The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

Your official source for all things aviation. Get expert pilot tips, in-depth gear reviews, training guides, and stories from our community. Read the briefing today!
Raising the Bar - Next Gen Sound Silencer ANR Headset with Bluetooth

Raising the Bar - Next Gen Sound Silencer ANR Headset with Bluetooth

Pilot Mall's Sound Silencer aviation headset has been a trusted choice for over a decade. We're thrilled to introduce the Next Generation Sound Silencer ANR Headset with Bluetooth.
2 min read
Headsets
Why the Bose A20 is the #1 Selling Aviation Headset

Why the Bose A20 is the #1 Selling Aviation Headset

The Bose A20 Aviation Headset has earned a widespread fan base among pilots for its amazing sound quality and durable design. Despite newer options being available on the market, like the Bose A30, the A20 headset retains its popularity within the aviation community.

In this review, we'll explore the factors that contribute to its enduring appeal and why it continues to be a top choice for pilots of all skill levels.

3 min read
Headsets
Flying in Thunderstorms (What to Do & What Not to Do)

Flying in Thunderstorms (What to Do & What Not to Do)

Visually stunning and filled with deadly power, thunderstorms are one of the most fascinating and dangerous weather phenomena you are likely to encounter as a pilot. An estimated 40,000 thunderstorms pop up around the globe on a daily basis, so your odds of having to deal with one are reasonably high.

7 min read
How to Acquire a Helicopter License (Step by Step)

How to Acquire a Helicopter License (Step by Step)

So, you want to earn a helicopter license but you’re not quite sure how to go about it? Maybe you have a fixed-wing license and want to branch out into rotor, or you are just starting out and are interested in eventually pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Today we will walk you through the process and what to expect as you acquire a helicopter license.

7 min read
Helicopter
9 Low Time Pilot Jobs for Pilots With Less Than 500 Hours

9 Low Time Pilot Jobs for Pilots With Less Than 500 Hours

You put in the time to earn a commercial pilot certificate. You brushed up on the privileges and limitations that come with it, and now you are ready to go land that first job. The only problem is you have less than 500 hours, and many of the job listings require more experience.
14 min read
Professional Pilot
Dutch Roll: Everything You Need to Know About It

Dutch Roll: Everything You Need to Know About It

A Dutch roll – it sounds delicious, but in aviation a Dutch roll is very different. In this article we'll touch on everything you need to know about a Dutch roll including what it is, how it got its unique name, and how to get out of a Dutch roll should you inadvertently find yourself in one.

6 min read
Training
Cessna 172 (10 Things You Need to Know)

Cessna 172 (10 Things You Need to Know)

Ask a pilot to name a common single-engine fixed-wing aircraft, especially one that is good to learn on, and the Cessna 172 will quickly rise to the top of the list. From the original first flight in 1955 to its latest model still in production today, the Cessna 172 has been a reliable, dependable, easy-to-fly aircraft that is appreciated by students and seasoned pilots alike.

9 min read
Aircraft
25 Best Aviation Apps You Shouldn’t Fly Without

25 Best Aviation Apps You Shouldn’t Fly Without

In a cockpit that is increasingly becoming more and more digital, what apps makes the cut? Electronic flight bags (EFB), aviation calculators, weather, specialty apps – there really is an app for just about everything. Which top your list for best aviation apps? Are you on the lookout for some new favorites?

10 min read
Training
Best Ultralight Aircraft for the Money 2024

Best Ultralight Aircraft for the Money 2024

There is a certain mystique and allure about ultralight aircraft. They are reminiscent of the early days of aviation when would-be pilots built their own aircraft and took to the skies for their own test flights. Ultralights are affordable, exciting and building them from a kit evokes a sense of accomplishment and pride.

8 min read
Aircraft
The 8 Best (Authentic) Bomber Jackets for Men in 2024

The 8 Best (Authentic) Bomber Jackets for Men

Besides an airline uniform, no other piece of clothing screams “pilot” more than the classic bomber jacket. Bombers are some of the most recognizable pieces of outerwear, and these iconic jackets are known not only for their style but also for their history. With distinctive lines and a storied past, they are so much more than just another piece of clothing.

9 min read
Product Information
Ways to Combat Motion Sickness in Aviation Training

Ways to Combat Motion Sickness in Aviation Training

Motion sickness is a frequent issue among student pilots, often leading to nausea and general discomfort during flight lessons. It can be particularly frustrating for those determined to have a smooth training experience.

While the symptoms of motion sickness can be distressing, don't worry—it's a fixable problem. In this article, we'll share strategies that pilots in training can use to overcome "flight lesson nausea."

7 min read
Student Pilot
Father’s Day Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

Father’s Day Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

With Father's Day approaching, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift for a parent, especially if they are a pilot or have a passion for aviation. You want to give them something fun and meaningful that also reflects their love for flight.

We're here to assist you in finding the perfect gift in one of the most thrilling industries! We've put together a list of items that will surely bring a smile to your aviator's face when they open it. 

6 min read
Product Information
How to Decide if Being an Airline Pilot is Right for You

How to Decide if Being an Airline Pilot is Right for You

Becoming an airline pilot is the ultimate dream for many flight students. Along with the thrill of traveling on a daily basis, there is also the financial security that comes with the job. Let's examine the airline pilot pros and cons to determine if it lines up with your personal goals and interests.
8 min read
Professional Pilot
How to Become a Helicopter Pilot (Step-By-Step Guide)

How to Become a Helicopter Pilot (Step-By-Step Guide)

Almost everyone looks up when they hear a helicopter flying overhead, right? There’s a certain mystique about helicopters and the people who pilot them. Helicopters are fast, they’re agile and they can get into places that a fixed wing aircraft couldn’t hope to. Helicopter pilots conduct search and rescue operations, they airlift wounded military members out of hot zones, they provide aerial reconnaissance, civilian medical transport and more.

7 min read
Helicopter
Breaking Down Everything in the Cessna 172 Cockpit

Breaking Down Everything in the Cessna 172 Cockpit

Are you curious about the inner workings of a Cessna 172 cockpit? In this guide we’ll take your through each control and instrument to boost your cockpit awareness. If you're just starting flight training as a student pilot or preparing for a checkout in a new aircraft with your instructor, this guide will help you become a knowledgeable and confident pilot.

5 min read
Aircraft
How to Master Airport Traffic Patterns for Student Pilots

How to Master Airport Traffic Patterns for Student Pilots

For student pilots, the thought of performing traffic patterns for the first time can be incredibly overwhelming. Not only do you have to memorize the pattern, but also focus on executing a smooth and safe landing. It's a lot to take in, but don't worry! This article will guide you through the process of learning how to fly a traffic pattern and make it feel like second nature.
13 min read
Student Pilot