Gear for theleft seat.
Buying guides for aviation headsets, kneeboards, tablet mounts, ADS-B receivers, flight bags and training gear, with the plug types, app compatibility and certification details pilots need to check.
Equip the cockpit
Hear, navigate, organize and train. Each section lists what is compatible with what.
Headsets
ANR and passive aviation headsets
EFB & navigation
Tablets, mounts, ADS-B and GPS
Bags & cockpit
Flight bags, kneeboards and organizers
Training & pilot supplies
Logbooks, study tools and pilot wear
Aircraft care
Covers, tie-downs, cleaning and cabin
Emergency & survival
Survival kits, PLBs and safety
Drone pilots
Part 107 study and drone pilot gear
Know your equipment
Active noise reduction vs passive aviation headsets compared: how each reduces noise, NRR ratings, clamping force, weight, batteries, Bluetooth and cost.
- 02
Dual-Plug vs LEMO Aviation Headset Connections
Plugs Adapters
- 03
Aviation Headset Fit and Ear Seal Guide
Anr Headsets
- 04
Aviation Headset Plug Types: GA Dual, LEMO, Helicopter and Adapters
Plug types
- 05
Dual-Band vs Single-Band ADS-B Receivers
Ads B
- 06
EFB Tablets and Mounts: Size, Overheating and Cockpit Placement
EFB setup
Pilot Gear questions, answered
Is an ANR headset worth it for student pilots?
Many students start with a passive headset and upgrade later. ANR reduces fatigue, which helps on longer lessons and cross-countries.
Read: ANR vs Passive Aviation Headsets →Can I use a LEMO headset with dual plugs?
Only with the correct manufacturer-approved adapter and compatible wiring. Confirm the exact headset and aircraft connection before use.
Read: Dual-Plug vs LEMO Aviation Headset Connections →How should an aviation headset fit?
The ear seals should sit evenly around the ears, with a stable headband and microphone close to the corner of the mouth.
Read: Aviation Headset Fit and Ear Seal Guide →What plug do most general aviation planes use?
GA dual plugs: a PJ-055 headphone plug and a PJ-068 microphone plug.
Read: Aviation Headset Plug Types →Can a 1090ES-only receiver receive FIS-B?
FAA guidance says FIS-B is delivered on the 978 MHz UAT link, so a 1090ES-only receiver does not receive FIS-B directly.
Read: Dual-Band vs Single-Band ADS-B Receivers →Is an iPad mini or full-size iPad better for flying?
The mini fits kneeboards and small cockpits. A larger tablet shows more chart but needs more mounting space.
Read: EFB Tablets and Mounts →Gear advice that respects the rules
Every guide checks plugs, apps and the relevant FAA rules before features.
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The pilot gear index
- 01HeadsetsActive noise reduction and passive headsets, ear seals, adapters and hearing protection.4 pages
- 02EFB & navigationEFB tablets and mounts, portable ADS-B receivers, GPS and cockpit power.4 pages
- 03Bags & cockpitFlight bags, kneeboards, document holders, cockpit organizers and aircraft covers.2 pages
- 04Training & pilot suppliesLogbooks, plotters and E6B computers, study tools, sunglasses and pilot apparel.2 pages
- 05Aircraft careAircraft covers, tie-downs, chocks, cleaning products and cabin accessories. Certified parts are not covered.0 pages
- 06Emergency & survivalSurvival kits, personal locator beacons, life vests and safety gear suited to general aviation.0 pages
- 07Drone pilotsPart 107 study tools, logbooks and gear for drone pilots, distinct from hobby RC and camera drones.0 pages