Gear for Pilots

Garmin D2 Delta Watches

Garmin's new D2 Delta models bring a host of additional features to the company's successful line of aviation watches. The three new options recently unveiled by Garmin include the D2 Delta PX, priced at $1,249, the $899 D2 Delta S, and the D2 Delta Aviator, priced at $949. The Delta PX is the largest of the three and features a built-in pulse oximeter. The D2 Delta is the standard and comes with a brown leather band and black silicon band and a great, euro-classic look. The freshest model is the D2 Delta S, which is significantly smaller than any previous D2 watch.

All three come with extensive aviation features, including a high-res moving map, weather radar overlay, airport info, an HSI display and flight plan transfer to the Garmin GTN 650/750 and G1000 NXi using the Flight Stream 510 interface. They have a lot of non-aviation features, too, including phone functions, a payment feature called Garmin Pay, multisport capability, step counting, VIRB action cam control and more.

Learn more at Garmin: Garmin.com

Stratus 3 ADS-B Receiver

The new Stratus 3 ADS-B receiver is the latest in a line of non-certified portable units that have been best sellers for the past several years. However, unlike previous models that could only be paired with ForeFlight, Stratus 3 is open source, meaning it can be used with other apps. Nonetheless, ForeFlight is still supporting the launch of Stratus 3 and will provide a rich set of built-in features in its popular app, including the app's advanced 3D traffic display.

Like the Stratus 2S that came before it, Stratus 3 has a built-in GPS/WAAS receiver and built-in AHRS for backup attitude information that drives features like synthetic vision. Status 3's other features include dual-band ADS-B receivers (1090ES and UAT); automatic shutoff, in which the unit senses when the flight is over; and smart wifi, which allows a pilot to use their iPhone or iPad Apple LTE data stream connection without disconnecting from Stratus 3. The Stratus 3 wifi network can be hidden, a big draw for those who need secure connections, such as military and airline pilots. Stratus 3 is also poised to take advantage of new FAA ADS-B weather features when they come online later this year. The unit has a retail price of $699, $200 less than its predecessor.

Learn more at Sporty's: sportys.com/stratus

Flight Outfitters Bush Pilot Jacket

The new Bush Pilot Jacket from Flight Outfitters includes a number of features to help keep backcountry fliers warm and comfortable. With a design reminiscent of bomber jackets of decades past, the Bush Pilot Jacket has Sherpa-lined front pockets and accents on the collar and cuffs. The tan exterior is water resistant while the interior features a quilted body lining for additional warmth.

A few special aspects of the jacket take into consideration the unique demands of cockpit-wear. For example, the jacket has a pleaded bi-swing action back and adjustable snap side tabs that allow for more mobility in the cockpit than traditional jackets, while its oversized cuffs were specifically designed so as not to interfere with large aviation watches. In addition to its two front pockets, the jacket also includes three interior chest pockets.

The jacket is priced at $99.95 and comes in men's sizes up to 2XL.

Learn more at Flight Outfitters: flightoutfitters.com/apparel

Scheyden Jet-A Titanium Sunglasses

Scheyden sunglasses have long been popular with aviators, and the Jet-A frames consistently come in as one of the favorites in the company's lineup. These tried and true sunglasses recently became even better with the addition of new upgrades aimed to deliver a more comfortable fit. The changes include spring-loaded triple barrel hinges as well as modifiable titanium temples that allow the Jet-A frames to fit more naturally on a wider variety of face shapes.

The Jet-A frames are hybrid frames composed of cedar-rolled composite and titanium. The glasses provide substantial coverage in a classic wrap-style frame. The lenses are available in both bronze and grey, while the frames are available in black and havana. A Jet-A pair sells for $279.00.

Learn more at Scheyden: scheyden.com/nproduct.php?id=28

Levil Aviation BOM

The BOM from Levil Aviation is an aerodynamic pod that fits underneath the wing of an aircraft and wirelessly delivers the typical information you'd receive from your instrument panel. It features a heated pitot static system, angle-of-attack sensor, GPS receiver, AHRS and more, and uses these systems to transmit real-time data to both Apple and Android devices. Equipped with a mini turbine in the rear, the BOM is powered by the wind and turns on and off in accordance with the vibration of the wing.

The BOM, which stands for broadcasting outer module, is a completely independent device, making it a great back-up if something were to go wrong in the instrument panel. The product is FAA-certified for installation and costs $1,995.

Learn more at Levil Aviation: shop.levil.com/products/bom-with-adsb

Vintage Warbird Coffee Mugs

Military history buffs and warbird enthusiasts can enjoy these mugs made to celebrate some of America's most venerated WWII aircraft. The 15-ounce ceramic mugs feature wrap-around images depicting storied aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang and the B-17 Flying Fortress. The mugs, which are safe to use in both the dishwasher and the microwave, come with matching 4-inch coasters made of stoneware and featuring cork backings.

Each mug and coaster set sells for $19.99.

Learn more at Sporty's: sportys.com/pilotshop/p-51-mustang-coffee-mug-and-coaster-seta.html