In each issue of Plane & Pilot magazine, we share a handful of items for pilots that we feel pilots and aviation enthusiasts would love to have.
The round-up in our April 2020 issue includes sunglasses from AO Original, embroidered aviation patches from the Aeroplane Apparel Co.and more gear for pilots! Click through the gallery below to view all of the items.
Aithre Altus Portable Oxygen Tank Smart Monitor
For those who spend any time at higher altitudes, making sure you have enough oxygen on board to operate safely can be a lifesaving security measure. This portable tank monitor takes any doubt or guesswork out of the process by making it clear how much oxygen you have remaining in your tank. Once attached to an oxygen tank, the Altus provides key data, such as pressure readings every six seconds, flow rate and time remaining, among others, directly to a userâs iPhone or iPad. The accompanying app also delivers warnings via pop-ups and Siri messages any time the tankâs contents dip below FAA requirements.
The product comes with a velcro strap that allows it to adhere securely to an oxygen tank, as well as a 1/8-inch port T-fitting expansion. The Altus comes with a price tag of $350.
Learn more at pilotmall.com.
MyGoFlight Flight Bag PLC Pro 2020
The newest flight bag offering from MyGoFlight has taken the benefits of its predecessors and re-engineered them to provide an even better bag for pilots on the go. The freestanding bag features pockets and compartments galore, making it easy to divide gear into accessible locations. Among those are storage compartments for a laptop (up to 16 inches) and iPad, several side pockets, see-through mesh pockets and hidden internal pockets for storing valuables. A top opening for the central compartment allows the bag to maintain its shape and stay upright while users reach in to insert or retrieve an item.
The PLC Pro 2020 comes with a detachable backpack and shoulder straps, as well as a secure soft leather handle. The bag is made of ballistic nylon, and it is covered by MyGoFlightâs three-year warranty. Measuring 19 inches in height and 13.5 inches in width, the bag makes a great carry-on option.
The PLC Pro 2020 is available for $299. Embroidery is available for an additional fee.
Learn more at aircraftspruce.com.
Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
Itâs important to stay hydrated while in the air, especially during long trips. Bringing along a big plastic water bottle, however, can be a hassle and take up precious space in the small confines of a cockpit. This collapsible water bottle from Nomader helps eliminate that issue by taking up just as much space as needed. This BPA-free bottle is made of durable yet flexible silicone that allows it to roll up as liquid is removed. The bottleâs screw cap provides an airtight seal, and its hygienic spout cover makes sure the bottle remains clean and free of outside debris.
The bottle is safe to wash in a dishwasher and comes in 11 different color options. Each 22-ounce bottle is priced at $24.95.
Learn more at amazon.com.
AO Original Eyewear
The company behind these sunglasses has been providing eye protection for pilots since the dawn of aviation, with a strong history of outfitting American troops in World Wars I and II with both glasses and a plethora of other gear. Many years later, the company continues to provide top-notch eye protection for pilots around the country.
The Original Pilot glasses are non-polarized and made specifically for airmen. They deliver 100% protection against UVA, along with 98% protection against UVB. Featuring a brow bar and a bayonet temple, the Original Pilot glasses come in three different sizesâ52, 55 and 57âensuring a custom fit for each wearer. The glasses fit naturally under a headset without breaking the seal.
The glasses are available in gray or brown lenses, with the option for either a silver or gold frame. Each pair sells for $149.
Learn more at Sportys.com
Phone Reflector Head Up Display
This product is useful for those seeking to utilize technology in the cockpit while keeping their eyes on the outside and maintaining situational awareness. The non-certificated HUD features a 6.5-inch display for magnified viewing of whatever is on your cellphone screen, which is captured simply by placing your phone flat on the HUD. Whether youâd like an enlarged attitude indicator in the cockpit or to track your flight progress with your favorite aviation app, this product allows you to do so without losing sight of your surroundings.
The HUD itself requires no outside power, and it comes equipped with a no-slip base so that it can be mounted securely on top of the panel. The display angle can be adjusted as needed for most effective viewing from either the left- or right-hand seat. The product is available for $19.95.
Learn more at Sportys.com
Embroidered Patches From Aeroplane Apparel Co.
These decorative patches from Aeroplane Apparel Co. provide a fun way to show your pride in aviation history or celebrate your general love for flying. Featuring a number of different designs, each patch can be ironed onto a shirt or other surface using a standard iron, making it easy for anyone to add a touch of aviation detail to their belongings.
Included among the available designs are patches for the Flying Tigers, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the United States Army Air Forces and more. More general patches, such as the âIâd Rather Be Flyingâ patch and the âCaptainâ patch, are also available.
Each patch is priced at $4.99.
Learn more at pilotmall.com.
Uni-Wrap Silicone Tape
Aircraft mechanics or pilots looking for a reliable and simple way to seal, repair or insulate aircraft components will find value in this Uni-Wrap tape. Uni-Wrap forgoes the sticky feel of traditional tape and instead utilizes silicone rubber to create a seamless bond with whatever object itâs used on, providing protection from both heat and cold, ozone shock, moisture and more. The tape is strong enough to withstand temperatures as low as -65° Fahrenheit and as high as 500°.
Each roll provides 10 yards of tape, measuring approximately 1 inch in width. The tape, priced at $14.90 per roll, has a shelf life of one year.
Learn more at aircraftspruce.com
