The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

Starting flight training is exciting but overwhelming. This comprehensive buyer’s checklist walks student pilots through essential gear—headsets, kneeboards, flight bags, and more—to help you stay organized, safe, and prepared. Equip yourself properly and make every flight lesson smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to earn your wings? Our comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down the 11 best flight schools in the USA, covering costs, programs, airline partnerships, and how to choose the perfect fit for your pilot career journey.

Choosing a premium ANR aviation headset in 2025? The Bose A30 and Lightspeed Zulu 3 are top contenders. The A30 boasts the latest tech, adaptable noise cancellation, and renowned Bose comfort, while the Zulu 3 offers exceptional value, rugged durability, and a class-leading 7-year warranty. Our in-depth comparison weighs noise reduction, comfort, build quality, features, and price to help you decide which headset is the best investment for your cockpit. Find out whether the cutting-edge A30 or the proven, value-packed Zulu 3 is the right choice for your flying needs.

Choosing the right flight bag is crucial for pilots of all levels, from students to airline captains. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to consider, including size, style, key features like organizational compartments and durability, and how to match your bag to your specific flying needs. Whether you're a student pilot hauling textbooks, a private pilot embarking on cross-country adventures, or a professional pilot navigating airport terminals, discover the perfect flight bag to keep your gear organized and accessible. Explore popular brands like ASA, Flight Outfitters, MyGoFlight, BrightLine, Aerocoast, Travelpro, and Jeppesen to find the ideal companion for your aviation journey. Click here to read the full guide and find the flight bag that's right for you!

More than just style, pilot sunglasses are crucial safety gear. Our ultimate guide for 2025 dives into why specialized eyewear matters for clarity and comfort in the cockpit, especially with headsets. Discover our top picks that blend essential protection with classic aviator style.

Today, Pilot Mall would like to give a very special shout-out to one of the most innovative masterminds to ever emerge from the pilot ranks.  The man who forever saved the backs and hips of airline pilots all over the world.

Choosing between the Turtle Beach VelocityOne and Thrustmaster TCA Boeing yoke for your PC/Xbox flight sim? Our comparison dives into the core differences: VelocityOne offers versatile, all-in-one control for varied aircraft, while the TCA Boeing delivers unparalleled realism specifically for Boeing airliners with its unique pendular yoke. We weigh features, feel, and value to help you decide which system best matches your virtual flying style and budget. Find your perfect flight controls today!

David Clark H10-13.4 vs. Faro G2: Headset Showdown! Is the David Clark's legendary durability worth the price, or does the Faro G2's lightweight comfort and value take the win? Read our full comparison to find the best passive pilot headset for your flying style and budget

Choosing between Garmin's popular portable ADS-B receivers? Our in-depth comparison breaks down the key differences between the GDL 50 (ADS-B weather/traffic) and the GDL 52 (ADS-B + SiriusXM weather/audio). Discover which unit best fits your flying needs, budget, and desired features – from subscription-free ADS-B essentials to the comprehensive coverage and entertainment of SiriusXM. Read the full comparison to make the right choice for your cockpit.

It is no secret that pilots love gadgets, especially gadgets that improve the flight experience. To make gift giving easy, we have rounded up some of the coolest gadgets currently available for pilots. Whether you want to help your favorite pilot upgrade their aircraft or improve their communication capabilities, these high-tech gadgets are sure to do the trick.

Successor to the benchmark A20, the Bose A30 aviation headset promises next-level digital ANR, enhanced comfort through a lighter design, and superior clarity. Our in-depth 2025 review dives into its features, real-world pilot feedback after 100+ hours, and compares its $1,300 price tag against performance. Is this premium headset truly worth the investment for today's pilots? Find out if the advancements justify the cost.

Discover how Starlink's satellite internet is revolutionizing general aviation. This article delves into the benefits and challenges of integrating high-speed connectivity into small aircraft, offering insights for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Vortex generators (or VGs) are small aerodynamic devices that enhance the performance of aircraft, wind turbines, and even some ground vehicles.

When they energize the boundary layer and delay flow separation, they help improve the lift, control response and stall characteristics.

Want to know more? Let's explore how vortex generators work.

Radial engines powered some of the most legendary aircraft in history. They have such a unique design which provides high power, durability, and reliability. The classic look of these aircraft engines made them a staple in aviation before jet engines took over.

Let's take a moment to understand how these engines work and why they were so widely used.

Aviation lovers: order your tickets and pack your bags—it’s time to head to Lakeland, Florida for the world’s second largest aerospace expo. SUN ‘n FUN 2022 kicks off in just a few short weeks, and we hope to see you there.

Starting an aircraft is usually simple, but in warm weather or after a quick shutdown, vapor lock can make it challenging. This occurs when fuel in the lines vaporizes, preventing the pump from delivering liquid fuel to the engine. If not managed, it can lead to hard starts—or even engine failure.

This article covers everything you need to know to understand and prevent vapor lock.