2019 AOPA Gear Guide
From head to toe, gear for all phases of flight
Safety
Richard McSpadden, Executive director, AOPA Air Safety Institute
Safety Net
Communicate, after aviate and navigate
Old pilots, bold pilots, but no old bold pilots. We always have safety at the core of every flight. And if things go south, the tools below will be welcome additions to your cockpit.
1. A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Extra oxygen can help keep you refreshed and alert on a long flight. Boost portable oxygen canisters fit easily in a flight bag. $7.99-$14.99
boostoxygen.com
Also consider: AirOx (airox.com)
2. EYES ON THE GROUND
Spot X two-way satellite phone keeps you connected when cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent. Programmed messages let friends and family know you’re safe. $249.99 (unit); monthly plans vary in price.
findmespot.com
Also consider: Garmin InReach (garmin.com)
3. FLOATING PEACE OF MIND
Why fly over water with just a life vest when you can take a raft along? Revere Survival Inc.’s Aero weighs just 13 pounds and inflates in less than 30 seconds. $1,024
reveresurvival.com, sportys.com
4. CAN YOU HEAR ME?
Plug the PJ2 handheld communications radio directly to your headset, and you have a highly capable backup radio that does everything a handheld should. $199
sportys.com
5. BREAK OUT THE BANDAGES
Designed by a pilot physician, this kit holds supplies designed to help with everything from routine ailments to emergencies. Everything’s organized and easy to see within. $330 (large), $135 (small)
pilotgear.aopa.org
Tech
Susan Bell, competitive aerobatic pilot, CFI
TOP TECH
Information for better flying
Pilots love techie gadgets, particularly if they can be adapted to work with airplanes (think tablets). Susan Bell's Griffin Survivor hard case ($59) protects her iPad mini, and a RAM X-Grip mount holds it steady in her Extra. The uAvionix Scout ($199.99) receives ADS-B data.
1. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Once a novelty, action cameras are standard equipment for weekend fun. The GoPro Hero 7 White produces 1080p high-definition footage and lets you operate the camera hands-free. $199.99 gopro.com
Also consider: Garmin VIRB (garmin.com)
2. STAY CONNECTED
While you’re busy flying the airplane, why not let your passengers send and receive texts and emails? Airtext’s Satellite connection is made through your cellphone. $4,950 shop.
goairtext.com
Also consider: AeroWave (bendixking.com), SmartSky Networks (smartskynetworks.com)
3. MOUNT UP
Keep your phone handy but secured with Arkon Mobile Grip 2, a sticky mount that attaches to windshield or panel. $19.95
arkon.com
Also consider: MyGoFlight (mygoflight.com)
4. NO MORE “ARE WE THERE YET?”
The companion app to ForeFlight Mobile connects your passenger to your app and displays the current route, time to destination, ETA, and more. Free for ForeFlight subscribers.
ForeFlight.com
5. KEEP IT SMOOTH
DJI’s Pocket Osmo stabilized three-axis handheld camera catches all the flying and cuts down on the jiggling frames. $319
dji.com
Style
Josh Flowers, CFII, Aviation 101
MORE THAN T-SHIRTS AND JEANS
Breaking the big watch tradition
Since pilots first put on goggles and leather jackets, everyone wants to copy our look. Stylish, functional accessories such as Josh Flowers Apple watch (starting at $399) have earned a place in pilots' wardrobes.
apple.com
Also consider: Aerosport AOPA eightieth anniversary watch (aopa.org/watch)
1. PACK IT UP
Flight Outfitters’ Lift XL flight bag has room for all your aviation gear, with a large center pocket, a padded compartment for two headsets, mesh pockets to organize cords, and more. $165 flightoutfitters.com
2. MUSIC ON THE GO
Bose’s foray into sunglasses features open-ear audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated microphone. $199.95
bose.com
3. FLIGHT PLAN ON YOUR WRIST
Telling time is just the beginning. Garmin’s Diamond Delta D-2 watch has navigation functions, displays Nexrad weather, and logs your flight time, just for starters. $949
garmin.com
4. LUGGAGE THAT SHINES
Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the MyGoFlight Aviator Pro Aluminum AL21 suitcase looks as good as your airplane does. $495
mgfproducts.com
5. RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY
Keep dry and visible in rain gear that features the AOPA seal. $65
pilotgear.aopa.org
Comfort
Carolyn Hunker, pilot, flight attendant
KEEP COMFORTABLE, FLY ON
Gear from head to toe
Comfort in the cockpit starts with a headset like KORE Aviation's P-1 ($85) worn by Carolyn Hunker. Our suggestions also keep the sun out of your eyes and a cold drink within reach.
koreheadset.com
Also consider: Faro Stealth 2 (sportys.com)
1. SLAP ON SOME SHADE
Don’t sweat it with removable window tints that reduce the sun’s glare and ultraviolet rays. Available in three tints. $19.99 (small), $29.99 (large)
justplanetint.com
2. SHARP SOCKS
Flying-themed socks show the world that you love aviation right down to your toes. $15
pilotgear.aopa.org
3. SHOES TO SLEEP IN?
Teva calls its Ember Moc part sneaker, part sleeping bag, and we believe it. Your feet stay comfortable while you concentrate on keeping heels off the rudder pedals. $75
teva.com
4. TOTE IT ALL
The Yeti Hopper M30 has a wide mouth for easy loading and unloading, plus a patented closure that keeps drinks and food inside even if the bag gets jostled in flight. $299.99
yeti.com
Also consider: ArticAir cooler (articaircooler.com)
5. GO AWAY, GLARE
Ultraviolet protection is important, but so is clarity when looking at charts or instruments in different lighting environments. Method Seven sunglasses are available in prescription and bifocal lenses. Starts at $200
methodseven.com
Also consider: Flying Eyes Optics (flyingeyesoptics.com), Dual eyewear (dualeyewear.com/aviation-styles.html)
On the ground
Carlo Cilliers, AOPA aviation technical specialist
GROUND SCHOOL
Getting around, getting things done
Alas, not all of our time is spent in the air. We work on our airplanes to keep them looking great and running well. Carlo Cilliers' Leatherman multitool (starts at $69) is always within reach at his hangar, and we've suggested some other great finds for your home away from home.
leatherman.com
1. SHINE A LIGHT ON IT
No need to hang that extra light source around your neck for your next night flight or when poking around under the cowling. Black Diamond’s Storm headlamp is waterproof and provides 35 lumens of light. $32.95
gerbergear.com
2. DON'T LET IT SLIP AWAY
Slap a Grypmat non-slip mat on the cowling and tools, nuts, bolts, and fasteners will stay put until you need them. Designed by an aviation mechanic. $29-$59
grypmat.com
3. UNFOLD AND GO
You’re on the ground at a farflung airport. Now what? Unpack Jupiterbike’s foldable, 40-pound electric Discovery scooter and go. Battery holds four-hour charge. $995
jupiterbike.com
Also consider: Yike Bike (yikebike.com)
4. AOPA BACKPACK
A rucksack you won’t ever want to leave home without, this Cutter & Buck canvas bag has the AOPA logo embossed on the saddle leather flap. $115
pilotgear.aopa.org
5. GO DEEP
Find out what’s really going on under the cowling. Depstech wireless borescope connects with your smartphone and has a bendable, semi-rigid cable. $35.99
amazon.com
Also consider: Vividia D3160 (oasisscientific.com)
Additional anchor section
Section Six
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