Pilot Mall has the widest selection of practical and appreciated gifts for almost any Dad if he is a pilot, was a pilot, ever wanted to be a pilot, knew a pilot, travels, or is just your basic cool Dad.
The following are examples of some of the many hundred aviation-themed items you will find on Pilot Mall. Almost anything here will make an excellent and appreciated gift—it is just a matter of matching up your Dad’s interests. So, who is your dad…?
The Veteran Dad
Actually, this jacket is for any pilot or aviation enthusiast because it is not only “cool,” it is very practical. Military style flight jackets have lots of pockets for all the important “stuff” pilots need, including the sleeve zipper and pencil pockets. And, if your Dad is a veteran, what could be a better gift. We have many styles to choose from, like the Alpha MA-1 Nylon Men's Flight Jacket, an affordable, classic design that is made of the latest materials that protects from rain and wind. It is available in a wide range of sizes and six color options. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike will love the MA-1 Flight Jacket.
The Military Movie Buff Dad
How many times has he watched Top gun? This Top Gun Olive Backpack w/Patches puts him in that group of top movie watchers or pilots at the airport. With the look of canvas, this bag is made from rugged, lightweight nylon and features beefy, heavy-duty zippers. It is decorated with an assortment of Top Gun® patches. The design makes an attention-getting convenient flight or overnight bag. It will hold his laptop, books, gym clothes and more.
Features include adjustable padded straps, three exterior zip pockets, ana a heavy-duty propeller zipper with leather trim. The bag measures 16 x 15 x 7 inches with a wrap-around zip on top.
An Upgrade For your favorite Top Gun Pilot Fan
Give your dad a chance to put some bite in the Top Gun Strategy Game. This is NOT a slow-paced, sloggin’ through the mud game, but a full-throttle, Mach speed had-to-head game between Team Maverick and Team Iceman (if he is the fan you think he is, he will know the names of the other two team members). If he can out-maneuver his opponent, and if he is truly a Maverick, he might win.
As if “hair-on-fire” tactical maneuvers were not enough, after the flight (or before), your dad will be able to face off in a volleyball card game—shirts optional. Finally, in the Top Gun Strategy Game he will get to use all those movie quotes he enjoys. Do not let him know there are no points for second place.
For the Dad that Appreciates the Classics
Peanuts is nearly a classic comic strip, and Snoopy flew a classic WWI fighter—the Sopwith Camel. Help your dad add some class to his desk or favorite bookshelf with this 19-inch silver art-deco model of that famed biplane fighter. The metal model is classy and sophisticated. With its chrome-like appearance, it is the kind of piece you would find in a historic art-deco house or on someone’s desk on the set of the Mad Men television series.
Whatever his space, help him make it shine and when he is upset about something, he can exclaim, “Drat you Red Baron!”
The Serious Pilot Dad
Whether working on his instrument rating, or simply wanting to explore the friendly skies from his desk, your dad will get hours of use out of the Logitech Saitek Yoke w/X-Plane Flight Simulator with the 11 DVD Bundle, including more than 33,000 airports. We have assembled the industry's most capable hardware components and state-of-the-art flight simulator software into a single, value-priced collection for an aviation experience so real he will swear he is miles above the surface.
Your dad will gain hours of valuable experience navigating across the country and around the world using the same airways and navigation aids airline pilots use and even encounter various weather conditions. The basic model includes 30 aircraft models (additional aircraft, including the latest airliners, are available for download from the Internet). Send your dad around the world before dinner. Computer not included.
The Plane-Crazy Dad
Nothing satisfies the “plane crazy” dad like an aviation video. There are videos for military, historic or commercial airline buffs. One place to start is a visit to the famed Pairs Air Show. Relive all the astonishing aeronautical activity of the legendary 2005 Paris Airshow - including one of the most noteworthy events in modern aviation history: the public debut of the iconic Airbus A380! In this high-quality 95-minute DVD, he will witness the premier appearance of the mammoth jumbo jet that includes startup, takeoff, airborne action, and more. And, there is footage of the classic Lockheed L-1049 Constellation, as well both U.S. and international military planes—more than 45 aircraft in their environment, and additional video features and fascinating facts. View full Cockpit DVD selection.
For the Active Duty, Former, or Retired Military Pilot Dad
High Flying Models - Military pilots start out their flying careers in military trainers, and for more than 50 years, Air Force pilots trained in the “White Rocket” more properly named the T-38 Talon. Imagine, student pilots stepping into a supersonic aircraft, on a solo flight, and climbing to 63,000 feet. Our exquisitely detailed T-38 will bring back fond memories, and probably have your dad saying, as he looks at the model, “There I was, inverted with another T-38 just off my wingtip…” Our T-38 model is presented in the USAF paint scheme. This handcrafted model is painstakingly built from Philippine mahogany by our skilled craftsmen. It (or any of our other models) makes a great gift for any veteran, aviation enthusiast, or history buff. At 1/30 scale, the model is 18.50 inches long, 10 inches wide, and guaranteed to put a smile an Air Force pilot’s face. View All High Flying Models.
The Professional (or Budding) Pilot Dad
Any pilot has stuff—manuals, change of clothes, headsets, documents, etc.—to carry to and from the airport. Flight Bags 4 U Morph Aviation Flight Bag is a conveniently sized, heavily padded flight bag made of water-repellent Tereylene and includes room for key pilot gear, including a laptop computer, as well as detachable bags for both a headset and Nav/Radio equipment. This roomy bag is 11.25" high x 8" wide x 15" long with a long zippered exterior pocket and large interior pocket—room for all his typical pilot gear—even room for an extra shirt. An excellent value, this bag offers a convenient size, and the ability to adapt to an individual pilot’s needs. The exterior is a durable, abrasion-resistant finish. An excellent and practical gift for that recently promoted or promising pilot in your life.
For the Professional Helicopter Pilot Dad
Pilots spend many hours in a noisy cockpit. That is where a good headset is really appreciated. Bose's quintessential Bose A20 Aviation Headset has been optimized for the general aviation market. This phenomenal ENC headset still brings users Bluetooth (optional), dual volume controls, and stereo/mono sound capability for an unmatched audio experience. Additionally, Bose's proprietary Priority Switching feature allows users to customize the order in which they receive intercom and/or music inputs.
For superior comfort, Bose has new redesigned ear cushions for incredible comfort and improved passive noise attenuation. The padded headband significantly improves comfort with 1/3 less clamping force than typical headsets.
For the “I Want to Fly Now” Dad
Not every pilot needs to sit in an airplane to get a real thrill out of flying. The revolutionary HobbyZone HBZ3200 Carbon Cub S+ 1.3M RTF is the most versatile, capable and easiest to fly RC airplane yet. Based on the Carbon Cub by Cub Crafters, it is an upgraded and thoroughly modern iteration of the classic Super Cub, and equipped with Horizon Hobby's exclusive and innovative SAFE Plus GPS-enabled drone technology, this scale reproduction makes it easier to learn to fly in less time than ever before. Advanced features including AutoLand, Holding Pattern and Virtual Fence make it easy for almost anyone to fly successfully from their very first flight, while additional features including oversized tundra tires and optional flaps and floats offer the capability and versatility to fly from almost any surface, anywhere.
Radio Control aircraft clubs are spread all over the country, probably one near your dad’s neighborhood. It is almost as good as going out to the regular airport—and with the airplane, he can participate in the fun.
For the “I Have to Be on Time” Dad
Whether you call it a chronograph or a clock, the Promaster Blue Angels Face Replica Citizen Clock is an iconic design that looks good at any scale, especially on the wall! The 14-in. diameter clock is in an all-weather case so it can be used outdoors too. Powered by two AA batteries, the blue Angels-themed styling will keep accurate time, cause his guests to pause, and get him out of the hanger on time.
And, if you were thinking “wristwatch”, we sell watches for that, too!
For the Health-Conscious Dad Who Has a Sense of Humor
Wearing a facemask during a pandemic shows you care. But it can also show that you have a sense of humor. Yes, we are talking about the COVID-19 virus. If he must wear a mask, fight back, and get a smile from those who recognize the aircraft. Choose from the tactical, menacing A-10 Thunderbolt, complete with shark mouth nose art or to be prepared for an F-14 Tomcat catapult launch. Either way people will know he means business—even monkey business.
This is not just another pretty mask. It meets CDC guidelines for fabric COVID-19 masks, made from 100% Koredry Fabric with a smooth outer layer and a mock mesh inner layer that wicks moisture from his skin. Even in the heat, he will stay cool in “the heat of battle.” Designed to be comfortable for extended wear, and washable to be reusable.
For the Impeccably Groomed Dad
This man insists on looking and feeling his most confident in any situation. There’s not enough room in an airplane to sacrifice personal hygiene. If he is not looking and smelling his best, someone is going to notice (you know who!). Let him bring his A-game on every flight with the Pilot Men's Grooming and Skin Care The Essentials Set. It comes with four essential products for hair, face and body: Superior Shampoo (8 oz bottle); Finest Face Cleanser (3 oz tube); Feel Good Face Moisturizer (2 oz pump bottle); and Best Bar Soap (6 oz bar). The set comes in a convenient box for easy transport and storage.
For the Techy, All-Business Pilot Dad
A far cry from the metal kneeboard with a folded map, hand-printed log, and a pencil poking out the side (you do remember those, don’t you?). The Flight Outfitters Slimline Kneeboard is the latest in kneeboard innovation and convenience.
The Small version is compatible with all iPad Minis and the large version fits all iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro editions, 11 inches and smaller. Pilot friendly features include sturdy mounting brackets, expendable corner loops for a secure grip on the iPad, a rotating bracket for portrait and landscape orientation, and a reversible design for use on either leg.
Upgrade your dad to a modern kneeboard that meets his requirements.
The History Buff, Cool Dad
This shirt is not just “cool,” it is patriotic with a strong historical theme. It is a date that lives in infamy. But Hawaii and the rest of the country fought back--and won. Fittingly, this WWII Hawaiian Shirt w/Genuine Coconut Shell Buttons celebrates American resolve and firepower with a Pacific pattern of warbirds and warships. It even comes with genuine coconut shell buttons. Say aloha to a comfortable shirt that will start a conversation at the July 4 picnic. After this, everyone will remember December 7, 1941.
The Student Pilot Dad (with a sense of humor)
Does your dad spend an hour or two (or wish he did) at the local airport with a flight instructor? Show that you support his interests with a cool book to expand his knowledge, tempt him with interesting destinations, or entertain him with pilot humor. Seriously, if your Dad is serious about flying, Aviation Humor Good Landing (2008) will be a perfect gift—and you get to sign it for him. (If you give a book of humor, expect to hear his favorite jokes over and over!)
In the distinctive style of the "Say…" book series, Good Landing is a cartoony compilation of aviation animation and irreverent discourse on the wonderful, whimsical world of aviation. In addition to its characteristic zany stories and commentary, this volume features the artwork of 20 artists from around the globe. A funny look at the flight environment.
Finally
Of course, this is only a sampling of the hundreds of quality, informative, some whimsical, unique, aviation merchandise available at Pilot Mall. If you cannot find a gift here, he—or she—either already "has one", or probably is not real pilot material!
