanyard loop, and optional removable panel mount…
Training gear
Most kit can wait until you are further into training. Our essential pilot gear checklist for student pilots explains what you need and when, and what the FAA and UK CAA say about the items that matter for safety. Ask your school which logbook format and flight computer they prefer before you buy.
Logbook and kneeboard
- VFR PILOT KNEEBOARD: Durable brushed-aluminum kneeboard creates a stable writing surface for flight notes while keeping …
- BUILT-IN VFR QUICK REFERENCE: Includes VFR ceiling, visibility and cloud-clearance information, cruising altitudes, comm…
- STRONG METAL CLIPBOARD: Wide 4-3/4-inch metal clip securely holds charts, checklists, flight plans, notes and other nece…
Flight computer and plotter
- Rotating azimuth eases flight planning.
Torch and flight bag
- Three Color Modes: Easily switch between red, green, and white LED lights for optimal cockpit visibility.
- Adjustable Beam Focus: Toggle between flood and spot beam settings for precision lighting.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: Runs up to 17 hours in red mode and 14 hours in white mode (batteries included).
- SLEEK LOOK – The Flight Outfitters Lift Pro 2.0 is a thoughtfully designed, airline-pilot-friendly upgrade to the origin…
- AMPLE PROTECTION – The Lift Pro 2.0 is carefully organized to provide pilots with quick, easy access to the most importa…
- FUNCTIONAL FLIGHT BACKPACK – The Lift Pro 2.0 Flight Backpack provides ample room for essential accessories; there are d…
More training gear guides on the way
Coming soon: Best flight bags for student pilots
Coming soon: Best pilot kneeboards
Coming soon: Paper vs digital pilot logbooks
Coming soon: Best pilot sunglasses: why non-polarised lenses matter
Gifts for pilots
Buying for a pilot? Our gifts for pilots by budget guide has ideas from stocking fillers to big-ticket kit, with four quick questions to ask before you buy so the gift gets used every flight.
Classic flying books
Stocking fillers and something special
A small favourite: this embroidered Remove Before Flight key tag, which also glows in the dark.
- Get instant red light or variable intensities of white light with a built-in LED flashlight.
- Preserve your night vision with red shift mode, which filters out blue light.
- Stay aware with a high-resolution 1.4” AMOLED touchscreen.
Flight sim
For a home setup, the best-known desktop option is the Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke System, often sold in a bundle with the matching rudder pedals, as covered in our gifts for pilots guide.
Coming soon: Home flight sim starter kit for student pilots
We update this page as new guides go live. Have a product you think belongs here? Let us know.
Looking for printable planners and checklists? See our Digital Downloads.
Frequently asked questions
How are these picks chosen?
This is a short list of pilot gear we would actually recommend, grouped by the kit student pilots and aviation fans ask us about most. Every product here ties back to one of our in-depth guides, so you can read the reasoning, and the safety and regulation notes, before you buy.
Are the links on this page affiliate links?
Yes. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do prices stay the same?
No. Prices and availability change often, so check the live price on the retailer’s site before you buy.
Who sells these products?
The product buttons go to Amazon. We are not the seller. Check the live listing for stock, delivery and the current price.
The Aviatorfinds Team
Affiliate disclosure: AviatorFinds is reader-supported and participates in affiliate programmes, including Amazon Associates. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change often, so check the live price on the retailer’s site before you buy.
Photo: Kristopher Allison via Wikimedia Commons (Unsplash), CC0.