Levi’s Men’s Faux Leather Aviator Bomber Jacket: It’s warm and features multiple pockets with snap closures, upper zipper pockets, welt pockets, and a hidden interior pocket.

Oakley SI Jupiter Squared Aviator Sunglasses for Men: The lenses provide optical clarity and razor-sharp vision as well as clarity and protection against impact and UV light.

SOJOS Retro Aviator Sunglasses for Women: The lenses filter out sunlight reflected glare and protect eyes from long term damage by blocking UVA and UVB rays.

Four-Channel Remote Control Airplane for Beginners: This classic airplane has a simple operation mode that only needs to press the switch and pull the stick to easily control the aircraft’s aerobatics. (Only good on 7/16)

MiiKARE Airplane Travel Essentials Phone Holder: This essential travel phone holder is designed to free up your hands and enhance your travel experience. It features multi-directional and 360-degree rotation.

Protective Hard Shell for MacBook Air: This shell from SoonJet fits snugly like a second skin, allows easy access to all ports and ensures smooth opening and closing. (only good on 7/16)

Small Portable Charger with Built-in Cables: Sethruki boasts that this is the slimmest and the smallest of portable chargers with cables, weighing only 122 grams and shaped like a credit card. (only good on 7/16)

Editor’s note: This article is not intended as an endorsement of the products listed, but rather as a list of options that may be of interest.

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The best gifts for the pilot in your life depends a lot on who they are and, more importantly, what they need. If you’re looking for the best gifts for pilots under $100, you’re in the right place. Whether they are a pilot or just an avgeek, there are many options to choose from, such as personalized keepsakes and functional flight bags. Below are some options to consider the next time you are searching for the perfect gift for the pilot in your life. 

Quicklook: Best Gifts for Pilots under $100

1. Flight Outfitters Lift Flight Bag: Best for pilots in need of a compact flight bag. 
2. Sporty’s Electronic E6B Flight Computer: Best for the new or aspiring pilot going digital.
3. MA-1 Flight Jacket: Best for the pilot searching for a historically minded flight jacket. 
4. Airplane Instrument Coasters: Best for aircraft enthusiasts looking to decorate up their space.
5. Book of Airshows: Best for pilots who enjoy the history of aviation’s biggest events.
6. Pilot Cufflinks: Best for the professional pilot or airplane-loving executive. 

6 Awesome Gifts for Pilots

Finding gifts for pilots and aircraft enthusiasts can be a daunting task. Whether opting for a gift on the basis of style or functionality, there are many options to consider when purchasing a gift for a pilot, even if you are trying to keep to a budget. Here are our 6 recommendations for aviation inspired gifts. 

FLYING Flight Outfitters Lift Flight Bag

Best For: Pilots in need of a compact flight bag. 

This FLYING branded Flight Outfitters flight bag is a perfect gift for the pilot in need of a compact new bag. Equipped with tons of features like water bottle/back-up radio pocket, fuel tester pocket, two external chart pockets, this bag ensures you have plenty of room. Flight Outfitters offer several styles to fit the needs of any pilot. 

What We Love: Fleece-lined headset pocket and adjustable shoulder straps. 

Pricing: $99.95

Sporty’s Electronic E6B Flight Computer

Best For: The new or aspiring pilot looking to go digital.

The E6B flight computer is a great tool to have in your flight bag for daily use or for backup. Perfect for a first solo gift, for a current student pilot learning to fly, or someone looking to upgrade to digital. It includes a quick reference guide for quick learning.

What We Love: Back-lit computer screen for night flying.  

Pricing: $79.95

MA-1 Flight Jacket

Best For: Pilots looking for a historicalky minded flight jacket.

This flight jacket is manufactured to strict United States Air Force standards, and is sure to keep your favorite pilot warm in the winter. In the summertime, the MA-1 can be worn open to ensure not to overheat on the ground.  

What We Love:  Comes in a variety of colors and sizes. 

Pricing: Starts at $59.95

Airplane Instrument Coasters

Best For: Pilots looking to spice up their space.

These nickel engraved coasters are perfect for all aviation lovers. Made to resemble aircraft instruments, these coasters are sure to be a topic of conversation at your next hangar-flying session. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

What We Love:  The nickel finish ensures the coasters will never tarnish. 

Pricing: $19.99

The Book of Airshows

Best For: Pilots who enjoy the history of aviation’s biggest events.

The coffee-table book, The Book of Airshows, by Phillip Handleman, is great for airplane and history lovers alike. The book takes the reader through the excitement of an airshow while comfortably seated at home. This book is a grand, full-color celebration of the great contemporary North American air shows.

What We Love: Visual guide with fantastic photography.

Pricing: $49.95

Aeronautical Cufflinks

Best For: The professional pilot or airplane-loving executive. 

These handmade 24K gold airplane cufflinks are perfect for professional pilots and executives alike looking to add a little extra something to their professional attire. The handmade cufflinks can come in white or yellow gold.

What We Love: The handmade cufflinks come packaged in a gift ready box. 

Pricing: $59.99

Bonus – A FLYING Magazine Subscription

The ultimate gift is to give the gift of FLYING Magazine. Using the highest quality paper and photography, the longest-running aviation magazine is sure to delight the pilot or the aviation curious by displaying it proudly on their coffee table.

What We Love: FLYING Magazine is packed with evergreen content, and it has stood the test of time since 1927.

Pricing: $40 for 1 Year

Selecting The Perfect Gifts for Aviation Lovers

Finding a gift for a pilot can seem difficult, but knowing their style, what they need, and that they enjoy is the perfect place to start when looking for their next special gifts. 

FAQ

What is an avgeek?

An avgeek is someone who is very passionate about aviation. Whether they are a pilot, air traffic controller, or just into airplanes, avgeeks love to learn about all things aviation.

What Should I Buy Before Starting Flight School?

Many things are required to be successful in flight school. Some essential items include; an E6B, a plotter, an aviation headset, and the most up to date VFR sectionals/charts (paper or electronic) and the FAR/AIM.

What Do All Pilots Need?

All pilots are required to have a pilot certificate and an up to date medical certificate to fly. But to be successful in the cockpit, a reliable headset, a kneeboard with pen and paper, and good decision making skills are needed—to start. Training and practice will take you the rest of the way.

The post Best Gifts for Pilots Under $100 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Picking a gift for anyone can be a daunting task. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts can be especially hard to shop for, until now. Below are some of our top picks for the best gifts to give to the aviation enthusiast in your life. Whether they be an airplane lover, a student pilot, or a professional aviator, these gifts are sure to be loved by all avgeeks. 

Quicklook: Gift Ideas for Aviation Enthusiasts

1. Flight Outfitters – The FLYING Branded Lift XL Pro Bag:  Best for professional pilots needing an upgraded bag
2. Aviation Books: Best for aviation and history enthusiasts
3. Ray-Ban Classic Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses: Best for any pilot who flies regularly 
4. Garmin D2 Air-GPS Smartwatch for Aviators: Best for pilots needing a smart watch upgrade 
5. Classic Airplane Instrument Coasters Set: Best for any aviation enthusiast 
6. Vintage Airplane Library Bookend Set: Best for avgeeks who love to read
7. Airplane Paper Weight: Best for the business professional aviation enthusiast 
8. U.S. Navy Issue Military Bomber Jacket: Best for aviation enthusiasts with a sense of style 
9. Private Pilot Training Kit: Best for student pilots 
10. Airplane Bottle Opener: Best for that special traveler

10 Gift Ideas for Aviation Enthusiasts

Finding a gift for an aviation enthusiast may seem like a daunting task, but there are so many options for all types of aviation lovers. Whether your loved one is a professional pilot, just getting started in the aviation industry, or just a lover of all things aviation, here are some gifts to consider getting for the next special occasion.

Flight Outfitters – The FLYING Branded Lift XL Pro Bag

This flight bag is a perfect gift for the professional pilot in your life. The bag is perfect for the pilot looking for an understated all-black approach to an aviation bag. Multiple lined compartments with zippered closures create a secure flight bag designed to fit all essentials. 

Best For: Professional pilots needing an upgraded bag

What We Love: This flight bag is equipped with many zippered pockets including a large lined compartment big enough for headsets and other pilot essentials.

Aviation Books

Pilots and enthusiasts love to learn more about aviation. A perfect gift for an aviation lover is an informative book. In addition to the 10 best aviation books, a perfect coffee-table book for aviation enthusiasts is “Flight: The Complete History of Aviation.” This book highlights everything from the first Wright Brothers’ flight to Concorde. This will be a conversation starter in your loved one’s home. 

Best For: Aviation and history enthusiasts

What We Love: Visual guide with incredible photography accompanied by detailed historic aviation events. 

Ray-Ban Classic Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses

Being a pilot means flying just a little closer to the sun. To make sure your pilot is protected, a gift of sunglasses may be perfect. The pilot in your life may love a classic pair of aviation sunglasses by Ray-Ban. Available in many sizes, shapes, and colors, Ray-Ban aviators can be customized to suit your aviation enthusiast. For the pilot in your life who wears prescription lenses, see our top picks for best prescription aviator sunglasses.

Best For: Any pilot who flies regularly  

What We Love: Long list of sizes, shapes, and colors. The durable metal frame that protects against drops. Unisex designs.

Garmin D2 Air-GPS Smartwatch for Aviators

Keeping track of time and creating a hands-free smart tool is essential for pilots. So one of the best gifts for pilots is an aviator smartwatch. The Garmin D2 Air has preflight, in-flight, and post-flight features that have pilots in mind. The option for a silicone or leather band ensures it can fit any pilot’s style. 

Best For: Pilots needing a smart watch upgrade  

What We Love: Ability to plane, track, and recap flights easily. Sleek design with band options. 

Classic Airplane Instrument Coasters Set

This six-piece coaster set is bound to be a topic of conversation at any gathering your aviation enthusiast has. Featuring the traditional “six pack” instrument cluster of an airspeed indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, turn coordinator, and attitude indicator, these coasters are functional and cool.  

Best For: Any aviation enthusiast

What We Love: Traditional six-pack pilot instruments. Footed to prevent marks on table tops.

Vintage Airplane Library Bookend Set 

Aircraft bookends may be the best gift for an aviation enthusiast who also has their nose in a book. These vintage aircraft bookends are both functional and give an aviation aesthetic to any home library. Pair with a couple of aviation books to make the perfect gift basket for any avgeek. 

Best For: Avgeek who reads

What We Love: Its biplane look with a wood finish. It’s perfect for your office or library to hold up your favorite books.

Airplane Paperweight 

Not all aviation enthusiasts are pilots, some are business leaders. To keep a little aviation aesthetic in their office, a great gift for an aviation enthusiast is an airplane paperweight. Whether the paperweight is your loved one’s favorite airframe or just a trinket to remind them of their passions an airplane paperweight can be a great stocking stuffer. 

Best For: Business centric aviation enthusiasts  

What We Love: This airplane is a replica of the famous fighters of World War II. Other similar paperweights can be chosen in the gift receiver’s favorite airframe.

U.S. Navy Issue Military Bomber Jacket 

Every pilot and aviation enthusiast needs a stylish pilot bomber jacket to look cool on and off the tarmac. This U.S. Navy bomber is perfect for any aviation lover who is into all things military. Made from high grade leather, Turkish lamb wool, and goatskin, this is a high quality option. Flight jackets are a right of passage in aviation, learn more about their origin here. 

Best For: Aviation enthusiasts with a sense of style

What We Love: The Navy pattern gives an authentic look and feel to the bomber jacket. Plenty of pockets with zippers. 

Price: $250 at Sporty’s

ASA Private Pilot Kit

Some aviation enthusiasts grow up to be pilots and they all have to start somewhere. Pilot training comes with plenty of studying and a ton of determination. For the student pilot in your life or the pilot in your life getting back into the cockpit, a pilot training kit is a perfect gift. 

Best For: Student pilots

What We Love: All materials are included such as books, plotter, pilot log, and DVD prepware. You also get 10 hours of ground school video to prepare students for FAA exams.  

Price: $249.95 at Sporty’s

Airplane Bottle Opener 

One of the best gifts to give an aviation enthusiast comes with functionality in and out of the cockpit. For the airplane and travel lover in your life, consider gifting a beautiful airplane bottle opener. 

Best For: For that special traveler 

What We Love: This airplane bottle opener comes in an appealing gift box, ready to be gifted.

Tips When Shopping for an Aviation Enthusiast

There are a few things to consider when choosing a gift for an aviation enthusiast. 

Are They a Pilot?

Being a pilot may require some more specific types of Cangifts like flight bags and aviator watches, but don’t count out aviation-lover gifts like mugs and flight instrument coasters. Pilots will be the first to say they love all things aviation!

Do They Love to Travel?

If your loved one is an aviation enthusiast and also loves to travel, the perfect gifts for them may include luggage tags and the perfect carry-on suitcase. 

Can They Use This Gift At Work?

Pilots especially love practical gifts they can use on the job. If the gift receiver isn’t a pilot, consider practical everyday gifts they can use like a personalized mug, an embroidered jacket, or aviator sunglasses. 

What Climate do They Live in?

Colder climate aviation enthusiasts may need a warm weather flight jacket while those who live in warmer climates may want an extra pair of sunglasses. Understanding the person you are shopping for and where they live may affect what you give them. 

Are They a Student?

Student pilots may be one of the easiest to buy for since they still need most things. Consider buying them the new version of the FAR/AIM, a nice flight bag, or a kneeboard to make keeping in-flight notes or organizing charts a bit easier. 

Give the Gift of Flight

Buying gifts for anyone can be tough, aviation enthusiasts are no different. Whether they are a pilot, student, or full of wanderlust, this list can help you decide on the perfect gift for your loved one. To stay up to date on all things aviation subscribe to the FLYING newsletter and our print magazine.

FAQ

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