Whether you’re staying in this holiday season or venturing out to enjoy some winter trips, there is no shortage of new gear or gadgets to choose from to make your life as a pilot easier and more enjoyable. From the latest in tech to toys that will keep the youngest aviation enthusiasts among us engaged for hours, we’ve identified the must-have gifts for anyone with a love of flying.
Aviation Fleece Blankets
These fleece blankets from Organic Synthesis are the perfect antidote to a cold winter night. With a variety of different designs showcasing everything from early WWI birds like the Sopwith Camel to the SR-71 Blackbird, the blankets celebrate historyâs most revered aircraft using vibrant art-deco designs.
The blankets are made of 100% polyester and come in two sizes, 50 x 60 inches and 60 x 80 inches. The blankets range in price from $45 to $55.
Learn more at fineartamerica.com.
COBI Historical Collection Block Sets
For the younger ones in your life, these COBI Historical Collection block sets offer an interactive, hands-on way to get to know and enjoy the aircraft that changed the course of history. Buyers can choose from a selection of dozens of different World War I and II aircraft, which include iconic models such as the Sopwith Camel, the Red Baronâs Fokker DR.1, the P-51 Mustang, the Mitsubishi Zero, the F4U Corsair and many more. The simplest sets feature at least 150 block pieces that users can spend hours connecting to create a finished airplane. Meanwhile, more sophisticated designs, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, come with over 900 blocks for users to build with, making for a highly detailed final product that strongly resembles a scale model of the actual aircraft design. The sets include a variety of fine touches, including retractable gear as well as moveable flaps.
Made in Poland, the COBI sets are compatible with other construction block brands and are available on Amazon or a number of pilot gear providers. The sets are available in a range of prices, with the cheapest starting at below $30 and the more complex sets commanding a $100-plus price tag.
Learn more at amazon.com.
Ekster Parliament Wallet
This smart wallet from Ekster provides substantial protection for oneâs most valuable items in a subtle, minimalist design. A central asset of the Parliament is its aluminum cardholder, which prevents credit card skimming and delivers peace of mind that oneâs financial information is secure. The wallet can also be paired with a solar-powered tracking card that utilizes two-way ringing to allow users to call the wallet from their phone or their phone from the tracker card in their wallet, making the Parliament very difficult to lose.
In terms of both aesthetic design and use, the Parliament is no-fuss. The ultra-slim wallet is made of premium leather and available in seven different colors. As opposed to fumbling around your wallet to find the right card, you can simply press the Parliamentâs card ejection button to gain instant access to any card of your choosing. Inside is a strap to secure cash, as well as a few additional slots aside from the main cardholder for IDs or cards.
The wallet is available for $71.
Learn more at ekster.com.
Flight Outfitters Waypoint Backpack
The newest bag from Flight Outfitters, the Waypoint Backpack combines a low-key style and lots of utility in a product specifically made for pilots. With one padded sleeve that can fit a 16-inch laptop and another that fits an iPad Pro 12.9-inch, the bag has the space needed to carry all the electronic devices one may need on any given trip. In addition to the sleeves, users will find two interior mesh pockets inside along with a main compartment that is large enough to hold a change of clothes or larger gear items, such as a headset, logbook or kneeboard. A front organizer pocket features several pen holders as well as small spaces for valuables, such as keys or a wallet. Near the top of the bag is a soft-lined sunglasses pocket that will protect shades from unnecessary scratches or damage.
On the outside, two side mesh pockets are perfect for holding a fuel strainer, flashlight or radio. A carabiner in the front center of the bag allows wearers to latch on additional items that they want to reach quickly. The Waypointâs padded shoulder straps make for a comfortable fit, while a secure slip on the back of the bag makes it easy for users to adhere the bag to rolling luggage.
The bag is available for $129.95.
Learn more at flightoutfitters.com.
SPOT Gen4
Whether youâre flying in the backwoods or driving through a remote area with no cell coverage, the SPOT Gen4 is a tool youâll be glad you have on hand in case of an emergency. The GPS messenger uses the Globalstar satellite network to track your movements, notify friends and family of your location and coordinate an emergency response if something goes awry.Thanks to the unitâs motion-activated tracking technology, users can set up a vibration sensor to prompt the SPOT to start location monitoring as soon as they start moving. Users can send their GPS coordinates from a waypoint to up to 10 people via email or text, and they can also refer back to those waypoints at a later time. In the case of a serious emergency, SPOT users can activate the S.O.S. button in order to alert emergency personnel. Additionally, the Help/S.O.V. function can be utilized to reach loved ones in the case of a non-life-threatening emergency.
The Gen4 is pocket-size and lightweight, weighing less than a third of a pound. It can operate up to over 21,000 feet, and it can maintain functionality in severe cold (down to -22° Fahrenheit) as well as severe heat (up to 140°).
The unit itself is priced at $149.99, and users can select from either contract plans that start at $143.40 per year for continuous use or flex plans that start at $14.95 per month for seasonal use.
Learn more at findmespot.com.
Taxi Light Lamp
For those who want to turn their desk into a fun reminder of the airport, this taxi light lamp from the Wright Brothers Collection is a great piece to set the mood. Featuring an aviation-yellow steel marker cone, as well as a 225-lumen LED taxi light, the lamp will transport you to your favorite runway when other business keeps you stuck at home.
The lamp, priced at $299.99, measures approximately 16 inches in height, while the cone is 8 inches in diameter. The light is available in multiple colors, including green, amber, blue, red and clear.
Learn more at sportys.com.
