The New Pilot's Guide To Starter Equipment

The New Pilot's Guide To Starter Equipment

Posted by Richard G. on Jun 12th 2025

Entering the world of aviation is an exciting journey, but one that requires the right tools. As an aviation student, there are a number of essential items you'll need to get started. This article aims to guide you through the selection of your starter equipment, helping you make informed choices from the very beginning.

Essential Books

To build your knowledge base, start with foundational FAA publications.  FAA publications such as the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) and the Airplane Flying Handbook are indispensable resources. 

These manuals will give you a comprehensive overview of aviation theory and practice:

  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK): Covers a broad range of topics that are required knowledge for all pilots at any level, and a key reference for all the information necessary to operate an aircraft and to pass the FAA Knowledge Exam and Practical Test (checkride).
  • Airplane Flying Handbook: Includes all of the information required by the FAA for in-flight operations and provides information and guidance on the procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification.
  • Jeppesen Guided Flight Discovery Private Pilot Manual: An excellent companion to FAA books, designed with illustrations and layout perfect for classroom settings.  It essentially recaps the information in the FAA books but presents it in a digestible, classroom-friendly format.
  • Gleim Pilot Logbook: Durable and easy to use, this reliable logbook is a favorite among students and instructors.

Flight Bags

The first step to finding the right bag is understanding what you’ll be putting in it, and for that, you’ll want to check out our pilot packing guide, where we break down all of the essentials that should be in every flight bag.

And when you’re ready to pick a bag, here are some to consider:

  • Brightline B7 Flight Pilot Bag: Accommodates one or two full-sized headsets, a complete set of charts, multiple iPads, a handheld radio, and essential accessories. It doubles as an excellent carry-on for commercial flights and serves as a versatile daily bag for various personal and professional needs.
  • Flight Bag PLC Lite by MyGoFlight: Lightweight, compact, and ideal for student pilots or short flights. Built with durable ballistic nylon and smart compartments to keep all your essentials easily accessible.
  • ASA AirClassics Flight Bag: Crafted from resilient 600D polyester with water-repellent properties, this bag features robust, connectable comfort-grip handles, a detachable non-slip carry strap, durable zippers, and additional reinforcing straps for heightened strength.
  • Flight Outfitters Lift XL Flight Bag: Offers ample storage capacity (accommodating two headsets) and enhanced organizational features while maintaining the distinctive design that makes Flight Outfitters bags cockpit-friendly.

For more bags, check out our entire selection of flight bags.

Aviation Headsets

A pilot’s headset is one of their most important tools, and choosing the right one requires a bit of time and research. There are many things to consider when selecting a headset, such as what type of aircraft you’ll be flying, the level of noise in your cockpit, whether or not you need Bluetooth, and more.

Your headset is your lifeline in the cockpit. Here are some headsets to consider:  

Fortunately, Marv Golden has already provided a comprehensive breakdown of aviation headsets in our Aviation Headset Guide. And when you’re ready, check out our selection of aviation headsets.

Navigation Tools

Two navigation tools that all pilots need to learn to use are a plotter and an E6-B flight computer.

For the plotter, we recommend the ASA Ultimate Rotating Plotter as a reliable choice.

  • ASA Ultimate Rotating Plotter: An affordable plotter that’s made out of durable material, ensuring it won’t break or warp under extreme pressure.

As for your E6-B flight computer, we recommend starting with the budget-friendly ASA Paper E6-B Flight Computer. Once you’ve spent some time learning to use it, upgrade to the ASA CX-3 Electronic Flight Computer.

Kneeboards

A kneeboard is a crucial accessory for keeping your notes and navigation tools handy during flights. The ASA VFR Kneeboard is a solid option for traditional use. If you prefer to use an iPad, there's the W-4 Kneeboard for iPads.

  • ASA IFR Kneeboard: Durable brushed aluminum kneeboard that provides a strong surface for inflight note-taking as well as quick access to important VFR information in the form of a permanent placard.
  • W-4 Kneeboard for iPads: Fits a wide variety of iPad models, and features a pocket for your E6B, 6 pencil holders, a pouch for your CEPs/earplugs, and a clear plastic strap that goes across your paper to keep it from flying away.

Stay organized during the flight. Explore iPad Kneeboards & Mounts.

Transceivers

As you progress, having an affordable transceiver can be a lifesaver. Use it to practice radio calls, monitor weather, or in emergencies. This device will allow you to communicate with air traffic control and other pilots. 

  • Yaesu FTA-550AA NAV/COM Aviation Transceiver: Offers both COM and VOR navigation capabilities with a bright dot matrix LCD for clear readability. It's an excellent choice for student pilots who want long-term functionality in one compact, affordable unit.
  • Yaesu FTA-250L Comm-Only Aviation Transceiver: A lightweight, budget-friendly handheld radio ideal for new pilots looking for straightforward COM functionality. Its IPX5 waterproof rating and loud 700 mW audio output make it practical in a variety of conditions.
  • Yaesu FTA-450L Comm-Only Aviation Transceiver: Combines full-featured COM operation with a large display and intuitive icon-driven menu. Its durable housing and long battery life make it great for daily training or as a backup radio.

For more information, check out our transceiver guide.

Flight Simulators

A home flight simulator can drastically enhance your proficiency and help retain muscle memory between lessons. With options from Honeycomb and Logitech, you can get the complete setup, including yokes, pedals, and throttles.

Training Kits & Test Prep

To truly succeed in your flight training, you’ll need more than just gear; you’ll need a structured approach to learning and exam preparation. Marv Golden offers a comprehensive collection of training kits and FAA test prep materials tailored for student pilots at every stage.

  • Flight Training Kits: These all-in-one kits include textbooks, study guides, logbooks, and learning tools specifically curated for private, instrument, and commercial pilot students. They’re ideal for students who want a coordinated curriculum and the best value for bundled training materials.
  • FAA Test Preparation Materials: Equip yourself with the latest written exam guides, online test prep programs, and study aids for both knowledge exams and oral checkrides. Whether you're studying for your private, instrument, or commercial certification, these tools are essential for building confidence and passing with ease.

The Final Checklist

Ready to start flying? Here’s a quick summary:

  • Books: PHAK, Flying Handbook, Jeppesen GFD
  • Bag: Brightline or ASA
  • Headset: Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark
  • Tools: Plotter + E6-B (paper or digital)
  • Kneeboard: VFR or iPad style
  • Transceiver: Comm or NAV/COM
  • Simulator: Start training now—even before your next lesson!

Investing wisely in your flight gear ensures smoother training and a safer, more enjoyable flight experience. Start with the essentials, grow your toolkit with experience, and enjoy every mile of your aviation journey.