Exclusive deals for Part Time Pilot users!
One of the ways I can try and save you all money is by getting discount codes to some of my favorite aviation products.
Inside our Exclusive Deals page you will find coupon codes for things like Headsets, Phone mounts, and more!
Recommended Products for Student Pilots
The mission of Part Time Pilot is to help you achieve your dream while saving yourself both time and money.
The products listed below are meant to do both. Some are required for you to own for your training while others make your life as a pilot much easier.
Most of these products are selected for their combination of price savings, quality and functionality. However, for some products I will also list both a discount option and a premier option for those that want the best.
Stuff you'll definitely need for Ground School
Although you can download a free digital version from the FAA you’ll want your own copy to study and tag for your training and checkride
You’ll need a plotter tool. Make sure it is clear and I prefer the ones with the spinning wheel. This one has both and is scaled for VFR charts
I recommend the paper and NOT an electronic e6b. There is a learning curve for both and the paper one never runs out of batteries. I’ve had this paper one for 5 years.
You’ll also need the FAA Images & Figures supplement that includes all pictures used on the Private Pilot Written Exam. But this is also available free as a pdf that you can download by clicking below:
You’ll also need the FAA Images & Figures supplement that includes all pictures used on the Private Pilot Written Exam. But this is also available free as a pdf that you can download by clicking below:
If you are a member of our IFR Ground School or preparing for the IFR Written test then you will need the IFR knowledge testing supplement which you can download for free by clicking below:
You’ll also need the FAA Images & Figures supplement that includes all pictures used on the Private Pilot Written Exam. But this is also available free as a pdf that you can download by clicking below:
Stuff you'll definitely need for Flight Training
You are required to log your hours in a log book. This one is cheap, hard covered, durable and the format that examiners are used to. Look for different colors!
You’ll need a kneeboard to organize your items while flying. I recommend a tri-fold one like the one above that is basic, but affordable and gets the job done.
If you have an iPad already then you can get a kneeboard that fits one snugly. Again, I recommend a trifold for the rest of your items. The one above is my favorite.
Buying a new flight bag is not required. An old backpack works fine. But you’ll need something to carry everything on this list. This one is compact, durable and a great price.
If you want something with a little more style the Augus Business Travel bag is both functional, compact and stylish. You’ll be a true aviator/aviatrix with this
You’ll need a flashlight for your night flights and you need to make sure it has both white and red light settings. Red light for reading in the dark. This one here is a great price and the one I use!
You will definitely need sunglasses. It is recommended that pilots use non-polarized sunglasses so that they are able to read off their instruments without glare interfering.
Finally, you will need a VFR Sectional Chart and a Chart Supplement for the area that you fly in. Make sure you get the most up to date version. You can usually find them on Amazon like in the example linked below but can also find them from MyPilotStore at the link below
Stuff you don't need but will make your life much easier
Kore aviation headsets will get you pretty dang close to the quality and comfort for a fraction of the price but if you want to pay the money for the best, Bose is the choice. I have had both Bose and Kore headsets for over 3 years & love them
I recommend to my students to not get an iPad and Foreflight until after their 1st solo cross-country. But once you get an iPad, get this portable GPS. It is the absolute best! Connects via bluetooth to your iPad and tracks your position on the Foreflight maps.
An iPad is an AMAZING tool for a pilot. Combine this with the Dual Electronics GPS and Foreflight and you can navigate with GPS from your lap. I recommend students first learn without an iPad before rewarding themselves and making their lives easier and getting one.
Struggling with air sickness? Hang in there, it does get better over time. A lot of people swear by chewing on Ginger candies to hold off nausea. This brand comes highly recommended in aviation world.
While not required it is nice to have a good knife around. The one above has a seatbelt cutter and a windshield breaker in case you are in the situation where you need a quick escape from the cockpit.
Your flight school or flight club should have a fuel tester for each aircraft. But if you own your own aircraft you will need one to check for contaminants or water in your fuel for each flight.
Your instructor should have a pair but if not you’ll need a pair of foggles for your instrument training hours. These glasses make it so that you cant see out the dashboard but can only see your instruments… simulating no visibility days.
I personally recommend learning and using the paper e6b first but as previously mentioned I cannot deny the ease this makes calculations once you figure out how to use it (which we have videos for in our ground school)
A portable charger is almost a must for cross-country flights if you want to use an ipad, phone or any device with a battery. Cold/Warm temperatures can effect your battery and you want to be sure to have at least one backup battery onboard
You will need a timer for cross-country flights. I recommend getting your own in the form of a watch. This waterproof, night lit digital watch is only $16 and does the trick!
Watches are cool. This one is waterproof has a compass, thermometer, night light and it can track the tides! Oh and it keeps time of course.
For your first few flights it is a good idea to have a barf bag. Then, when you start taking your friends and family up these can be handy. You never know when a really bumpy day can come around.
Stuff for your future Cross-Country adventures
A 2-way satellite communicator is a handy tool for those flying over remote areas and this one is highly regarded.
A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. This is handy for prolonged flights at higher altitudes to make sure hypoxia doesn’t sneak up on you.
For high altitude flights it’s a good idea to have supplemental oxygen. But even if flying at 7000′ the oxygen levels can start to cause negative effects on you. This small canister can be useful to ensure you don’t get hypoxic.
For those flying over water a safety jacket that inflates is a good emergency safety item to have around. These ones are the best.
For all flights it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit. These ones are affordable and super compact. Throw one in your flight bag for times of need.
For those lonnnngggg cross-country flights nature will eventually call. It’s best to be prepared with these disposable and portable urinals for men and women.
A CO2 analyzer can be handy to keep in the cockpit especially on cold flights when carb heat is in use. This one alerts you when levels become dangerous.
For long cross-country trips where every lb matters to the weight and balance you will want accurate weights for your baggage. A handy little baggage weight scale can do the trick!
This is just cool and can come in handy for all adventurous types as a handy survivor tool. Waterproof and windproof lighter!
Anything that makes an efficient use of size and weight while also having the ability to accomplish multiple tasks is an awesome thing to have on an aircraft. This tactical pen has knife, flashlight, and windshield breaker
Depending on where you fly and what altitude you fly at things can get pretty chilly for general aviation pilots. A good set of gloves that maintain full dexterity of the fingers can be a great thing to have on chilly days & nights
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