The Best Gift Ideas That Any Pilot Will Love

Posted by Richard G. on Dec 8th 2022

No matter your budget, you can find the perfect gift for the special pilot in your life. Whether they’re a pilot-in-training or a pro on the flight deck, there are sure to be tools, accessories, and other add-ons that they will enjoy.

Under $100:

The W-4 Kneeboard for iPad Mini will help bring convenience and ease to any pilot. This model suits an iPad that is already in a thin case. Not only does it help further shield their iPad, but it has a pocket for their E6B, 5 pencil holders, two pockets, a clipboard, a pouch to hold CEPs or earplugs, a removable grommet, and clear plastic straps that make sure clearances, notes, and other important documents stay in place.

For the knowledge-lover, check out our popular book, Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot. This manual is anything but boring and is the equivalent of multiple textbooks, but all in one easy-to-find place. Even better, this book explains everything in simple everyday words, without skipping any of the details or references.

Your loved one will be able to easily find what they are looking for due to the bold and highlighted text that easily catches the eye, topped off with graphs, funny clip art, and other visuals.

If you know a pilot who needs a more accessible view of their iPad while in the aircraft, check out the RAM Universal Yoke Mount for Large iPads. The mount is crafted with a one-inch diameter patented rubber ball and socket system that can be adjusted at the base and cradle. Simply twist the arm knob to shift the iPad aircraft yoke mount for the clearest view.

You can also add to your favorite aircraft captain’s off-duty gear with a funny or memorable baseball cap like this whimsical If It's Not Boeing, I'm Not Going one or a traditional Cessna cap. They’ll love representing their work with a comfortable and adjustable 100% cotton cap that resists excess moisture!

If you’re still undecided, shop all gifts under $100 to find a one-of-a-kind item.

Under $250:

If you’re wanting to find a gift that will really wow your loved one, explore our wide variety of transceivers like the Yaesu FTA-450L. This model comes with an oversize full dot matrix LCD display and an easy-to-use icon navigation system. It also offers complete communication on the Aircraft communications Band, helps the pilot monitor the weather more precisely by using the NOAA weather band, and has a large storage capacity. Better yet, this transceiver can be quickly reprogrammed at a moment’s notice whenever needed.

Every stylish pilot needs a pair of Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses. This classic model has been around since the 1930s for a reason. Each pair is expertly crafted with a metal frame and adjustable temples and nose pads for all-day comfort. It also offers 100% UV protection and optical clarity, two of the most important sunglass qualities for anyone working in the sky.

Pair your sunglasses with the elegant Bush Pilot Duffel Bag by Flight Outfitters. This canvas bag with beautiful leather accents makes it easy to find gear while in the cockpit. It is specifically designed for pilots by including two large padded side pockets that fit standard headsets, a soft felt interior to protect equipment, a large front pocket with organizational slots, and a back-side strap to easily fit over rolling luggage bags as desired.

Has your favorite pilot been using the same headset for years? Maybe it’s time to update with the ASA AirClassics HS-1A Headset. This headset is well-known for its high-quality features like its high fidelity speakers, noise-canceling flex boom microphone, lifetime warranty, dual volume control, and more!

Find high-end gifts like these and more by browsing all gifts under $250.

From $250-$500

Another top-of-the-line present is the David Clark H10-13S. This stereo headset is perfect for any pilots who complain about discomfort during long-term headset use. The ultra-comfortable dual foam head pads, comfort gel material, reduced headband force, and undercut ear seals make it easy and comfortable to wear all day long! It also features the most advanced noise-canceling microphone available and a low-profile volume control knob with detent settings.

Keeping track of time is of the highest importance in the aviation industry, so why not gift an Atomic Timekeeping watch like the Citizen Blue Angels Atomic Promaster A-T? This model is known for its grace as it manages precisely synchronized timekeeping in 43 cities at once while containing two alarms, a perpetual calendar, and a digital backlight for easy viewing. It also converts any source of natural or artificial light into usable energy to keep it working smoothly all the time in an eco-friendly manner.

For more gifts of a similar caliber, explore all gifts between $250-$500.

Over $500

For the utmost luxury, while flying, the Bose A30 Headset is the gold standard. This headset has up to 30% more noise reduction than traditional aviation headsets, enhanced and customizable audio, a side-swapping microphone, wireless streaming capability, expanded prioritization control, and active memory recall of the last state of operation. There is nothing this headset doesn't have! Plus, with a weight of just 12 ounces and a soft sheepskin headpad, this is one of the most comfortable headsets on the market worldwide.

There is one aviator watch that does it all, and that’s the GPS Aviator Smartwatch Garmin D2, which comes with an elegant titanium or leather band. The touchscreen interface includes preflight, in-flight, and post-flight tools that help with navigation and can even boost situational awareness like airport information, runway orientation, wind speed, and more.

The benefits of this watch are endless, including: smart notifications, a barometer, flight logging, times zone tracking, flight plan transfers, music apps, a HSI course needle, a pulse ox sensor, and more! It even offers health benefits like sports apps, health snapshots, heart rate, and pulse monitoring, energy monitoring, hydration levels, sleep tracking, and custom workouts so they can stay on top of their game in every way.

For an easy-to-use and portable aviation GPS, the Stratus 3 ADS-B Receiver helps pilots access national ADS-B weather and traffic services, subscription-free, while also giving GPS, synthetic vision display, and an altitude sensor. They’ll also be able to receive Smart Wifi - allowing you to use the internet on your iPad while connected to Stratus 3. In addition, the automatic shut-off to preserve your battery by detecting when it’s idle or less than a 3D GPS lock, is a complement to its 8 hour battery life.

The Garmin aera 760 Portable Aviation GPS features a 7-inch ultra-clear and sunlight-readable touchscreen that can be used for up to four hours with a single charge. This product can load departures, arrivals, weather conditions, traffic conditions, and instrument approach procedures with ultimate precision.

It also comes with 3D vision and synthetic vision of the surrounding terrain, obstacles, and airports to help with safety navigation during the flight. They’ll also get the benefits of georeferenced charts, pdf viewing, an E6B computer, a weight-and-balance calculator, a logbook, and other useful flight bag tools all in one place.

Still looking for that high-end gift for the pilot that seems to have it all? Look at all gifts over $500 to grab your loved one’s next favorite tool.