I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, but there are just some times you want the sport of The Hunt. I have just returned from Boeing Field/King County International Airport (KBFI) with a new sectional, TAC, and 2024 FAR/AIM and a checklist for a Cessna 182N. One of my clients acquired this 1970s-era Cessna, and is working on her IFR ticket. I was at KBFI for a story, and happened to see the remaining pilot supply store, National Aviation was open and under new management. 

In the past, The Aviator Store was the pilot supply store at KBFI, and National Aviation, located across the way, mostly carried hardware for aircraft, but they did have some sectionals and cockpit supplies for aviators in training. I wasn’t sure if they would have the paper I wanted because digital is so prevalent these days. The new National did not disappoint–the checklist had to be ordered. It is now in my possession, added to my checklist collection organized by make and model. I supposed I could go digital for this too, but I prefer a hard copy as a teaching tool. Digital is wonderful—I use ForeFlight too—but I don’t feel I am doing my job as a CFI if I don’t teach my learners how to use both paper and electronic. 

One of the first lessons a pilot learns is how to use the checklist. It is one of the items the applicant is tested on during their check ride. Show me a pilot carrying a checklist as they preflight their aircraft, and I will show you someone who had good training.

Yet a colleague told me how a family member became concerned watching him as he used a checklist during the preflight inspection. He was taking his folks up for a scenic flight. The colleague had been flying for several years and his father mentioned he thought he really should have this process memorized by now—especially since he was now flying for a regional airline.

Upon hearing this the colleague pulled out his metaphorical instructor cap and explained that checklists are always used—it doesn’t matter if you have 1 hour or 1,000. Develop these habits now, he said, because when you reach that job in corporate or commercial aviation you will nary make a move without consulting the checklist. (Full disclosure: As I helped turn him into an instructor, when I heard this story, I positively beamed with pride.)

• READ MORE: Why Do Pilots Use Checklists?

The savvy instructors teach their learners that the checklist is not a crutch, but a means to ensure that items are checked systematically, and provide the pilot with the metrics for acceptable operation, for example the acceptable level of a power drop when testing magnetos. If you are interrupted during the flow of the checklist, back up three items, then resume.

If you rent aircraft, you probably have learned that checklists grow legs. People put them in their kneeboard or flight bag and accidentally walk off with them. The smart flight schools have extra aircraft-specific checklists available, and often have them for purchase. Buy one of your own and put your name on it in large letters.

In addition to the procedures set forth by the manufacturer (which are often photocopied directly out of the pilot’s operating handbook or aircraft flight manual), on these FBO checklists you’ll likely find a page or two of procedures specifically required at the FBO such as “rotate propeller to vertical position after flight to indicate the need for fuel.”

The FBO-centric instructions can vary, and as the law of primacy is strong, it’s not uncommon to take those procedures with you when you change schools. This can create challenges. For example, one school may have a rule that empty oil bottles need to be placed in the back of the aircraft because the line staff collects them at the end of the week and uses them to determine how much oil the fleet is using, while at another FBO this practice is construed as leaving trash in an airplane. Always ask about the quirky rules and procedures so you don’t become ‘that guy.’

If you are flying at a school with many aircraft, be wary of ‘musical checklists’ where, like the game musical chairs, the checklists can go missing from one airplane and the renter or even the CFI takes one from another to complete the flight. This practice is usually frowned upon greatly.

Some FBOs add the checklist to the checklist. At the end of each flight, the pilot is to walk around the aircraft to make sure it is tied down securely, then pause by the tail and verify the Hobbs and tach numbers are properly recorded in the dispatch binder and the checklist is clipped in the dispatch binder.

Making Your Own Checklist

Some pilots make their own checklists. In many cases it can be very beneficial as you can tailor the checklist to your specific aircraft, needs, and the way you process information.

Begin by referring to the POH or AFM, and use the information there as a template.

Take special note of supplemental information that is aircraft and avionics specific and adjust accordingly. Note power settings, mixture settings, temperatures, fuel flow, and airspeeds for different procedures such for approaches. Include notes on setting up the cockpit before each flight, such as how to load a flight plan and operate the avionics, if appropriate.

• READ MORE: Looking Beyond a Pre-Purchase Checklist

You may want to add additional dialog as part of the passenger briefing for those times when the person sitting next to you is a passenger with a pilot rating. In addition to the briefing you give your non-flying passengers, (sterile cockpit, don’t touch the controls, seatbelts, egress, etc.) let the person know if you want a division of tasks, for example, having them work the radios while you fly.

You may want to include a page of local frequencies so you don’t have to fumble for them during the flight, or even add notes on the VFR approaches into the local airports if they are geographic specific, such as “maintain 1,400 until crossing over shoreline.”

If you create the checklist on the computer, it’s easy to go back into the file and make adjustments as desired or needed. An office supply store will have the means of trimming and laminating the checklist if you so desire. Pro tip: Run the checklist through the laminator twice to make sure it stays laminated.

Making your own checklist is often a good exercise for pilots in training, as it requires them to study the POH, and it shows the instructor how the applicant processes information. This can lead to better instruction, as the CFI can adjust their delivery method, if need be.

Where Checklists Came From

It was an aviation accident that led to the adoption of the preflight checklist. On October 30, 1935 a Boeing 299, the prototype of the B-17, took off on a test flight from Wright Airfield in Ohio. The aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet, then stalled and crashed. Two of the five men on board were killed. The post-accident investigation determined that the pilot forgot to release a new control lock on the aircraft’s elevator. It was suggested that the pilot was overwhelmed by the airplane’s complicated instrument panel full of dials and switches. There was just too much to keep track of in this modern airplane.

Boeing fixed the issue by creating a checklist with specific action items for engine start taxi, takeoff, and landing. 

The post Make the Most of the Checklist appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Flying Eyes Optics is revolutionizing the industry through innovative pilot eyewear and sunglasses designed for comfort under helmets and headsets. As a company dedicated to creating high-quality eyewear, Flying Eyes Optics offers a range of products suitable for pilots, motorcyclists, and other adventurers who need to wear helmets or headsets for extended periods of time.

Based in Austin, Texas, the company celebrates its 10-year anniversary in August 2023. Founded by a pilot with over 25 years of experience, the glasses are engineered to provide maximum comfort, functionality, and durability. Dean Siracusa, the founder of Flying Eyes Optics, invested heavily in research and development to create eyewear that would enhance the user’s experience, not hinder it.

“I was tired of the pain and noise leaks that you get from regular glasses and decided to do something about it,” said Siracusa at the Flying Eyes booth at April’s Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

Eyewear and headgear work in tandem to deliver sensory information to the pilot’s eyes and ears, yet the two pieces of equipment did not play well together until recent eyewear innovations. Under a headset’s clamping force, glasses can dig into the wearer’s temples, leading to headaches after an extended time in the air. Similarly, the rigid and thick frames found in traditional eyewear fight against the headset’s cups, reducing the effectiveness of top headsets’ active noise-reduction capabilities.

The Design: Flexibility and Thinness for Comfort and Convenience

The road to more comfortable eyewear started with a pair of sunglasses attached to a thin strap at the typical location for a hinge. However, this design was still not convenient enough for regular use under headsets since removing the glasses required the removal of the headset. Siracusa went back to the drawing board, where his efforts eventually led to a unique polymer found in aerospace manufacturing.

The material, dubbed Resilamide, gave Flying Eyes frames the flexibility and thinness that allows for seamless compatibility with any headgear. The newly designed temples not only sat under headgear for hours at a time without pain but slipped on and off without requiring any headset or helmet movement.

In addition to comfort and convenience with this modern eyewear, headsets gain increased functionality when paired alongside Flying Eyes. The millimeter-thin frames ensure the pilot consistently achieves the best value from their headset or helmet by maintaining a tighter seal around their ears. With the seal preserved, enjoy the full effectiveness of active noise-reducing headsets, making this eyewear fantastic for your ears as well.

Equally important, the lenses received as much thought and attention to function as the frames. Keeping the cockpit experience in mind, most Flying Eyes lenses are non-polarized. While polarization is great for reducing glare off of reflective surfaces, such as the water when fishing, polarized lenses can blur out screens when viewing them from certain angles and increase the difficulty in viewing air traffic.

Creating Eyewear for All

The Flying Eyes product line originally offered sunglasses exclusively but quickly expanded to include lens options such as bifocals and prescription glasses. Glasses wearers can even enjoy prescriptions with magnetic, clip-on sunglasses that conveniently turn your clear glasses into shades depending on what you need!

Flying Eyes standard sunglasses have polycarbonate lenses, making them scratch-resistant and shatterproof. Find a Flying Eyes booth at an air show, and the staff will be happy to bend the temples and invite you to do the same shortly before trying them on to experience the unique flexibility of Flying Eyes for yourself. Pilots and non-pilots often marvel at Flying Eyes glasses’ ability to survive tumbles, let alone run over by a plane.

For any situation that does in a pair, Flying Eyes offers a lifetime frame warranty to cover any damages to the frame itself. Customers also receive a base 90-day lens warranty, extended up to a full year when registering their pair online with instructions provided after purchase. To further serve the aviation community, Flying Eyes is also happy to swap out any lenses in person at events like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Sun ‘n Fun, or the Reno Air Races. If you can’t attend these events, the Flying Eyes customer support team is ready to assist with any eyewear issue.

The Flying Eyes Pilot Community

Since the inception of Flying Eyes, support from the aviation community continues to be a source of inspiration. The aforementioned events allow the team to meet and serve hundreds of pilots seeking comfortable eyewear. At a Flying Eyes booth, we invite you to peruse the expansive selection of frames and lenses. Once you determine your favorite, the assembly of your custom pair starts and is ready in minutes.

In addition, Flying Eyes hosts meet and greets at these air shows with creators in aviation, connecting fans with many of the individuals who inspired their journey into the skies. These schedules are on Flying Eyes’ social media pages, @FlyingEyesWorld on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, before the event. Followers of the pages enjoy frequent posts of fellow aviation enthusiasts’ adventures alongside demonstrations of Flying Eyes’ convenience and durability.

Flying Eyes offers specialized glasses that enhance the aviation experience and seamlessly integrate with headsets, catering not just to private and commercial pilots, but aspirational aviators as well. These unique, virtually indestructible frames offer a lifetime warranty and are largely nonpolarized and shatterproof. The comfort under the headsets remains unmatched. Flying Eyes, founded by pilots and designed for pilots, is constantly improving due to interactions and feedback from pilots online and in person throughout the year.

For more on Flying Eyes Optics’ innovative pilot eyewear and sunglasses, visit Flying Eyes Optics and check out FLYING’s reviews of their products, including their Cooper Aviator.

The post Innovative Eyewear and Sunglasses for Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

For a great holiday gift that will ensure your loved one who flies will not have to ask ATC to “say again,” the Bose A20 active noise reduction headset could be the most important box they unwrap from under the tree this holiday season. After the initial elation of being given such a well-engineered headset–backed by more than 30 years of legendary Bose research and development–imagine their face when they open a second box to unveil a pair of Bose Frames, the super cool Bluetooth sunglasses with exclusive Open Ear Audio technology that will let them discreetly listen to music or take phone calls without having anything inside or over their ears.

Right now, Bose is offering a smoking hot deal with any Bose A20 or ProFlight Series 2 Aviation Headset purchase by throwing in a free set of Bose Frames (Alto or Rondo models) – an up to $199.95 value. Plus, Bose is offering 10 percent off each additional A20 or ProFlight Series 2 headset purchased. A20 and ProFlight Series 2 headset orders received between November 22 and January 9 are eligible to receive a free set of Bose Alto or Rondo Frames. For additional information and promotion rules, please visit Bose.com/aviation.

The Bose A20 has been a leader in the headset market for many years, due to the long list of desirable features that make it a popular choice of pilots who want to limit external cabin and engine noise to better understand ATC and radio traffic. The A20 headset gives pilots 30 percent greater noise reduction and 30 percent less “clamping force” than conventional aviation headsets, while a weight of just 12 ounces and soft ear cushions provide ultimate comfort. Add technology such as Bluetooth connectivity, 45 hours of battery life from just two AA batteries, auxiliary audio input with intercom/AUX priority switching for dedicated GPS and traffic warning systems, and flexible power circuitry with auto-on that switches to and from battery power and aircraft power, and you can see why this headset will be welcomed as 2020′s top holiday gift for any pilot.

The Bose Frames sunglasses are equally engineered to deliver the renowned Bose sound quality while looking good doing it. The Alto design has a classic angular shape–one of the most iconic sunglass silhouettes–while the Rondo design offers a distinct rounded shape first popularized by artists and musicians who need to just look great in their shades.

With a patented acoustic chamber that delivers sound without penetrating the ear and premium lenses in various popular shades and styles, Bose Alto and Rondo Frames weigh in at a comfortable 45 grams and have a Bluetooth range of 30 feet. After a fast charging time of just up to two hours, they will stream music or make phone calls for up to 3.5 hours. The Bose Connect app gives you easy access to personalize your Bose Frames settings to unlock new product features such as “Press & Turn gesture control” to change the volume of your phone while it stays in your pocket or bag.

To learn more and shop visit: Bose.com/aviation

The post Gift the Bose A20 Headset and Receive Free Bose Frames Bluetooth Sunglasses appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

These days, it’s rare to find a pilot who is not flying with an iPad or other electronic device. Hardly anyone is using paper charts anymore. Electronic flight bags have made life so much easier as there is no more need to swap out outdated instrument charts or worry about grabbing an old sectional.

But our reliance on electronics requires a charged battery and some aviation apps consume a lot of battery power, particularly when streaming GPS positioning and ADS-B traffic and weather.

“When your iPad is considered required equipment, you better have the power it needs,” says Sporty’s vice president John Zimmerman.

For those of you who don’t have a way to charge your electronic device in the cockpit through a cigarette lighter port, Sporty’s has launched a portable backup battery. While the Flight Bag Backup Battery is only about the size of a larger iPhone and weighs less than one pound, it stores up to 20,000 mAh, giving it the ability to charge an iPad multiple times. It can even charge as many as eight devices simultaneously.

Sporty’s claims the device does not interfere with the avionics. “Any time you add an electronic device to the cockpit, you run the risk of interference with the radios,” says Zimmerman. “We’re very concerned about that problem, so we’ve tested the Flight Gear Battery pack in multiple aircraft and through hundreds of flight hours to ensure that it won’t become a nuisance in the plane.”

The Flight Gear Backup Battery for the iPad costs $79.95. A full Flight Gear Charging Bundle goes for $99.95 and includes the battery pack, USB Cigarette Lighter Adapter with Voltage Meter and Dual USB Wall Plug.

The post Sporty’s Launches Cockpit Charging Bundle appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Personal tracking devices like Garmin’s inReach Mini provide peace of mind not only to the person carrying it, but also to those who depend upon the inReach user. Weighing in at 4.23 ounces, the impact- and water-resistant device makes a perfect addition to any flight bag.

Whether on the grid or off, the inReach Mini connects to the rest of the world through the Iridium satellite network to provide position tracking, interactive SOS services with emergency responders and two-way text messaging, even when outside areas of regular cellphone coverage. The device links to a wide variety of compatible products, such as Garmin’s Pilot app and the aviation-specific D2 Charlie watch, as well as maps, aerial imagery and NOAA charts and some weather services.

The inReach Mini rechargeable lithium battery lasts about two days with the default 10-minute tracking mode and up to 20 days when the extended 30-minute tracking is selected. The inReach Mini is priced at $349.99, while a subscription plan to the required Iridium satellite service starts at around $15 per month.

The post Garmin’s inReach Mini is a Perfect Addition to Your Flight Bag appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

With so many flight bags on the market, why would there be a need for a new design? Apparently, Flight Outfitters saw the demand and sought to meet it with the Centerline backpack.

The bag has a simple, clean design that includes a slew of pilot-friendly features. On one side is a slot for a standard fuel tester, along with a mesh pocket with an elastic top that prevents gear from falling out. The other side of the bag has a full-length zipper opening up to a padded compartment that has slots for two large electronic devices.

Covered with a large flap held down by quick-release straps is the main compartment, which can be split in two to provide a headset pocket that can be opened from the side. The divider can be folded down to provide a much larger space for books, clothes or other stuff if you’re not bringing a headset to the airport. Multiple small and large pockets within the main compartment help keep your gear organized.

A slot on the back of the bag fits over the handle of a roller bag.

Other clever features have been added to simplify the pilot’s life, such as a pass-through slot for charging cables for the electronics.

Easy Access

Quick-release buckles make it easy to open the flap for the main compartment, which has multiple pockets to keep your gear organized. There are also several external pockets for things that you need in a snap.

Electronics

The Centerline backpack is tech savvy. A large side compartment has two slots for a laptop and a tablet. A pass-through cable port allows for charging without removing the electronic devices from the bag.

Lightweight

While the backpack has multiple options for storage and thick shoulder straps, and is made of rugged materials, it won’t weigh you down. The total weight of this pilot-minded backpack is only 2 pounds 3 ounces.

The post Flight Outfitters’ Simple, Clean Centerline Backpack appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

You’re no doubt familiar with IFR training goggles, aka foggles, view-limiting devices that simulate flight in IMC. Sporty’s has introduced a new take on that idea with its VFR training goggles. Rather than blocking the view outside the airplane, Sporty’s VFR goggles were invented by a Sporty’s Academy flight instructor to keep primary students’ eyes off the flight instruments and out on the horizon, where they belong.

“There comes a point in flight training when students get hypnotized by gauges instead of looking outside the aircraft,” says Sporty’s vice president John Zimmerman. “Many instructors resolve to put a sectional chart over the panel in an effort to get students to look outside while practicing a maneuver. This is a better option.”

Another use for this training aid could be for emergency practice, such as a complete electrical failure at night or other scenarios in which the instruments become unreliable.

Either way, the VFR training goggles force pilots to focus on the external environment, a skill that can quickly erode due to an over-reliance on cockpit instruments.

The VFR training goggles are available at Sporty’s for $12.95.

The post Sporty’s VFR Goggles are a New Take On an Old Idea appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Pilot sunglasses cut glare and protect from extreme exposure to solar radiation, but they’ve also become a fashion statement. Randolph Engineering‘s Aviator line provides both protection and style that pilots rave about. Gradient-tint lenses provide increased protection on the top half of the lens while offering a clearer picture below.

The frames come in several sizes, and the bayonet temples are designed to fit under headgear. They can break the seal of a noise-canceling headset, but they rest nicely above the ear cup.

The post Gear: Randolph Sunglasses appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Zulu 3 active noise-reduction headset from Lightspeed is hard to beat, with exceptional sound quality and extra features, such as Bluetooth, cellphone interface and auto-shutoff, plus supreme comfort, all for a price of some lesser headsets. The durability of the Zulu 3 sets its apart as well. It features a stainless-steel headband and Kevlar cable that can withstand years of abuse.

ForeFlight’s Scout is a compact, easy-to-use ADS-B receiver that transmits traffic information and subscription-free weather to the ForeFlight Mobile app. The more we fly with it, the more we like it, especially for the weather and information tools, such as Radar and graphical TFRs, that work so well in the app. To keep it simple there’s no battery, so throw a portable battery pack in the stocking as well.

A personal locator beacon can be inexpensive insurance that could save your life if you unexpectedly find yourself far from help. The ResQLink+ buoyant PLB from ACR Artex features a 406 MHz transmitter that can be picked up by satellite within seconds, an integrated GPS receiver to pinpoint your location for rescue personnel and an LED strobe light.

As the number of accessories pilots bring into the cockpit grows, the need for ever more innovative mounting solutions does too. The MyGoFlight Sport mount is infinitely flexible, allowing you to position your iPad, GPS navigator or other portable device exactly where you want it. The high-strength suction cup can be mounted to almost any smooth, flat surface.

Flight Outfitters has introduced a seriously cool survival knife for pilots that could come in handy in a forced landing away from civilization. It features a two-in-one blade with saw, seat-belt cutter, glass-breaker tool and superbright LED flashlight just above the blade. The durable rubber handle is comfortable, and the belt clip means you can always keep it close by.

Five-hundred special-edition Breitling Navitimer watches that circumnavigated the globe aboard the watchmaker’s 77-year-old DC-3 are now available for purchase. Each features a Breitling DC-3 World Tour engraving on the back and comes with a special logbook commemorating the record flight by the oldest airplane to fly around the world.

There’s never been a more capable pilot’s watch than Garmin’s latest D2 Charlie. Featuring a full-color dynamic moving map, built-in GPS, Nexrad weather display, airport directory and automatic flight logging, there’s almost nothing it can’t do. You can even use the direct-to and nearest buttons to build flight plans and transfer them to the Garmin Pilot app.

For pilots who are also aviation educators, STEMPilot produces a line of flight simulators designed to introduce K-12 STEM students to the wonders of flight. The Pilot Pro line of simulators includes panoramic displays, realistic controls and lightning-fast PCs running the sim software. Individual lessons are designed for students with no prior aviation experience.

Before the Wright Brothers mastered powered flight, they built the Van Cleve bicycle at their modest shop in Dayton, Ohio. More than 100 years later, the model is being offered once again, albeit greatly modernized. Sourced using all-American parts and assembled in the same Dayton city block as the original, it features front and rear disc brakes, a Shimano Alfine internal-gear hub and a belt drive in place of a traditional chain. Proceeds help support the Wright Brothers Family Foundation and preserve Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family home.

At Flying Colors Glass, self-taught artisan Gary Elshoff showcases his incredible talent for designing stained glass windows with a special emphasis on aviation. His custom pieces tell stories and capture the majesty and importance of beloved and historic aircraft, and his designs are proudly displayed in homes, businesses and hangars, as evidenced by the testimonials on his website. Quotes are available here.

The post 2017 Pilots Gift Guide appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

You don’t need to be a regular backcountry flier to get use from Flight Outfitters’ Bush Pilot bag. This rugged soft-shell bag is designed to carry everything you need for a flight, including a sizable space for an overnight stay should unexpected weather conditions or a maintenance event leave you grounded.

The bag is made of durable canvas, leather and metal, with soft felt lining to protect your valuable flight gear. In addition to carrying straps, the Bush Pilot includes a padded shoulder strap, making it easier to carry if you have to walk or if you load the bag with heavy stuff. The bag itself weighs 3.5 pounds. $139.95 at aircraftspruce.com.

1) Large side pockets on each end of the bag are designed to fit headsets. All pockets are lined with a soft orange felt material to protect your flight gear.

2) A slim but wide zippered front pocket provides quick access to an electronic tablet. Organization slots within the front pocket can fit accessories such as pens, chargers and other small items.

The post Gear: Bush Pilot Bag appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

’Tis the season to splurge on your aviator friends and family members. This year’s guide features gear and gadgets from Garmin, Bose, Breitling and much more.

Scroll through for some fun gift ideas that can be found at your favorite aviation shops, such as Sporty’s, Aircraft Spruce and Pilot Mall.

Hover over to see product descriptions

Garmin D2 Bravo Aviation Watch

Garmin’s vast aviation product line can provide a bundle of joy for the holidays. If you’re searching for a watch for your favorite aviator, Garmin’s D2 Bravo will provide a lot more than time and an aviation slide rule. The watch has a built-in GPS, provides TAFs and metars, controls the Virb action camera, and much more. The watch comes in two versions, standard and Titanium, which also provides fitness functions such as activity tracking and heart rate.
$599 standard Buy It Now
$899 Titanium Buy It Now

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30

Garmin recently rolled out its latest version of the Virb, the Ultra 30, with features that could blow the mind of your gift recipient. There is no need to mess around with buttons on the video camera itself or your iPhone. Simply tell the Virb Ultra 30 what to do and it will comply. If you prefer, there is also a touchscreen on the back. The mic provides improved sound quality, and new three-axis image stabilization makes for better videos too.
$399 | Buy It Now

Garmin Aera 660

A pocket-size navigator with a 5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen and built-in GPS/Glonass receivers, the Aera 660 is a great ­addition to any flight bag. It provides nav features, a crisp moving map display, 3-D views of surrounding terrain, and more. The unit can be wirelessly connected to compatible ADS-B systems for traffic, weather and database updates.
$849 | Buy It Now

WWII Fighter Spotter Mug Set

Here’s a perfect gift for someone on your list who loves warbirds. This four-mug set includes the P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning and F4U Corsair. Each 13-ounce mug includes details about the featured airplane. The mugs are made of scratch-­resistant porcelain and are ­dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
$26.99 set of four | Visit Sportys.com

Living in the Age of Airplanes

Narrated by acclaimed actor and aviation enthusiast Harrison Ford, Living in the Age of Airplanes is the latest masterpiece from producer and director Brian Terwilliger, the creator of One Six Right. Terwilliger worked with National Geographic for this most recent documentary, which was just released on Blu-ray and DVD this fall. The movie highlights the importance of aviation through the history of transportation using stunning visuals from 18 countries.
$29.95 Blu-ray or $24.95 DVD | Buy It Now

Breitling Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue

Channeling the crisp blue hues of the clear skies and wide horizons aviators often call home, Breitling’s Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue is a stunning limited-edition timepiece. Designed specifically for pilots, the Navitimer has an aviation slide-rule bezel and a dual-time-zone system.

The watch features a transparent sapphire crystal caseback that provides insight into its superior movement, certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. The matching plastic strap can be switched out for leather, crocodile leather or steel.

Each Navitimer GMT Aurora Blue is numbered from one to 1,000.

$9,290 | Visit Breitling.com

Bose A20 Aviation Headset

While your grandfather might have survived just fine without any ear protection, pilots today agree that the only way to fly is with a well-designed active noise-reduction (ANR) headset. Bose’s latest offering, the A20, is an improved version of the company’s highly successful headsets. With the ability to connect via Bluetooth to your portable jukebox (read, tablet or smartphone), you will get exceptionally clear sound quality whether you’re listening to music or making a phone call through the headset. At only 12 ounces in total, the headset doesn’t weigh you down, and the soft padding eliminates any pressure on the apex of your head.
$1,095 | Buy It Now

X-naut Active Cooling Mount

Give your flying friends peace of mind with this unique cooling mount that prevents iPads from overheating in direct sunlight. Its small, targeted cooling fans keep the iPad cool while maintaining a sleek profile. The iPad mount can be worn as a kneeboard or secured to RAM or MyGoFlight mounts.
$199.99 iPad or $179.99 iPad mini
Visit x-naut.com

Scheyden Liberators

A titanium version of classic aviator sunglasses, these shades never go out of style. Scheyden’s ultralight frames are designed to fit perfectly beneath a headset so you can fly in comfort and style. $289 | Visit schedyden.com

Unusual Attitudes

Regular Flying magazine readers are sure to be familiar with Martha Lunken and her monthly Unusual Attitudes column. Lunken has collected her favorite work from throughout her years writing for Flying in one book, perfect for the pilot who appreciates her sometimes irreverent humor and unique insight into the world of aviation. Unusual Attitudes is available on Amazon $19.95 (Paperback).

URB-E Black Label Electric Folding Scooter

For the pilot on the move, the URB-E provides portable transportation that can be stowed in a small aircraft. Folded up, the 35-pound portable electric scooter is 37 inches by 17 inches. Designed for ease of use, the URB-E folds and unfolds in a single motion. Its sleek design features a breathable seat with a low center of gravity and an integrated shock-absorption system, making it comfortable to ride. Unfolded, the URB-E measures 34 inches in length, 19.5 inches in width and 35 inches in height. The electric scooter travels up to 15 mph with a 20-mile range. A fully charged battery lasts up to four hours.
$1,699 | Buy It Now

Flight Outfitters Bush Pilot Bag

For gift recipients who are tough on their gear, Flight Outfitters’ Bush pilot bag is made of rugged canvas and leather that stand up to the elements. Inside, the pockets are lined with soft orange felt that prevents scratching and makes it easy to find anything from pens to tablets. The Bush pilot bag has two padded side compartments dedicated to headsets, a front organizer section with pen holders and pockets of various sizes, and one large main compartment.
$139.95 | Buy It Now

The post Flying Holiday Gift Guide 2016 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

It probably can remain unspoken, but an airplane crash is not an item I care to list on my resume. As a professional pilot, that box is something none of us ever wants to check off in our career column. I’m also quite certain that absolutely none of my passengers would care to be participants either. But what if you had experienced such a traumatic event?

Two women who survived separate airplane accidents decided to co-author a book not only about their experiences but other survivors’ experiences as well. Lindy Philip and Robin Suerig Holleran had bonded with each other via a Facebook support group. They both saw the need to share these stories.

Bracing for Impact is a collaboration of real-life accounts told by the survivors from their perspectives. The stories include the 1977 crash of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band in a Convair 240; a Spanish DC-10 charter flight in Madrid; the American Airlines crash of an MD-80 in Little Rock, Arkansas; a United Airlines DC-8 near Portland, Oregon; and various other accidents involving general aviation airplanes.

Why would I recommend reading airplane horror stories? Having been trained in critical incident stress management (CISM) and having been involved in the aftermath of a major airplane accident utilizing my CISM skills, I found the survivor’s perspective fascinating. It has given me insight to the fears of my passengers, an opportunity that any of us with licenses from Private Pilot to ATP should value.

Bracing for Impact is not exclusive to the emotions of the crash experience. The circumstances of the event are also discussed. The book is valuable reading for both pilots and passengers. Check it out on Amazon.

The post “Bracing for Impact” Brings to Life True Crash Experiences appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

We’re going to come right out and say it: VedaloHD’s ­Azzurro2 sunglasses are hands down the best eyewear we’ve tested in flight. The proprietary SolarMax copper-rose lenses magically cut through haze, and the ultrathin arms fit perfectly beneath a headset earcup. To try them is to love them.

$249 MSRP; vedalohd.com

SkyNext: Pedego Latch Foldable Electric Bike

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Pedego’s Latch foldable electric bike accelerates smoothly when power is applied through a twist throttle on the handlebars. It’s easy to ride and powerful enough to get up hills. Without muscle assistance, the Latch will travel about 15 mph on flat ground. At 50 pounds, it’s not light, but the chargeable lithium battery slides out for easier loading and unloading. The bike takes about 90 seconds to fold or unfold and adjusts to fit riders of different sizes. Folded up, the Latch is easy to load into a Cessna 206 or Beechcraft Bonanza. However, it is too big to fit through a smaller cargo door, such as on a Cessna 172 or Mooney M20-series airplane. On pedegoelectricbikes.com, the price ranges from $2,595 to $2,895, depending on the battery selection. The more powerful battery allows for around a 50-mile range or more if you add some muscle power.

SkyNext: VedaloHD Azzurro2 Sunglasses

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The FAA has completed the beta test phase of its UAS operations app B4UFLY, which aims to educate operators about where they can and cannot fly their unmanned aircraft. The app can now be downloaded from the iTunes store and Google for use on a variety of smartphones and tablets.

While any mode of the app is active, there are four icons along the bottom of the screen that represent different functions. The first icon, “status,” shows the status for UAS operations in the airspace at your current location. You can also get more information, such as why flight may be prohibited at a particular location, by tapping icons on the screen.

In the “map” mode, the app shows airports (which operators have to avoid by a 5 mile radius) and other areas that you must avoid as a UAS user. Areas to avoid are highlighted on the map and you can tap on the icons on the map to get more information about each location. There are also two view options: a regular map view and a satellite view.

The “planner” mode allows the user to check the flight status at a particular location at a specific time and date. Finally, the “more” mode provides additional resources that could be helpful to UAS operators.

So far it appears the FAA could use some improvements for the app. It comes with all kinds of disclaimers (for example, there is no guarantee that it will keep your operations within the scope of FAA regulations. We’re not sure whether that means that operators need to do further research to make sure there isn’t additional airspace to avoid), and its rating (based on ratings of seven responders) at the Apple app store was just 2.5 stars.

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Austin, Texas-based Flying Eyes sunglasses has released a new frame that is designed to slip underneath the ear cups of an aviation headset or underneath a helmet without affecting with the noise reducing seals. Only a millimeter thick, the frame’s temples are made from a strong yet flexible polymer called Ultem, said Flying Eyes’ founder Dean Siracusa.

With several designs completed but insufficient funding to bring them to production, Siracusa has launched a Kickstarter campaign. You can back the design of your choice at a discounted price until December 23 when the campaign closes. There are five designs and several colors to choose from. The glasses are expected to hit the market in April.

In addition to the thin temples, the glasses have a bridge designed to keep the glasses in place and impact resistant lenses with sun protection that exceeds the standard UV400 level.

You can learn more about the new aviator frames at the Kickstarter page here. Should the campaign be successful, Siracusa also aims to introduce beach frames, sport frames, readers and protective glasses.

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Sennheiser says it’s exiting the pilot headset market after the audio specialist failed achieve the sort of market penetration it targeted when it first started selling to the pilot market more than a decade ago.

The German company says it will stop selling pilot headsets in February but will honor all warranties for headsets sold until then. Sennheiser will also continue selling headsets for air traffic controllers.

“Our decision to leave the pilots’ headset sector was not taken lightly, especially as we have played a key role in the development of audio transmission in the cockpit, for example by introducing the world’s first headset with active noise compensation to receive FAA-TSO certification,” said Peter Claussen, Sennheiser’s chief operating officer. “We will redirect our aviation-specific resources to focus on our key business of headphone and microphone technology.”

Sennheiser’s top-selling model in general aviation is the S1 Noisegard ANR headset, which carries a list price of $795.

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ForeFlight is rethinking the preflight briefing with new graphical tools for its flight planning app that replace the sometimes hard to interpret wall of text in past briefings with a more interactive and intuitive experience.

ForeFlight Briefing is a standard briefing with content derived from approved government sources. It includes all the elements of a standard preflight briefing including adverse conditions, synopsis, current conditions, enroute and destination forecasts, notams, and more. The information is delivered in a visually appealing way, making it easier to read and interpret.

The new graphical briefings are included in ForeFlight Mobile Version 7.4.

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Lightspeed Aviation showed off the newest addition to its aviation headset family at NBAA on Tuesday. Announced last week via live webcast, Tango is the first premium wireless aviation headset to hit the market.

Using a patent-pending combination of analog and digital technologies called Lightspeed Link, each Tango headset creates its own secure wireless signal that Lightspeed says is better performing than Bluetooth or Wifi.

“One of the greatest challenges was to develop technologies that offered the audio fidelity Lightspeed is known for with the reliable signal connections pilots require,” said Allan Schrader, president and CEO of Lightspeed. “With Lightspeed Link, we developed a unique solution that accomplishes this while also delivering the excellent ANR that pilots expect from Lightspeed.”

Another industry first, the headset and its panel interface are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The batteries that take two hours to fully charge and can keep the Tango headset operating for 12 hours. When the batteries run low on power, audible and visual tones signal to the pilot. Lightspeed recommends that customers keep a spare pair of charged batteries ($35 each) in case of emergency, but a backup cable can plug into the headset from the panel interface to allow passive communication.

Like Lightspeed’s other products, the wireless headset features Bluetooth for phone and music streaming, an auxiliary jack and compatibility with FlightLink. Tango retails for $800 and is available in dual GA, LEMO and heli configurations.

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Lightspeed Zulu PFX Headset

One of the quietest aviation headsets we’ve ever tested, the Zulu PFX adapts to your ears, environment, and preferences to deliver excellent noise cancellation with Streaming Quiet ANR. Providing ­exceptional audio clarity and quality, the headset’s capabilities can be customized through the FlightLink app, which also allows you to record and play back audio and stream music from iOS devices to the headset.
$1,175

PowerUp 3.0

Designed for aviation enthusiasts of any age, the PowerUp 3.0 transforms paper airplanes into personal drones. Simply attach the crashproof carbon-fiber body to your paper airplane (templates included) and remotely control it using the free app on your Bluetooth-connected smartphone or tablet. With a 180-foot range, you can fly your paper airplane for about 10 minutes before recharging it with a micro USB.
$49.99

08 Left Aviation Art

Give your favorite aviation lover a unique gift with 08 Left’s custom aviation art. Choose from a selection of 55 control towers or browse other designs inspired by more than 350 domestic and international airports. Selections are available as customizable prints, throw pillows, coasters and more.
$22 to $159.99 | 08left.com

CruzTOOLS Pilot’s Tool Kit

This handy tool kit was designed for pilots on the move. All of the essentials for on-the-go repairs fit neatly in CruzTOOLS’ tough, roll-up pouch, which stores easily. In addition to a variety of wrenches and more, the kit includes a telescopic mirror, 30 feet of safety wire and a special aviation spark-plug socket.
$84.95

FODY Tempus Pro

Do you know someone who geeks out over weather? (As pilots, that’s never a bad thing.) Fody’s Bluetooth weather station measures precise, full-range weather data and sends personalized weather alerts to your smartphone or tablet. Up-to-the-minute microclimate data is available through Fody’s free app, which can be installed on multiple devices.
$159.99 | myfody.com

Apple Watch Sport

Take advantage of the plethora of pilot apps on the market by pairing an Apple Watch Sport with your iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus (shown above) or 6S. On the ground, the watch will register real-time data through your iPhone’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and, in the air, it connects to a Stratus ADS-B receiver.

Profits from this PROJECT(RED) Apple Watch Sport band ($49) benefit the Global Fund to support AIDS relief programs in Africa.

$349 to $399 watch, $649 phone

ForeFlight Mobile

Access the most recent color-coded metars and favorite airports, view flight instruments, set flight timers, monitor your GPS location and more with an easy glance at your wrist using the ForeFlight mobile app on an Apple watch. Annual subscription rates vary in the U.S. and Canada.

$74.99 to $149.99 | foreflight.com

Garmin D2 Bravo

Garmin’s D2 Bravo pilot watch features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, real-time weather reports, and routing functions that locate the nearest airports. In addition to its inflight functions, the D2 Bravo wirelessly connects to Garmin cameras, like the Virb XE, allowing you to control the camera from the watch. Bonus: The Virb XE has built-in GPS and G-force sensors, and captures an array of performance data that can be overlaid on the video footage.

$699 D2, $399.99 VIRB

Scheyden Waylite Sunglasses

Surprisingly light and durable, these sunglasses are unmatched in clarity — a standard for Scheyden’s eyewear. The arms are thin and incredibly flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit under a headset and making them ideal for long-term wear. Waylites also feature water and oil resistance, and UVA and UVB protection.

$169 to $199 | scheyden.com

Saddleback iPad Air Case

Available for the first- and second-generation iPad Air, Saddleback Leather’s iPad Air case protects against shocks and scratches, adapts as a stand, and features a “finger pocket” so it can easily be held in one hand. Also from Saddleback Leather, this beautifully simplistic passport sleeve keeps travel documents in one place. The flaps on each side hold the passport open, allowing it to be shown without being removed from the case.

$98 case, $49 sleeve

For the budding pilot on your list, Sporty’s Learn to Fly course is available on an iPad or iPhone. The 3-in-1 syllabus includes ­training for Private, Sport and Recreational licenses.

$199 | sportys.com

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