Call today for a free consultation! 1-800-481-0918

Pilot tools

This is a list of tools we use to fly and we recommend to you as well. We have listed budget options where possible as we realize that money can be tight in getting your ratings. 

Let's start with the essentials:

  • Tablet
  • Tablet mount
  • EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)
  • Headset
  • Kneeboard
  • ADSB receiver

Optional but highly recommended

  • Fuel stick
  • Fuel tester
  • Home simulator
  • Powerbank
  • Flight bag
  • Headlamp
  • Handheld radio

Tablet

iPads are the best choice here. More stable, more predictable. However if you are a religuos anti-Apple person a high end Android will get you there as well. We recommend a standard sized iPad. If you have great eyes and like smaller the mini will do just fine. If you want to splash like our CFI-geek Jan does get the pro. An apple pencil will help once you are comfortable writing on it, otherwise just write on your kneeboard. Our experience is: while you are getting all your ratings: write on paper, once you are a pilot you will write on your ipad. On a budget? Get a refurbished iPad. Don't get anything more than one previous generation as it will be sluggish with the modern EFBs 

Tablet mount

Best choice is a RAM window mount. Yes it will remove 10º of outside visibility which is easily compensated by moved your head but it adds a huge amount of situational awareness and safety. Flying with an ipad on your lap, in particular in situations that demand attention is very dangerous. 


EFB (Electronic Flight Bag)

To have up to date charts, plates, weather and much more with you at all times you will need an EFB. The two big players in the US are Foreflight and Garmin Pilot. We recommend trying both (free for 30 days) then pick one. Foreflight is somewhat more advanced but also a bit harder to learn and is Apple only. Garmin Pilot will also run on Android phones and tablets. 
Make sure to have a backup! If your ipad fails: your phone is your backup. If your phone is Android Garmin becomes a logical choice as it runs on both.

Jamie's choice: Foreflight. More advanced!
Jan's choice: Garmin Pilot. Simpler, cheaper and also runs on Android

If you want to totally geek out: here is a 5 part youtube series Jan made with Geezergeek Pilot.  

Headset

 

If you can afford it buy a headset with active noise cancelling. It's worth it. They are really expensive but they will also last 20 years if you treat them well. Careful with buying them used. If from a local pilot you know: fine. Online there are many scams. Another benefit of buying new is the warranty. Jan's Bose's microphone broke twice (probably due to his mishandling) in 5 years, Bose repaired for free ($180 listprice for repair). Once out of warranty all the big brands have good repair programs in place. Here are your key options:

  • Bose A30
  • David Clark One X
  • Zulu Lightspeed

Kneeboard

A kneeboard is essential to keep paper checklist and make notes. In particular during training and checkrides.

 

ADSB receiver

 

Optional but highly recommended

 

Fuel stick

Some schools and airplane rentals provide them but not all. Make sure to find out how the situation is at where you go. When you start with us your instructor will have one if the plane doesn't. Before going solo make sure to get one for the plane you fly as they are specific to the plane

Fuel tester

Same as above! The fuel testers are generic though so you only need one.

 

Home simulator

Flying from home can help you to train yourself on process, comms and airport familiarity. If you can afford it highly recommended. The simulator of choice is X-Plane and it will run on both PC and Mac equally well. If you want to splash more get bigger screens, more and better controls etc. 

Powerbank

Get a good powerbank, on long days you will easily run out of battery on multiple items including ipad, phone and adsb devices. Anker makes a great powerbank. 

 

Flight bag

You can start with your favourite backpack but as you start flying more a good bag that always has your gear ready to go can be very helpful. Our favourite? The American design Peak Design Messenger/Tote 

 

Headlamp

Make sure to get a headlamp for you nightflying. You will need white light for inspections and red light for flying, in particular as many rental planes dont have adequate panel lighting. This headlight is affordable and has aaa batteries so you can bring an extra set. 

 

Handheld radio

Yaesu makes a fine radio which you only have to charge once a month. It’s not only a great backup for radio but also for VOR and GPS. Comes with a headset adaptor. Additionally if you use it to get weather before firing up your engine it will pay for itself in the first year (by hobbs savings)