The holidays are almost here, and if you are stumped on what to get that special pilot in your life, this is the blog post for you. We have put together a list of ideas for all budgets and pilots. Whether you need a fun little stocking stuffer, a bit of aviation-themed décor, or a useful piece of technology, these are the 10 best holiday gifts for pilots in 2020:
1. High Flying Models – Scale Aircraft Model
Perfect for office, library, and family room décor, our scale mahogany aircraft models come mounted on a stylish wood base for display. Military and civil aviation aircraft from around the world including the United States, Germany, and Russia, are part of the collection. With over a hundred and fifty unique aircraft to choose from, you can fill an entire hangar with all your favorites. We also carry metal diecast 1/72 and 1/100 scale models that are the perfect size for a desktop display.
2. Bose Aviation Headset
Bose is well-known as an industry leader in sound technology, and their high-quality headsets are loaded with features to make long flights more comfortable and enjoyable. The Bose A20 headset is the flagship over the ear model with luxe padding for easy wearing. It comes loaded with premium features like integrated Bluetooth and a Priority Switching function that supports customization of audio sources between phone, the intercom and music. Choose from battery or aircraft powered headsets for both fixed wing and rotary aircraft along with a non-Bluetooth model.
For pilots who prefer in-ear headsets, Bose has the ProFlight Series. Proflight Series headsets are lightweight, thin, and comfortable with the same electret noise-canceling mic, digital active noise cancellation, and Bluetooth functionality that come standard on the A20 over ear model. Tap controls on the earbuds support talk-through communications.
3. REVO Sunglasses
For a long time, polarized lenses were a no-go for pilots since they interfered with reading digital screens and could cause dangerous visual interactions with the existing anti-glare surfaces in the cockpit. REVO has changed all that with their revolutionary lenses featuring NASA-based polarization technology that reduces glare while still allowing for safe viewing of digital devices. There are plenty of styles and lens colors to choose from including graphite, blue water, terra, and champagne. Learn more about how REVO’s polarized lenses work in the cockpit, then pick out the perfect pair for the lucky pilot on your gift list.
4. MyGoFlight Backpack
Flight bags pull heavy duty with everything they need to hold and all the long trips they take, so choose a bag that is built to last and has all the welcome features that make a pilot’s life easier. The PLC Pro 2020 Edition bag from MyGoFlight provides versatile transport options with an adjustable padded shoulder strap, backpack straps, and an ergonomic, molded rubber handle.
Designed for ease of transiting the airport, this bag has an easy-access rear compartment with a zippered document pouch and padded storage for electronic devices that need to be removed if you are going through security. The middle compartment has plenty of room for aviation headsets (like the Bose A20), as well as clothing or other personal items. Side, front, and top pockets offer a multitude of ways to organize smaller miscellaneous items like flashlights, batteries, portable GPS units, a cell phone, and wallet.
5. MyGoFlight Folio
Tablet users in the market for a new kneeboard will appreciate the MyGoFlight iPad and iPad mini kneeboards. The standard iPad kneeboard fits all full-size iPads including the 11” and can also accommodate other 9-11” tablets. The mini version is designed specifically to house the iPad Mini.
Both folios feature a luxe leather exterior and soft microfiber interior for ultimate tablet protection. Attach the Velcro leg strap for use in-flight or remove it for everyday settings. The case is designed to rotate with 5 degree stops so you can adjust it as needed, and the included clipboard is magnetized for attachment to the interior or exterior of the cover. This allows the case to function as either a lap desk or kneeboard.
6. Pilot Toys Desktop Clock
Infuse a little fun into your favorite pilot’s desktop or their kid’s bedroom with a colorful Pilot Toys desk clock. Choose from a selection of high wing, low wing, biplane, and helicopter designs in a wide range of colors. Want a more historical feel? Check out our Spitfire clock design.
7. Aeroplane Apparel Company T-Shirt
Proudly display your love of aviation even when you are outside the cockpit. Our Aeroplane Apparel t-shirts have a design to fit all pilots’ personalities and they are available in both unisex and women’s sizing and fit.
Pick a chuckle-generating design that declares “I Love the Smell of Jetfuel” or a opt for a visually appealing city skyline or biplane sunset. Military history buffs will appreciate pieces like the United States Army Air Forces Hap Arnold Wings or the USAF Roundel design. Sizes range from X-Small to 3XL depending on the style.
8. Garmin GPS Unit
Guide your pilot’s travels with one of Garmin’s GPS units. Garmin’s GPS product line includes everything from watches to satellite communications devices and ADS-B receivers or dedicated portable GPS systems.
Place a backup GPS flight system right on your pilot’s wrist with the stylish and feature-packed Garmin D2 watch. This watch is designed specifically with pilots in mind. It includes an HSI course needle, barometric altimeter, and pulse oximeter. Use the watch for flight logging, airport information, and direct to navigation functions. All of these features come packaged with standard sports watch and smart watch functions so that the D2 is just as useful on the ground as it is in air. The D2 Delta S variant comes with a smaller case and band designed to suit female pilots.
An ADS-B receiver unit like the Garmin GDL 50 or GDL 52 provides GPS position, speed, altitude, and backup attitude information. Pair the receiver with another Garmin portable like the aera 760. The receiver can also link to a digital device like a tablet which uses the Garmin Pilot app to stream the information from the receiver.
9. Zoleo or Spot Satellite Communicator
Help your pilot stay in touch with everyone back home no matter where they travel thanks to a Zoleo or Spot satellite communicator. These devices allow users to check in via text message and to send an SOS alert if they experience an emergency. The Zoleo supports standard text messaging by pairing a phone to the device while the Spot lets users send pre-programmed texts or emails directly from the Spot device. Both include check in and tracking features.
10. Wash Wax All Cleaning Products (Great for a Plane, Car, RV or Boat!)
The perfect stocking stuffers for a pilot, boater, or RVer are high-quality cleaning and care products that will keep their craft looking good and protected from the elements. Wash Wax has a whole line of maintenance items including specialty soaps and cleaners formulated for different materials like rubber, plastic, fiberglass, metal, leather, carpet, and vinyl. Use a telescoping mop and mop heads to work the cleaner in, then rinse, and treat with a protectant. Want to set your favorite pilot up for success? Gift them a full kit with the mop, cleaners, scrubbers, and protectants they need to get the job done right.
