pilot gifts Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/tag/pilot-gifts/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:08:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Top 7 Prime Day 2024 Deals for Pilots https://www.flyingmag.com/top-7-prime-day-deals-for-pilots/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:08:00 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=184665 Find the perfect items for your pilot family members during Amazon's Prime Days for 2024 - July 16 and July 17.

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Amazon’s Prime Days for 2024 – July 16 and July 17 – are around the corner, so it may be time to start considering what items or gifts would best suit your flight instructor, hangar neighbor, or pilot family members. While gifts for aviators can run on the expensive side, Amazon Prime has some deals this week that might appeal. Here are a few we found:

Levi’s Men’s Faux Leather Aviator Bomber Jacket: It’s warm and features multiple pockets with snap closures, upper zipper pockets, welt pockets, and a hidden interior pocket.

Oakley SI Jupiter Squared Aviator Sunglasses for Men: The lenses provide optical clarity and razor-sharp vision as well as clarity and protection against impact and UV light.

SOJOS Retro Aviator Sunglasses for Women: The lenses filter out sunlight reflected glare and protect eyes from long term damage by blocking UVA and UVB rays.

Four-Channel Remote Control Airplane for Beginners: This classic airplane has a simple operation mode that only needs to press the switch and pull the stick to easily control the aircraft’s aerobatics. (Only good on 7/16)

MiiKARE Airplane Travel Essentials Phone Holder: This essential travel phone holder is designed to free up your hands and enhance your travel experience. It features multi-directional and 360-degree rotation.

Protective Hard Shell for MacBook Air: This shell from SoonJet fits snugly like a second skin, allows easy access to all ports and ensures smooth opening and closing. (only good on 7/16)

Small Portable Charger with Built-in Cables: Sethruki boasts that this is the slimmest and the smallest of portable chargers with cables, weighing only 122 grams and shaped like a credit card. (only good on 7/16)

Editor’s note: This article is not intended as an endorsement of the products listed, but rather as a list of options that may be of interest.

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Best 2024 Father’s Day Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts https://www.flyingmag.com/guides/best-2024-fathers-day-gifts-for-pilots-and-aviation-enthusiasts/ Tue, 21 May 2024 19:59:41 +0000 /?p=208014 Make your aviation-loving dad feel special this holiday.

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Father’s Day is quickly approaching on June 16, and if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the aviation-loving dad in your life, we’ve got you covered. Here are some high-flying surprises that will surely put a smile on his face.

From an aviation enthusiast to a certified pilot, there is a unique gift to satisfy every interest. Have fun browsing our curated list, and remember, whatever you choose, it’s the thought that counts.

Quick Look: Top Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

Aviation Gifts Your Dad Will Love

Whether your dad is a pilot or an aviation enthusiast, these gifts are sure to make his day special. Enjoy browsing our handpicked list to get your Father’s Day gift search started.

Personalized Vintage Wooden Propeller

Best for: Aviation art fan

Vintage wooden propellers make fantastic decorative pieces for aviation enthusiasts. This 46-inch Personalized Vintage Propeller from Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection is handcrafted of wood, replicating propellers from the early days of aviation. The center hub has chrome-plated tacks to simulate bolts and a keyhole mounted on the back for easy hanging. The custom design of up to 18 characters takes about two business days to complete.

Price: $39.99

Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light

Best for: Usefulness

A flashlight is an essential tool in any pilot’s flight bag and this Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light offers a one-stop solution for the aviator in your life with its built-in, red-and-white lights. This light is so much more than just a headlamp for hands-free operations, as its durable clip also allows it to be placed almost anywhere in the flight deck. The light uses two AAA batteries (included) to provide up to 100 hours of use.

Price: $29.95

Liquor Decanter and Glasses

Best for: Uniqueness

This unique liquor decanter and matching glasses with an etched globe design are the perfect gift for a dad who enjoys to kick back and relax with his favorite beverage after a long day of work. These handcrafted products are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on any pilot or aviation enthusiast. The decanter holds 1,000 milliliters of liquor, while the glasses are perfect for up to a 10-ounce cocktail.

Price: Decanter ($120), Glasses ($29)

Custom Tail Number Replica Sign

Best for: Airplane lovers

For the dad that doesn’t just love aircraft but wants to own a piece of one, this custom tail number replica is perfect for any aircraft owner or aviation enthusiast. This custom wall art looks great in any home, office, or hangar. Each sign is approximately 16-by-30 inches and made from metal. Due to its custom nature and high demand, allow up to five weeks for delivery.

Price: $229.95

Flight Outfitters Centerline Kneeboard

Best for: Pilots in training

Pilots in training may feel overwhelmed with all the new information and tools thrown at them. Help out your student pilot dad by keeping him organized in the flight deck to reduce any stress. This Flight Outfitters Centerline Kneeboard has been test flown and proven to be one of the best and reliable on the market. The small kneeboard can accommodate all versions of the iPad Mini, while the large can accommodate iPad 5-9, iPad Air 1-4, and iPad Pro 9.7-11 inch.

Price: $69.95 (small) + $5 (large)

Learn To Fly Course – Private Pilot Ground School

Best for: Online course for obtaining a private pilot license

There are numerous private pilot training ground school courses available on the market. However, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course – Private Pilot Ground School has everything needed to prepare the prospective flyer in your life for his written test and help him earn his private pilot certificate. With online ground school, FAA test prep, and real-world training, this course is available in one easy-to-use package. 

If you want to take your gift to the next level, Sporty’s also offers its Deluxe Learn To Fly Course Kit ($499), which includes everything a student pilot could need, from video training to essential pilot supplies.

Price: $299

Flight Gear iPad Bag

Best for: Personalized gifts

If your dad has all the pilot supplies, but needs a new place to store them, then this Flight Gear iPad Bag is perfect. Custom embroidery is available for an additional $9.95 to make the bag distinctively unique, but you should allow up to two additional business days for personalization. If you’re looking for something equally customizable, but with a little more storage space, the Flight Gear Tailwind Backpack ($99.95) is another great option for the pilot in your life. 

Price: $79.95 + $9.95 for custom embroidery

‘Flight’ by R.G. Grant

Best for: Book gift

Flight by R.G. Grant is a stunning visual celebration of aircraft from around the world, and the pioneers who made a dream become reality. It is a historical and visual exploration of awe-inspiring aviation over a period of 100 years, from the earliest airplane prototypes to supersonic jets. This all-encompassing read is sure to take your aviation-loving dad on a thrilling exploration of some of the greatest commercial and military aircraft ever made.

Price: $48.32

Buy Your Gift While You’re Thinking About It

We hope you found something on our list to meet your dad’s unique tastes and interests. As we’ve pointed out, many of these gifts can be personalized to make them even more meaningful. With Father’s Day just around the corner, make sure you place your order now to ensure the gift arrives in time for the special day.

FAQ

What do pilots need?

Pilots need many supplies to carry out their missions effectively, however, many of these are specific to their likes and needs, like a flight bag, flashlight, kneeboard, etc. Therefore, before you invest in a specific tool for the pilot in your life, check with them to ensure it will meet their unique needs.

What’s in a pilot’s bag?

Pilots carry many supplies in their flight bags, some of which include a headset, kneeboard, tablet, flight computer, flashlight, multitool, dipstick, hand-held radio, portable charger, logbook, etc.

Where can I buy gifts for pilots?

Aviation-focused stores, like Sporty’s, are a great place to buy gifts for pilots. Many of these gifts have been handpicked by pilots for pilots and the stores often offer curated gift guides to meet any budget and need.

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The Best Gifts for Pilots and Really Anyone Who Likes Aviation https://www.flyingmag.com/the-best-gifts-for-pilots-and-really-anyone-who-likes-aviation/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:31:40 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=190492 Stuff I bought and liked: the actually cool holiday gifts edition.

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The holiday season often turns into a self-shopping spree for me, as I inevitably end up picking more for myself than for friends and family. So, I thought, why not share a guide of cool aviation-related items I’ve bought for myself and others who share a passion for flying. It’s the perfect time of year to indulge a little!

A beautiful model is a good option for aviation enthusiasts. [Courtesy: MidwestModelStore.com]

Aircraft Models

I have a special place in my heart for Aeromexico—it’s a family legacy. That’s why the MD-80 Aeromexico model from MidwestModelStore.com immediately caught my eye (though I was tempted by the 777 model too). Aircraft models are a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast. They probably haven’t treated themselves to one, and these models are always well received. I can’t recommend MidwestModelStore.com enough—they’ve got everything from Falcon 7X to A350s.

Pricing: $40 and up

Customized gear adds a unique touch to holiday gift-giving. [Courtesy: Aeroswag.com]

Aviation Merchandise

Ever thought about a phone case, T-shirt, or mouse pad customized with your home airport identifier or a sectional chart? Aeroswag has you covered. I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent browsing its custom gear. Gifts from here always get a great reaction for being personal and unique. Plus, they’ve got FLYING gear too. Check out its extensive collection.

Pricing: $10 and up

Join us! [FLYING]

FLYING Magazine

Alright, a bit of a bias alert here since I had a hand in this. But honestly a FLYING Magazine subscription is an amazing gift for anyone who loves aviation. Each issue is like a little collectible, not just another magazine. If you love the idea of being thanked all year round, our holiday bundle is the way to go. It includes FLYING, Plane & Pilot, KITPLANES, and more. Plus, you snag a free T-shirt with each bundle. That was FLYING Media Group CEO Craig Fuller’s idea. Good thinking, Craig.

Bundle subscription (best value)

FLYING-only subscription

A PC built to provide a great flight sim experience makes a fantastic gift for yourself or the aviation enthusiast in your life. [Courtesy: DogHouse Systems]

Flight Sim PC

If you’re into tech but don’t have the spare hours to build and spec out a gaming PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator, we’ve got you covered. We teamed up with DogHouse Systems to take the hassle out of the process. The result? A ready-to-go PC that’s tailor-made for your flight sim needs. It’s pretty much a plug-and-play deal—set it up and you’re ready to soar right from your home. Check it out here! 

Pricing: $4,995

You can’t go wrong with a great watch. [Courtesy: Garmin]

Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro Smartwatch

If you’ve listened to Justin Siems from the Pilot to Pilot podcast, you’ve probably heard him go on and on about this watch. It’s got a built-in red and white flashlight, incredible battery life, and all the features a pilot could need. I reluctantly admit, Siems is right. This watch has been one of my best flying purchases—it’s like having a flight bag on your wrist.

Pricing: $1,399.99

Headsets are always a popular pilot gift. [Courtesy: Bose Aviation]

Bose A30 Aviation Headset

I was a die-hard A20 fan until Bose rolled out the A30. I caved when I saw the free speaker promo and, man, no regrets. The A30s are a solid step up. Now, when I have company in the cockpit, they get to use my old A20s—a definite upgrade from my first PPL headset.

Pricing: $1,299

Nothing beats having the right flight bag. [Courtesy: Flight Outfitters]

Flight Outfitters Lift Bag

I’ve tried a ton of flight bags, but nothing beats the Lift Bag from Flight Outfitters. It’s the perfect size for all my gear and fits snugly in every plane I’ve flown. I even snagged another one as a gift for a pilot buddy. They’re seriously top notch.

Pricing: $89

A Cessna 150 could make a great holiday gift to yourself. [Courtesy: AircraftForSale.com]

Aircraft For Sale

Just for fun, have a look at this Cessna 150 and Cirrus SR22. They’re amazing deals. I’ve been debating the Cessna 150 myself; it’s an incredible find. I’ve been kind of gatekeeping it for myself, but the world needs to know about it. If you’re serious about these or other aircraft, FLYING Financial Group can assist. Chief commercial officer Preston Holland there is great help.

That’s all. Remember this  also can really just be a gift guide for the new stuff you buy for yourself. 

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