The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

Every pilot needs a reliable handheld radio, but "reliable" can mean two different things. Is it the rock-solid, simple-to-use toughness of an Icom that never fails? Or is it the feature-packed, versatile capability of a Yaesu that acts like a co-pilot in your palm? This complete guide breaks down the pros and cons of these two leading brands, with a detailed comparison chart and a pilot-focused FAQ to help you choose the perfect backup for your flight bag.

Overwhelmed by what pilot gear to buy for flight school? Our 2025 checklist covers the essentials from headsets to logbooks, plus what you can safely skip to save money.

The dream of becoming a pilot—a vision of freedom, adventure, and skill—is more attainable than ever. This comprehensive guide serves as your definitive roadmap for 2025, breaking down each stage from your first medical exam to the final checkride. Here, you'll find everything you need to navigate the PPL requirements, training, and tests with confidence and finally earn your wings.

Clear, reliable communication is one of the most critical aspects of safe flying. Whether you’re a student pilot making your first radio calls or an experienced aviator coordinating with ATC in busy airspace, mastering aircraft radios and proper communication etiquette ensures both safety and professionalism

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and lethal threat in any piston aircraft cabin. With the NTSB urging pilots to adopt active alerting detectors, choosing the right device is a critical safety decision. To help you make the right choice, our team of experienced pilots put the top portable CO detectors to the test in real-world cockpit conditions. This guide provides our unbiased 2025 picks, shows you the FAA-researched best location for mounting, and covers the essential maintenance to keep you safe on every flight.

Ace your FAA Written Exam on the first try with our ultimate guide. Go beyond simple memorization and master the material with a proven 30-day study plan, a checklist of essential gear, and the top 10 mistakes to avoid. Walk into the testing center with the confidence to succeed.

Ready for your next mission? This guide explores the top 10 aviation museums every pilot should taxi to at least once. Discover where to see the SR-71, the Spruce Goose, and Space Shuttle Discovery, complete with pilot-practical tips, fly-in notes, and the essential gear for turning a museum day into an unforgettable cross-country flight.

One of the skills pilots must learn and excel at is meteorology. It is important to be adept at reading weather reports and forecasts then using them to make informed flight decisions. There are multiple reports to consult, and METARs are one of the primary sources for current weather information. Learning how to read a METAR is a key part of being a safe pilot.

As a pilot, a good watch with the right features is an important cockpit tool. It can also be a fashion statement. Functional, classic, modern, vintage-inspired – there are so many looks to choose from.

At PilotMall.com we understand that at first, plugs can seem a bit overwhelming. If you are just getting started in aviation, considering a career/plane change, looking for an adapter or simply curious… We have the information for you!

Learn how to enhance your general aviation flying with AI tools—from pre-flight planning to real-time cockpit assistance. Explore practical prompts, compare popular GPT platforms, and discover best practices to safely integrate AI into your flying routine.

Discover the best airline crew cooler bags for 2025 with our expert guide to the newest insulated flight bags for pilots and flight attendants. Compare top-rated models like the American Outdoors Aviation Travel Cooler, Aerocoast Pro EFB + Cooler series, and Travelpro FlightCrew5 Crew Coolers. Find tips on choosing TSA-friendly crew bags, answers to frequently asked questions, and see which features flight crews value most in their travel coolers. Meal-prep smarter and travel healthier this year with the perfect airline crew cooler bag.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 is calling! Our comprehensive guide helps you plan every detail, from securing tickets and camping spots to understanding the 2025 NOTAM for flying in. Discover what's new, what to pack, and get answers to all your Oshkosh questions for an unforgettable aviation celebration.