Gear May 2017

In addition, it includes a carrying bag and a 16-ounce hammer. The anchors are made of hi-carbon steel alloy. When installed, they sit just one inch above ground to help reduce the risk of tripping. The spikes, also steel alloy, are 12 inches long and designed for easy removal with a standard hammer. Altogether, the Smart Anchor system is capable of securing up to 3,600 pounds and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Learn more at Sporty's.

Even if you don't fly with paper charts, cockpit organization is important. The iPad Air Kneeboard ($64.95) has room for a little bit of everything. This kneeboard is designed to fit both the iPad Air and the iPad Air 2. Its microfiber inner cover protects the screen, while the design leaves dock connectors and the power port accessible when the cover is closed. There's even a cutout for the camera lens.

In addition, the iPad Air Kneeboard has a clip on the front and an inner pocket for securing small items, documentation and notepaper. There's also an elastic loop for a stylus or pen. The kneeboard has a built-in easel fold so it can either sit flat or tilt up at an angle for a better view. The device is secured with a hook-and-loop leg strap.

Learn more at ASA.

Hypoxia awareness is no joke when flying at higher altitudes. The Oxi-Go Pro Pulse Oximeter ($49.95) monitors blood oxygen saturation (percentage of oxygen) and heart rate (beats per minute) to help pilots accurately assess their condition in potentially low-oxygen environments. The Oxi-Go boasts a high-resolution display with four modes to make it easily readable from all sides. The display also has 10 different brightness settings so it can be used day or night.

This lightweight monitor is designed to clip on to a wide array of finger sizes and can be used for children as well as adults. It's powered by 2 AAA batteries. The automatic power-off and low power consumption make the Oxi-Go good for approximately 30 hours of normal operation. It works in temperatures from 41° to 104°F, and O2 accuracy is +/- 2-3%.

Learn more at My Pilot Store.

The second generation of the GloveLite ($24.95-$31.75) gives pilots looking for a hands-free flashlight for the cockpit a good series of options. The GloveLite slides over thumb and forefinger and secures around the wrist with Velcro.® Versions are available for either the left or right hand, and in sizes from small to large.

There are also over-glove sizing options. The GloveLite has two 5,000 mcd LED finger lights that switch on and off with a back-of-the-hand button. When ordering, white, green or red light can be specified. For anyone worried about sweaty palms, the neoprene GloveLite is machine-washable and waterproof. It also comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

Learn more at Aircraft Spruce.

The HotSeat Dual Display Flight Simulator ($6,265) brings flight school-level training home. This HotSeat system comes equipped with two widescreen HD monitors (a 27" forward display and a 22" cockpit display), yoke, rudder pedals, throttle quadrant and adjustable fabric seat. Surround-sound speakers are also included. It's all attached to a welded steel tube chassis. The chassis is available in red, blue, yellow or black.

The HotSeat computer system comes with Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It can be used to practice flying VFR or IFR in a geographically and topographically correct environment. The cockpit display shows the main instrument panel. GPS, radio stack and more can be added to it to simulate a particular aircraft setup. The HotSeat Flight Sim is 60" long, 26" wide and 48" tall.

Learn more at Aircraft Spruce.