In each issue of Plane & Pilot magazine, we share a handful of gear for pilots that we feel pilots and aviation enthusiasts would love to have.
The round-up in our November 2019 issue included a mount for iPad Pros, a good-value action camera, a bifold wallet made from aerospace aluminum, and more! Click through the slideshow below to see all of the items.
Made of a combination of aerospace aluminum and genuine leather, this bifold wallet from Dango Products delivers a sleek aesthetic, as well as utility and function. The walletâs unique feature is a stainless-steel multitool that slides in and out of the walletâs metal cavity. Included on the toolâs long list of facets is a bottle opener, a seat belt cutter, a nail pryer and a hex wrench, among others.
The wallet includes a number of different smartly designed card holders and, all told, the wallet can hold 16 cards with the multitool in place and 18 without it. In addition to these pockets, the wallet also features a silicone wallet band for easy storage of cash or other items. Dual lanyard holes at the top of the wallet make it easy to attach it to a bag or secure it on your person. The wallet weighs 5 ounces and is priced at $139.00.
Learn more at dangoproducts.com.
In an environment in which portable electronics play a key role in the cockpit, this installable charger makes it easy for fliers to power-up their devices in-flight. The 3A charger includes dual USB ports, which provide enough power output to charge two iPads while theyâre also operating at full brightness. So thereâs no need to choose between charging your device or using your favorite in-flight app.
The GSB 15âs small sizeâitâs a 1.5-inch square thatâs shorter than an inch deepâallows it to be installed in confined areas that other USB chargers canât accommodate. It can fit into a 1-inch cutout, or an optional mounting kit, priced at $50, can be used to place the GSB 15 in an instrument hole.
Each USB port features halo lighting, making it easy to plug-in during night flights without additional lighting. The product is priced at $349, not including installation costs.
Learn more at garmin.com.
Fliers on a tight budget looking for a good-value action cam would do well to consider the Sjcam SJ6 Legend. At a price of $159, the SJ6 is significantly cheaper than its GoPro competitors, while still providing high-quality video and features. Among those are dual LCD screens, including a 2-inch touchscreen on the back, as well as a 1-inch non-touchscreen in front, which allows users to conveniently see what theyâre filming regardless of their physical position in relation to the camera. The touchscreen in the back sets the SJ6 apart from other action cams in the same price range, and with its great responsivity, it makes navigating the cameraâs menu a seamless process.
These screens operate alongside three simple buttons located on the side and top of the camera, one for power, one for shutter release and one for the menu. On the opposite side of the camera, users will find a mini USB port and a slot for a microSD card.
The camera can capture video in interpolated 4K, 2K and 1080P, and the footage is clear and crisp. The company boasts a battery life of 130 minutes for the SJ6, but utilizing the 4K mode will cut into this. While the camera itself isnât waterproof, it can be fitted with a waterproof case that is effective to a depth of 30 meters. It has a number of other special touches, such as a tripod mount and WiFi connectivity that allows you to control the camera through the Sjcam app. The camera is available in black, silver and golden rose.
Learn more at sjcam.com.
Keeping uniforms or business attire clean and pressed in a suitcase can at times be a challenge. This garment sleeve from Travelpro helps eliminate that problem and ensures clothes stay fresh while youâre on the move.
Comprised of ballistic nylon, the sleeveâs material features a DuraGuard coating that protects against stains and other damage. The sleeve is hangable and can also fold to fit in a tight space or in a suitcase. The product, which costs $29.99, includes a padded roll bar that prevents wrinkles from forming.
Learn more at pilotmall.com.
This X-Naut iPad cradle aims to ensure your device stays cool and powered-on during flight no matter what environmental conditions youâre operating in. The product uses quiet built-in fans to circulate air to vulnerable areas of the iPad, preventing it from overheating. Attaching the iPad to the cradle is quick and simple, thanks to the productâs spring-loaded latch, which ensures the iPad stays firmly in place.
The X-Naut can run on eight AA batteries for 10-plus hours, or users can power the unit using a micro USB cable. A battery test button on the side of the X-Naut indicates the power level remaining in the batteries. The X-Naut, which is priced at $199.99, is compatible with popular mounts such as those from RAM and MyGoFlight.
The mount can be used for 11-inch third-generation iPad Pros, although other versions for the Mini, 9.7-inch iPad and 10.5-inch iPad are also available.
Learn more at sportys.com.
