Shopping for a pilot on Christmas can be daunting, especially for those who are not familiar with the aviation industry.
Coast Flight Training wants to make it a little easier for those buying for a pilot or future pilot this Christmas. We have created a list of gifts for pilots and student pilots, from practical and inexpensive to more luxe. Whatever your budget is this Christmas, this list is an excellent guide to pilot gifts this season. Merry Christmas from the Coast Flight family to you!
Introductory Flight:
Price: $99.00
Do you know someone interested in flying recreationally or professionally but hasn’t taken the plunge to begin flight training yet? Coast Flight Training offers an introductory flight that allows students to fly with a flight instructor and learn to become the pilot in command. The flight instructor will teach the basics and assist them as a student. An introductory flight is an excellent way for someone to learn if flight training is right for them.
Garmin D2 Air – GPS Smartwatch:
Price: $499.00
The Garmin D2 Air is no ordinary smartwatch. This aviation GPS smartwatch does everything a pilot needs from “pre-flight, in-flight, to post-flight”. Additionally, it automatically logs the wearer’s flights to their flyGarmin account. Other features include airport runway information, navigation, weather, pulse tracking, and 5-day battery life. The Garmin D2 Air has all the premium capabilities that some other smartwatches have, such as heart rate, sleep monitoring, workout applications, email, text alerts, and Spotify music. This watch works for every aspect of a pilot’s life. It is made of stainless steel bezel with corning gorilla glass 3 lens and has a black leather band. The durability and technology capabilities outmatch other smartwatches on the market.
Flight Gear iPad Bi-Fold Kneeboard:
Price: $39.95
As you can imagine, pilots don’t have a lot of room inside the cockpit, especially if they are flying in a small single or twin-engine aircraft. A kneeboard gives them the sturdiness of a desk to help them access their iPad, logbook, and other materials without them easily falling off their legs. This kneeboard also has pencil and stylist holders and pockets on the side for extra storage.
RAM Suction Cup Mount for iPad Mini:
Price: $56.99
The RAM suction cup mount optimizes the cockpit space and flight experience. The mount is the extra hand a pilot needs while navigating and browsing airport information in all stages of flight. You can choose a suction cup mount for all iPad sizes. We listed the iPad mini mount since the iPad mini is often used among pilots. The RAM suction cup is marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel. A suction cup mount is another practical pilot gift.
Leatherman Wingman:
Price: $59.95
The Leatherman Wingman is the perfect go-to multitool. This multitool has 14 tools attached. The tools attached are regular pliers, needle nose pliers, scissors, and wire-cutters, all spring-action. Other attachments include a wire stripper, 420 HC combo knife, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, package opener, Phillips, medium and small screwdrivers, and a metal and wood file. It truly is an all-in-one pocket-sized tool. It is stainless steel, and lightweight coming in at 7 ounces and only 3.8 inches closed. The Leatherman Wingman is a great one-and-done tool that is easily transportable.
Yeti Rambler 18 oz bottle with chug cap:
Price: $29.99
An insulated water bottle is an essential item for pilots on the go. There are hundreds of brands on the market, so varied prices and specs are available. We have chosen the Yeti Rambler since it is a reasonably priced insulated travel bottle. The bottle is stainless steel, 18 oz, double-wall vacuum insulated, 10 1/8 inches tall, and 3 inches wide. The Yeti Rambler is dishwasher safe, durable, and keeps your beverage cold or hot. Yeti is known for its quality insulated coolers and drinkware. This Yeti product, like the rest, will not disappoint.
Flight Outfitters Lift Flight Bag:
Price: $99.95
Flight Outfitters Lift Flight Bag is our choice bag for student pilots. It is easily transportable and can hold all a pilot needs to carry. There are many compartments, which can hold an iPad, headset, water bottle, and books while still having plenty of space for other materials. Additionally, there are many smaller compartments and pockets in and around the bag for items such as a flashlight, sunglasses, keys, cords, and a backup radio.
Randolph Aviator Non-Polarized Sunglasses:
Price: $219.00
Randolph is one of our favorite brands for non-polarized sunglasses. Randolph has been popular in aviation and the military for over 40 years due to its durability and aviator specific features. The brand lets users customize their sunglasses from the color and type of lens to the frame. They have many different designs, but we chose the Non-Polarized Aviator. Randolph sunglasses have “Skyforce Nylon lenses with Vector Anti-Reflective and Blue Wave lens technology”. The Bayonet temples are another pilot specific detail designed for comfort under a pilot’s headset. Randolph is a pilot approved premium sunglasses brand that any pilot would appreciate.
Set of Classic Aviation Christmas Ornaments:
Price: $16.99
Single engine and multiengine aircraft designed Christmas ornaments are a thoughtful memento for current and past student pilots and a charming gift for plane owners and aviation lovers alike. There are different plane models to choose from, such as a Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Piper Aztec, among others. Whichever ornaments you choose, it is sure to put a smile on a pilot’s face.
Large Flight Gear Backup Battery for iPad (20,000 mAh):
Price: $79.95
While navigating through the skies, pilots need to keep their iPad charged, which makes this backup battery a must-have product for any pilot. There are 4 charging ports available with 3 USB-A and 1 USB-C port to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The Flight Gear backup battery has a 20,000 mAh capacity and is a valuable in-flight device.
The Pilot’s Pen: Aviator Aluminum LED Pen:
Price: $17.95
The Pilot’s Pen is perfect for night flights when there is a lack of light to write down what is needed. The pen includes 3 LED light colors, white, red, and green. It is bright yet tinted to protect the pilot’s night vision. It doubles as a flashlight and can fit in a pant pocket.
New Trintec 2060 Series 6 piece instrument coaster set of 6 coasters: Price: $29.99
What aviator doesn’t like some aviation related deco? The New Trintec 2060 Series 6 piece instrument coaster set resemble primary flight instruments and dials. They are a fun addition to any office or pilot’s space.
Remove Before Flight Keychain:
Price $8.75
The Remove Before Flight keychain is very popular among pilots and is a great accessory to add to a set of keys.
Bose A20 Aviation Headset (ANR):
Price $1,095
Bose headsets are the top-tier pilot headsets in aviation. Bose A20 has superior technology capabilities than other aviation headsets in the market. The Bose A20 has Bluetooth capability and customizable “audio prioritization” and “active equalization for enhanced audio”. Bose A20 headsets have a battery life of 45+ hours. Plush and durable sheepskin cushions are affixed to the headband to reduce clamp stress. “Customizable audio prioritization” allows the user to either mute or mix incoming transmissions with the Bluetooth or auxiliary connected device. “Active Equalization” equalizes transmissions automatically to ensure clarity. These lightweight headsets come in at 12 oz, which is less than most aviation headsets. Bose A20s are some of the best of the best in aviation headsets, and rightfully so, but due to its high-end features, it is made for a pilot who is willing to pay more for the quality. If you are looking for a luxurious pilot Christmas present, the Bose A20 is a fantastic gift!