What Gear Does a Student Pilot Need?

Flying requires some fun (and expensive) gear. However, you do not need all of this equipment from the start of your journey. Many airports let you rent headsets from the start and your CFI will have any additional tools you may need in flight. It does become beneficial though to have your own equipment as you start to fly more regularly.

Must Have Gear:

• Logbook

  • A student pilot logbook is essential to record your flight hours and to become a pilot. Your CFI will show you how to use it and sign it after each lesson. This is the only tool that is highly recommended to have from the start!

• Headset

  • This is how you will communicate with your CFI and with Air Traffic Control (airports!)

• Mini iPad

  • Many pilots use ForeFlight on their iPads to track airport information, weather, navigation, and to flight plan

• Kneeboard

  • A kneeboard mounts your iPad to your leg so you can keep your hands free for flying the plane

• Backpack

  • A must have for all your gear!

• Plotter + Sectional Chart

  • You will eventually use a plotter to help navigate on a sectional chart and plan flights (specifically “cross country” flights)