This year, the aviation outfitter is featuring the AirCam on its collectible ornament design. The AirCam is a twin-engine, purpose-built aircraft created in 1995 to provide a photography platform for National Geographic. The aircraft has an open cockpit with tandem seating and was designed to fly low and slow over the Congo Basin. 

The AirCam is still a favorite among photographers and videographers—and anyone else who wants to feel the wind on their face as they fly.

Sporty’s has been offering the limited-edition crystal ornaments, which are highly prized among some collectors, since 1985. Each year a different design is selected. The company fields requests from customers all year long as to what they would like to see. Previous designs include the Aeronca Champ and RV-12. 

The ornament measures 2.25 inches in diameter and is etched with the year. The ornament comes in a keepsake box and with a bright red ribbon for hanging on the tree. 

The post Sporty’s Reveals 2024 Ornament appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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.

The post Top 7 Prime Day 2024 Deals for Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

From an aviation enthusiast to a certified pilot, there is a unique gift to satisfy every interest. Have fun browsing our curated list, and remember, whatever you choose, it’s the thought that counts.

Quick Look: Top Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

• Best aviation art gift: Personalized Vintage Wooden Propeller
• Best useful gift for pilots: Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light
• Best unique gift for pilots: Liquor Decanter and Glasses
• Best aviation gift for airplane lovers: Custom Tail Number Replica Sign
• Best gift for pilots in training: Flight Outfitters Centerline Kneeboard
• Best online course for obtaining a private pilot license: Learn To Fly Course – Private Pilot Ground School
• Best personalized pilot gift: Flight Gear iPad Bag
• Best book for aviation enthusiasts: Flight by R.G. Grant

Aviation Gifts Your Dad Will Love

Whether your dad is a pilot or an aviation enthusiast, these gifts are sure to make his day special. Enjoy browsing our handpicked list to get your Father’s Day gift search started.

Personalized Vintage Wooden Propeller

Best for: Aviation art fan

Vintage wooden propellers make fantastic decorative pieces for aviation enthusiasts. This 46-inch Personalized Vintage Propeller from Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection is handcrafted of wood, replicating propellers from the early days of aviation. The center hub has chrome-plated tacks to simulate bolts and a keyhole mounted on the back for easy hanging. The custom design of up to 18 characters takes about two business days to complete.

Price: $39.99

Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light

Best for: Usefulness

A flashlight is an essential tool in any pilot’s flight bag and this Flight Gear Universal Aviator’s Light offers a one-stop solution for the aviator in your life with its built-in, red-and-white lights. This light is so much more than just a headlamp for hands-free operations, as its durable clip also allows it to be placed almost anywhere in the flight deck. The light uses two AAA batteries (included) to provide up to 100 hours of use.

Price: $29.95

Liquor Decanter and Glasses

Best for: Uniqueness

This unique liquor decanter and matching glasses with an etched globe design are the perfect gift for a dad who enjoys to kick back and relax with his favorite beverage after a long day of work. These handcrafted products are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on any pilot or aviation enthusiast. The decanter holds 1,000 milliliters of liquor, while the glasses are perfect for up to a 10-ounce cocktail.

Price: Decanter ($120), Glasses ($29)

Custom Tail Number Replica Sign

Best for: Airplane lovers

For the dad that doesn’t just love aircraft but wants to own a piece of one, this custom tail number replica is perfect for any aircraft owner or aviation enthusiast. This custom wall art looks great in any home, office, or hangar. Each sign is approximately 16-by-30 inches and made from metal. Due to its custom nature and high demand, allow up to five weeks for delivery.

Price: $229.95

Flight Outfitters Centerline Kneeboard

Best for: Pilots in training

Pilots in training may feel overwhelmed with all the new information and tools thrown at them. Help out your student pilot dad by keeping him organized in the flight deck to reduce any stress. This Flight Outfitters Centerline Kneeboard has been test flown and proven to be one of the best and reliable on the market. The small kneeboard can accommodate all versions of the iPad Mini, while the large can accommodate iPad 5-9, iPad Air 1-4, and iPad Pro 9.7-11 inch.

Price: $59.95

Learn To Fly Course – Private Pilot Ground School

Best for: Online course for obtaining a private pilot license

There are numerous private pilot training ground school courses available on the market. However, Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course – Private Pilot Ground School has everything needed to prepare the prospective flyer in your life for his written test and help him earn his private pilot certificate. With online ground school, FAA test prep, and real-world training, this course is available in one easy-to-use package. 

If you want to take your gift to the next level, Sporty’s also offers its Deluxe Learn To Fly Course Kit ($499), which includes everything a student pilot could need, from video training to essential pilot supplies.

Price: $499

Flight Gear iPad Bag

Best for: Personalized gifts

If your dad has all the pilot supplies, but needs a new place to store them, then this Flight Gear iPad Bag is perfect. Custom embroidery is available for an additional $9.95 to make the bag distinctively unique, but you should allow up to two additional business days for personalization. If you’re looking for something equally customizable, but with a little more storage space, the Flight Gear Tailwind Backpack ($99.95) is another great option for the pilot in your life. 

Price: $79.95 + $9.95 for custom embroidery

‘Flight’ by R.G. Grant

Best for: Book gift

Flight by R.G. Grant is a stunning visual celebration of aircraft from around the world, and the pioneers who made a dream become reality. It is a historical and visual exploration of awe-inspiring aviation over a period of 100 years, from the earliest airplane prototypes to supersonic jets. This all-encompassing read is sure to take your aviation-loving dad on a thrilling exploration of some of the greatest commercial and military aircraft ever made.

Price: $48.32

Buy Your Gift While You’re Thinking About It

We hope you found something on our list to meet your dad’s unique tastes and interests. As we’ve pointed out, many of these gifts can be personalized to make them even more meaningful. With Father’s Day just around the corner, make sure you place your order now to ensure the gift arrives in time for the special day.

FAQ

What do pilots need?

Pilots need many supplies to carry out their missions effectively, however, many of these are specific to their likes and needs, like a flight bag, flashlight, kneeboard, etc. Therefore, before you invest in a specific tool for the pilot in your life, check with them to ensure it will meet their unique needs.

What’s in a pilot’s bag?

Pilots carry many supplies in their flight bags, some of which include a headset, kneeboard, tablet, flight computer, flashlight, multitool, dipstick, hand-held radio, portable charger, logbook, etc.

Where can I buy gifts for pilots?

Aviation-focused stores, like Sporty’s, are a great place to buy gifts for pilots. Many of these gifts have been handpicked by pilots for pilots and the stores often offer curated gift guides to meet any budget and need.

The post Best 2024 Father’s Day Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

We’ve created this curated list to help you narrow down the ideal present for the aviator in your life. From certified pilots to aviation enthusiasts, there is a unique gift to satisfy every interest.

Have fun browsing these handpicked aviation gifts. Remember, it’s the thought behind the gift that truly matters.

Quick Look: 8 of the Best Gifts for Pilots and Anyone Who Likes Aviation

• Best aircraft models: Midwest Model Store
• Best aviation merchandise: Aeroswag
• Best magazine subscription: FLYING Magazine
• Best flight sim PC: DogHouse Systems Flying Edition
• Best aviator smartwatch: Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro
• Best aviation headset: Bose A30
• Best flight bag: Flight Outfitters Lift Bag
• Best aircraft for sale: Aircraft For Sale

Gift Ideas That Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts Will Love

Whether your gift recipient is a pilot or an aviation enthusiast, these gift ideas are sure to put a smile on their face.

Midwest Model Store

Best for: Aircraft models

Midwest Model Store is renowned for its extensive collection of commercial airline aircraft models. The company also offers high-quality scale models of vintage aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and military jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Whether your gift recipient is an airplane collector, aviation enthusiast, or simply appreciates the beauty of these models, Midwest Model Store provides an impressive selection.

Price: $45.99 and up

Aeroswag

Best for: Aviation merchandise

Aeroswag offers a variety of aviation-themed products, including phone cases, coffee mugs, stickers, mouse pads, socks, tumblers, and more. Aeroswag even allows you to turn your gift recipient’s favorite airport into customized products like T-shirts, hats, and towels. Whether they’re a pilot, avgeek, or just love aviation, Aeroswag has something personal and unique for everyone.

Price: $4 and up

FLYING Magazine

Best for: Magazine subscription

A FLYING Magazine subscription is an amazing gift for aviation lovers. Each issue is a little collectible, with its high-quality paper, striking visuals, airplane-themed cover, and engaging content. FLYING is committed to bringing its readers the highest quality of aviation information, including daily digital content developed for pilots and aspiring pilots. The magazine offers annual digital and print subscriptions, which also include 12 hard copies and/or digital replicas of the magazine.

Price (per year): Digital only ($29); Print and digital ($45); Bundle  ($149)

DogHouse Systems Flying Edition

Best for: Flight sim PC

If your gift recipient is into tech, then DogHouse Systems and FLYING have you covered with this DogHouse Systems Flying Edition turn-key flight sim rig. Everything needed to get solid performance with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12 is built into this comprehensive system. Further customization, including added storage, is available for an additional cost.

Price: $4,695

Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro

Best for: Aviator smartwatch

The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro premium smartwatch features a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and up to 25 days of battery life. This watch houses a red and white light LED flashlight with multiple levels of intensity. In the air, the watch provides pilots with aeronautical information, such as airport data and direct-to navigation. Pilots can also get aviation weather, flight logging, and pulse oxygen monitoring alongside many other features when they’re on the go. For their life outside of flying, the watch includes 30-plus sports apps, 24/7 health monitoring, and advanced sleep monitoring. It’s like having a flight bag on their wrist.

Price: $1,399.99

Bose A30

Best for: Aviation headset

The Bose A30 offers high-quality performance every pilot appreciates on their flight, including unparalleled comfort, unmatched audio clarity, active noise cancellation, and certified durability. Plus, the headset’s optional Bluetooth interface and tap control for talk-through communication offer versatility for pilots across all cockpits, from general aviation to commercial airline operations. New features also give pilots more control over the headset’s active noise reduction performance, microphone location, and power source.

Price: $1,299

Flight Outfitters Lift Bag

Best for: Flight bag

If your gift recipient has all the pilot supplies but needs a new place to store them, then this Flight Outfitters Lift Bag is perfect. Custom embroidery is available for an additional $9.95 to make the bag distinctively unique, but you should allow up to two additional business days for personalization. This sturdy bag has room for all the pilot essentials and is compact enough to not get in the way while in the airplane.

Price: $99.95, plus $9.95 for custom embroidery

Aircraft For Sale

Best for: Aircraft for sale

Aircraft For Sale by FLYING is the most trusted place to buy and sell aircraft, aviation real estate, and aircraft spare parts. If you’re seriously considering purchasing an aircraft, Aircraft For Sale has 24/7 customer support, easy financing options, and a wide range of listings to help you navigate a successful transaction. Additionally, if you’re curious about an aircraft’s market value, the PlanePrice valuation tool available on the Aircraft For Sale website offers aircraft insights based on over 4,000 data points.

Price: Varies

Get Ready to Buy that Perfect Gift for a Pilot or Flying Fan

We hope you enjoyed browsing this handpicked selection of aviation-themed gifts. Now, have fun shopping. Skip the long store lines and add any one of these unique gifts to your virtual cart before they’re gone.

FAQ

What gifts do pilots like?

Pilots like both fun and practical gifts. Fun gifts can include an aircraft model, a T-shirt, or a magazine subscription. Practical gifts can include a smartwatch, a headset, or a flight bag.

What to get aviation lovers?

Aviation lovers appreciate plane-themed and aviation-related gifts. From wooden propellers, whiskey decanters, and leather bomber jackets to knickknacks like keychains, bookends, coasters, and neckties, there is a gift for everyone.

What do you get the pilot in your life?

Different gifts cater to different preferences and stages of a pilot’s career. Before you invest in a gift for the pilot in your life, check with them to ensure it will meet their unique needs.

The post The Best Gifts for Pilots and Really Anyone Who Likes Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.