| Gift Idea | Best For | Approx. Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randolph Aviator Sunglasses | Any pilot | $$ | randolphusa.com |
| Aviation Wall Clock (Altimeter style) | Any aviation enthusiast | $ | Amazon |
| Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot | Student pilots & licensed pilots | $ | aviation-press.com |
| Pilot Logbook (Jeppesen) | New student pilots | $ | Amazon |
| Bose A20 Aviation Headset | Licensed pilots flying piston aircraft | $$$ | Amazon |
| iPad Mini (cellular) | Any active pilot | $$ | apple.com |
| RAM Mount for iPad Mini | Pilots who use an iPad in the cockpit | $ | Amazon |
| Aviation Sectional Leggings | Any aviation enthusiast | $ | radarcontact.com |
| Discovery Flight | First-time flyers & aviation-curious | $$ | Local flight school |
| Simulator Lesson Gift Certificate | Student pilots & licensed pilots | $$ | aviator.nyc |
| Honeycomb Alpha Yoke + Throttle Quadrant | Home simulator builders | $$ | Sporty's |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 | Home simulator builders (PC) | $ | Steam |
For Student Pilots
Student pilots are building the foundation of their flying career. Practical gifts that support their training are always appreciated — and often used every single lesson.
Pilot Logbook
Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot
Astronaut Doll — Why aim for the sky when you can go to space? A great gift for young aviation enthusiasts who dream big.
For Licensed Pilots
Licensed pilots tend to be particular about their gear — but these picks are crowd-pleasers across experience levels.
Headsets
The Bose A20 Aviation Headset ($$$) is the gold standard. We recommend the Bluetooth version. Before you buy, pay attention to the plug type: most aircraft use two plugs (the most common), a single large plug (like an oversized headphone jack), or a proprietary connector. Ask the pilot to mention their current headset — the plug type will come up.
For pilots flying quieter aircraft, the newer Bose Proflight Headset is worth considering. If the airplane has propellers, stick with the A20.
Sunglasses
Randolph Aviator Sunglasses ($$) are iconic for a reason. Their 23k Gold version works exceptionally well in the cockpit — light enough in the clouds, dark enough in bright sun, and they look the part.
Cockpit Decor
An aviation wall clock ($) is a low-key way to show your love for aviation. Altimeter, airspeed indicator, or attitude indicator styles are all available — the altimeter version is a favorite because the needle movement mimics the real instrument.
iPad Mini + Mount
The iPad Mini ($$) is the preferred tablet for most pilots. Get the cellular version — you do not need to pay for a data plan, but the cellular model includes built-in GPS that aviation apps rely on. Aim for the latest model, as older iPads can lose support for key apps over time.
Pair it with a RAM Mount ($). It works in small trainers and airliners alike. Note that this particular version fits the iPad Mini only.
Sectional Chart Apparel
Aviation sectional chart leggings ($) let pilots wear the airspace around their home airport. Great conversation starter at the hangar.
Home Flight Simulator Gear
Building a home flight simulator is a rewarding project — and a great gift for a pilot who wants to stay sharp between real flights. Here is what you need.
Hardware
Yoke and Throttle: Honeycomb Alpha Flight Simulator Yoke paired with an additional Logitech/Saitek Throttle Quadrant ($$)
Rudder Pedals: Logitech (Saitek) Flight Simulator Rudder Pedals ($$)
For a more compact option, the Logitech Flight Sim Joystick ($) combines yoke, throttle, and rudder functions in a single unit.
Software
Flight simulator software demands a reasonably capable computer if you want visuals that match the marketing screenshots — though graphics settings can be scaled down for older hardware.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 ($) — PC only
- X-Plane 11 ($) — Mac and PC
- X-Plane Flight Simulator for iPad (Free) — base app is free; additional aircraft available as in-app purchases
Not sure where to start? Check out these stores: Banyan Pilot Shop (Florida), The Airplane Shop (New Jersey, specializes in high-quality static model aircraft), and Sporty's Pilot Shop — one of the most well-known aviation retailers online.
Flight Experiences
For someone who has never flown before — or is just starting to explore aviation — a hands-on experience is the kind of gift that gets remembered.
Discovery Flight ($$): A short introductory flight at a local flight school. Most schools offer a brief orientation flight and a longer option. This is an ideal first gift for someone who is curious about aviation but has never had the chance to try it. Learn about youth aviation programs near NYC.
Gift Certificates
Our 2-hour simulator lessons can be tailored for both serious pilots and for younger students exploring aviation for the first time. Each session is shaped around the student's experience and goals.