12 Must-Have Items for Student Pilots in 2021

1. Logbook:

Logbooks come in all shapes and sizes…literally! They also have different text options inside. While I fully recommend having a paper logbook, I also recommend having a digital logbook. Your instructor should just sign your paper logbook, but it’s good to have a backup of your hours and most digital logbooks give you certain flight hours needed for forms and applications (like tailwheel hours, type hours, etc.).

2. Headset:

Headsets…the most expensive part aside from renting the plane! I understand that some students need to keep the cost down, but I HIGHLY recommend the Bose A20 headset! The comfort is unmatched and it’s completely worth the cost. A close 2nd in popularity are the Lightspeeds. I personally find them very uncomfortable but everyone is different so I’ve linked them both as well as a couple other cheaper options (which I have not tried so cannot attest to their comfort/usability…just remember you get what you pay for).

3. Flight Bag:

Flight bags can be an amazing help to your flight training or a huge hinderance! You want something with enough pockets to stay organized but not too many pockets to lose things…function is key!

4. Textbooks:

Yes, you’re getting back into textbooks! And you thought you were done with those in High School and College…you thought wrong! I personally just downloaded the ebooks for free from the FAA but if you need the real thing in your hands then you can also order a printed copy. I also highly recommend Rod Machado’s books because he explains things in a different way and adds humor to it which often helps to remember the topics.

5. iPad:

In this day and age, I honestly feel like you can’t fly without an iPad. I mean you can, but why not fly smart and use all the tools that you can get? First of all, you need an iPad to access those ebooks you just downloaded! Second, you need it for navigation and flight planning purposes. I recommend getting a regular size iPad…and get an iPad, not an Android, for best functionality with apps like Foreflight or Garmin Pilot (which are MUST-HAVES for flight planning). You also really need a cellular plan to get the most out of the navigation aspect. You can get this through your current wireless carrier and pay monthly for your iPad over time if you need to save some money upfront.

6. Foreflight or Garmin Pilot

These are the leaders in navigational aids for your tablet. I personally use ForeFlight and would highly recommend it for all pilots, students and professionals. I haven’t used Garmin Pilot more than a couple minutes but I’ve heard good things about it, it just doesn’t have as many features as Foreflight.

7. E6B and/or Flight Computer

This is a necessity for your written test and flight plans. You can get the old school version like the picture above or get a fancy digital flight computer! If you get the flight computer, still make sure you know how to do everything the old school way…in case that fancy digital version dies or freezes. 

8. Written Test Prep App

I’ll be honest, I only included one option here because it’s cheap and I have yet to find a better option. There are other apps out there that give you access to all the written test questions but they lack in functionality or the amount of questions. If anyone has a suggestion of another written test prep app please drop it in the comments below and I would love to check it out! If there’s something equal to or better than this one I would love to know!

9. Flashlight and/or Headlamp

Don’t skimp on this! Every student pilot has to do a few hours of night flying, so make sure that you’re prepared! I’ve tried to buy different flashlights from other places and I have yet to find one better than Sporty’s. Their flashlight and headlamp is specifically designed for pilots. Most lights you have to cycle through the white lights to get to the red (or to turn it off) and that ruins your night vision. Again, if anyone has other flashlights or headlamps that you love, please drop it in the comments, I would love to try more!

10. FAR/AIM

This is like you’re bible in aviation! It has all the rules and regulations and you will need it as you learn to fly. This should also be tabbed for your checkride for easy access when the examiner asks you something you don’t remember for sure! I personally just have an app on my iPad for it but have linked the hardcopy here because I know some prefer that.

11. Aviation Medical Examination

Alright this one isn’t a ‘supply’ like the others but it IS a must-have item for student pilots! Before you solo you must have an aviation medical. Mind as well get it done ASAP! Be sure to ask other pilots in your area about medical examiners. Some are great and others are not…it’s best to get a recommendation!

12. Renters Insurance

Some flight schools require this anyways to fly their planes, but if it’s not required at your school I would recommend covering yourself and getting some renters insurance. Depending on the coverage you choose it could be the cost of 1-5 flight hours and could save you a ton of money later. I personally go through Avemco because they have been the cheapest I’ve found so far.

1. Emergency Kit

Be sure that you always have a small first aid kit in your flight bag, you never know when you will need it. Also be sure that you have a larger emergency kit if you’re doing some back country flying or a winter emergency kit, etc.

2. Camera

Kinda fun to record some of your fun flights. Garmin actually made a video camera especially for pilots! I haven’t actually used it yet because I just found it. I also recommend making sure you have a good phone with a high-quality camera because you will take pictures…make sure they aren’t blurry!

3. Snacks

Ok, let’s be honest, snacks are not really optional. You should not be flying hungry so make sure you always have snacks in your flight bag! You never know when you’re going to be stranded or something and need a quick bite to eat. Oh, and be sure you don’t have some with chocolate during the summer because that makes a big mess after being in a hot plane for a while…don’t ask me how I know…

4. Chargers

Again, this one is kind of optional but not really…you don’t want to be stranded with no phone so a charger is kind of a must! Make sure you have the appropriate charger for your phone and iPad because obviously one with the wrong plug wouldn’t do you any good…

5. Kneeboard

This item partially depends on how your cockpit is set up. You may need this just to hold your iPad. I would highly recommend getting a different mount to keep your iPad up higher but it’s partially personal preference. You will need a kneeboard for instrument training but I don’t feel it’s totally necessary for private pilots.

6. Foggles or Hood

Some schools may provide these but other schools will make you buy your own. I personally prefer the hood because glasses give me a headache but I’ve heard some people hate using hoods. Personal preference! You are required to do 3 hours of training by instruments for your Private Pilot so some type of view limiting device is a must!