Cool Products For Aviation Enthusiasts
Gear for aviation enthusiasts
In each issue of Plane & Pilot magazine, we share a handful of aviation-related products that we feel pilots and aviation enthusiasts would love to have.
The gear round-up in our October 2019 issue included a hoodie designed to look like Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, a P-51 Mustang model, and much more. Click through the slideshow below to see all of the items.
As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of mankindâs first journey to the moon, this sweatshirt commemorates the man central to the event and the iconic spacesuit that helped make it possible. The hoodie, made by GearHuman, doesnât feature the 21 layers of life-protecting material used in Neil Armstrongâs spacesuit, but it does visually replicate all of the tiny details of the custom-made suit that enabled Armstrong to step out of the Eagle lunar module successfully in 1969. GearHuman employs 3D printing to replicate everything from the suitâs NASA logo and Apollo 11 patch to the American flag on the sleeve to the helmet neck ring fitting and umbilical connectors. The end result is a one-of-a-kind sweatshirt thatâs sure to be a conversation starter.
Made out of high-quality polyester, the hoodie is available for $47.99 and comes in sizes small through 3XL.
Learn more at gearhuman.com.
This V-neck T-shirt celebrates the love of flying in a form thatâs both comfortable and in style. Featuring the flyGirl logo in large, slightly worn letters across the chest, the shirt comes in multiple color options, including heather blue, heather red and white. The shirt is made of a blend of polyester, cotton and rayon and is a great light option for flying in warmer weather.
The shirt is priced at $29.95 and is available in sizes small to XL. FlyGIRL donates a portion of each purchase to a scholarship fund aimed at encouraging women to learn to fly.
Learn more at sportys.com.
General Motors (GM) recently threw its hat into the growing e-bike ring with the introduction of a pair of models, including a foldable version called the ARĪV Merge. The Merge is powered by a GM 250-watt mid-drive motor, which provides 75 NM of torque. This enables it to move at 15 miles per hour and last for nearly 40 miles on a single charge. (The Merge is targeted toward the European market and consequently has specs that align with EU regulations.)
Comprised of aluminum, the 50-pound bike folds with a few steps and trolleys on its two 16-inch tires. Riders can choose between eight speed settings using the Shimano Alfine shifter, and they can monitor speed and battery levels on the bikeâs integrated LED display. The battery takes 3.5 hours to charge fully and can be removed for charging or charged directly in the bike.
Buyers of the ARĪV Merge can return the bike within 30 days of purchase if they arenât satisfied with the product. The frame and fork come with a five-year warranty, while the battery and motor are covered for two years.
The bike is priced at â¬3,385.58. Learn more at arivmobility.com.
This beautifully hand-crafted P-51 replica features the paint scheme of Old Crow, the fighter famously flown by triple ace Clarence Emil âBudâ Anderson during World War II. Made of mahogany wood, this clear-canopy open-edition model features a wingspan of 19 inches and measures 13 inches in length, coming in at 1/24th the size of the actual aircraft. With a design that captures the fine details of the airplane Anderson flew for 116 missions, including for six consecutive hours on D-Day, this model is a great addition to any warbird buffâs collection.
The model is priced at $399. Learn more at pilotmall.com.
This seat cushion from Noral Aircraft provides comfort, support and an extra boost to those needing a better view in the cockpit. The foldable cushion is made of water-repellant and fire-retardant nylon and comes in different levels of thickness, including 2-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch versions. The cushions are priced at $88.95, $109.75 and $119.75, respectively.
The back portion of the cushion features a lumbar curve for additional comfort, especially for long hauls. The bottom and back portion of the cushion are detachable, and it comes with a strap that can be used to attach the cushion to the seat as well as to transport it when not in use.
The cushions are made for aircraft seats in the Cessna 172, 182 and similar-sized models, although a separate Noral cushion for smaller aircraft is also available. The cushion is available in either black or gray.
Learn more at noralenterprises.com.
Itâs always helpful to have the gear you need in the cockpit within armâs reach, and the Pilot Pocket XL provides a simple organizational tool that does just that. Made out of acrylic and featuring three suction cups on the rear side, the Pilot Pocket XL can adhere securely to an airplane window or plastic surface. Each suction cup also features a pull-off tab to make removal of the Pilot Pocket quick and easy.
The productâs clean and simple design includes two compartments for pens or other items, along with a central section for housing a phone or other portable device. This compartment also includes a cut-out in the bottom panel, allowing users to connect their items to a charging cable without difficulty.
The Pilot Pocket is translucent, and the front features a Fahrenheit and Celsius conversion chart. The product comes with a price tag of $26.95.
Learn more at sportys.com.
For off-airport flying in which automated weather information isnât available, this wind meter from WindScribe is an easy way for pilots to determine if conditions are suitable for takeoff and landing. The WindScribe provides key wind data, such as current speed, max headwind and tailwind, as well as a running average wind and an average wind reading over the course of five seconds. In addition to wind data, temperature is also provided, helping pilots anticipate foggy conditions.
Weighing just 3.5 ounces and attached to a lanyard, the WindScribe is easily portable. It also includes a Velcro strap and bracket for mounting purposes. The WindScribe is priced at $179.99.
Learn more at aircraftspruce.com.
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