Gear for theleft seat.
Buying guides for aviation headsets, kneeboards, tablet mounts, ADS-B receivers, flight bags and training gear, with the plug types, app compatibility and certification details pilots need to check.
Equip the cockpit
Hear, navigate, organize and train. Each section lists what is compatible with what.
Headsets
ANR and passive aviation headsets
EFB & navigation
Tablets, mounts, ADS-B and GPS
Bags & cockpit
Flight bags, kneeboards and organizers
Training & pilot supplies
Logbooks, study tools and pilot wear
Aircraft care
Covers, tie-downs, cleaning and cabin
Emergency & survival
Survival kits, PLBs and safety
Drone pilots
Part 107 study and drone pilot gear
Know your equipment
Active noise reduction vs passive aviation headsets compared: how each reduces noise, NRR ratings, clamping force, weight, batteries, Bluetooth and cost.
- 02
Aviation Headset Plug Types: GA Dual, LEMO, Helicopter and Adapters
Plug types
- 03
EFB Tablets and Mounts: Size, Overheating and Cockpit Placement
EFB setup
- 04
How to Choose a Flight Bag: Size, Headset Pockets and Organization
Flight bags
- 05
Portable ADS-B Receivers: Traffic, Weather and EFB Compatibility
ADS-B In
- 06
Student Pilot Gear Checklist: What to Buy First
Student pilots
Pilot Gear questions, answered
Is an ANR headset worth it for student pilots?
Many students start with a passive headset and upgrade later. ANR reduces fatigue, which helps on longer lessons and cross-countries.
Read: ANR vs Passive Aviation Headsets →What plug do most general aviation planes use?
GA dual plugs: a PJ-055 headphone plug and a PJ-068 microphone plug.
Read: Aviation Headset Plug Types →Is an iPad mini or full-size iPad better for flying?
The mini fits kneeboards and small cockpits. A larger tablet shows more chart but needs more mounting space.
Read: EFB Tablets and Mounts →What size flight bag do I need?
For local training flights, a bag that fits one headset, a tablet and small items. Larger bags suit two headsets and overnight trips.
Read: How to Choose a Flight Bag →Does a portable ADS-B receiver satisfy the ADS-B mandate?
No. The mandate in 14 CFR 91.225 covers ADS-B Out, which is installed, certified equipment. Portable receivers are ADS-B In only.
Read: Portable ADS-B Receivers →What do I need for my first flight lesson?
Most schools lend a headset for the first lesson. Bring a notebook, ID and comfortable clothes, and ask what else they recommend.
Read: Student Pilot Gear Checklist →Gear advice that respects the rules
Every guide checks plugs, apps and the relevant FAA rules before features.
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The pilot gear index
- 01HeadsetsActive noise reduction and passive headsets, ear seals, adapters and hearing protection.2 pages
- 02EFB & navigationEFB tablets and mounts, portable ADS-B receivers, GPS and cockpit power.2 pages
- 03Bags & cockpitFlight bags, kneeboards, document holders, cockpit organizers and aircraft covers.1 page
- 04Training & pilot suppliesLogbooks, plotters and E6B computers, study tools, sunglasses and pilot apparel.1 page
- 05Aircraft careAircraft covers, tie-downs, chocks, cleaning products and cabin accessories. Certified parts are not covered.0 pages
- 06Emergency & survivalSurvival kits, personal locator beacons, life vests and safety gear suited to general aviation.0 pages
- 07Drone pilotsPart 107 study tools, logbooks and gear for drone pilots, distinct from hobby RC and camera drones.0 pages