What flight equipment does a pilot need?

Off to the airfield! Are you a new pilot, getting back into flying, wanting to equip yourself with new gear, or check that your equipment is up to date... Let’s go for the checklist!

The Essentials for Pilots

The Aero Helmet

No take-off without radio communication. To communicate effectively with the control tower, no matter your flying level, means, or desires, there is an aviation headset made for you.
Here are a few suggestions:

• For a first choice or a basic model, the Flightcom 4dlx,
• A headset that will follow you through all your flights: the David Clark, of course!
• An ANR headset? Definitely the Bose A20. Discover the detailed presentation from Theodora, a representative of Bose, in our video, showcasing this technological and comfort marvel.

If you need more specific advice for choosing your aviation headset, we cover everything in our latest article.

The Aeronautical Chart

Even if all the rest of your equipment is in perfect shape and ready for takeoff after years of use, one item needs to be updated at least: your aeronautical charts need to be renewed every year to stay current.
Different levels of precision are available:

• For starters, 1/1,000,000 charts (in two parts, North/South) open up the skies over all of France. The aeronautical folder is a great starting point for complete documentation of the metropolitan area. Plus, it includes additional materials for more precise details on your charts.
• The regional charts (1/500,000) offer more precision;
• Even more precise charts? For regions you frequently fly over, choose the SIA charts categorized by major cities.

The Flight Logbook

This is more than essential, as the flight logbook is mandatory. To log your flights and prove your experience, we offer the European flight logbook.

For More Comfort in Your Cockpit

The Flight Board

Since you don’t have four arms and a cockpit isn’t a CEO’s office, you’ll find it very practical to attach this flight board to your thigh, allowing you to consult your notes or aviation charts anytime, at a glance.
And if you use an iPad, the What If from Dimatex is perfect for you.

Glasses or Cap?

For daytime flights, the sun isn’t always your friend, and the comfort of glasses and a cap can make a big difference. And nothing beats having style! Dreaming of being in Top Gun? We offer reflective glasses, to pair with the PAF cap... The look that will allow you to dazzle rather than be dazzled!

The Flight Bag

Let’s be practical: you’re equipping yourself more and more... You’ll need a bag that suits to gather all your gear. Bayo’s store offers a wide range of luggage. Again, there’s something for every style: large bag or small case, backpack, briefcase...
Can’t decide? Let us whisper in your ear our little favorite: the PAF bag (because we too have a Top Gun side!).

To Take Care of Your Look

Of course, wearing an old T-shirt and flowered shorts won’t stop you from getting your pilot’s license, flying at night, or becoming an experienced private pilot. But to match your look with your mirrored glasses and your beautiful Patrouille de France cap, perhaps you could do better?
For that, take a tour of our clothing section in our online store: gloves, jumpsuit, polo... You’re sure to find what you’re looking for. How chic!

3. When Flight Instruments Become Portable

To complete your gear and guarantee a smooth flight, here is a series of accessories that are usually installed in your aircraft cockpit... or not. These technological devices are also available in portable models. For reassurance, pleasure, or to fill in a gap in your equipment, why not have them in your bag... or on your wrist?

Portable GPS

This isn’t essential for an airplane pilot, but if you fly an ultralight, you might not have a GPS available. Don’t worry! We have the portable GPS you need!
It’s a tough choice between the Aera 760 and the EKP V: two accessories of excellent quality. The main difference between the two: the Aera 760 by Garmin is set to English only, while Avmap, the maker of the EKP V, offers several languages, including French. Do you speak aviation?

Portable Radio

Doubting your radio or not equipped yet?
Don’t hesitate to invest in an ICOM radio. With or without navigation, it can also be certified, meaning approved by the administration to be used as the primary radio for an ultralight aircraft, CNRA, CNRAC or CNSK, hot air balloons, gas balloons, mixed balloons, and hot air dirigibles.

Aeronautical Watch

The latest generation watches for pilots aren’t meant to replace a GPS, but to provide additional information. They inform you about weather, runways, heading, your health data, METARs, and other features you’ll find in our latest video: sounds tempting, right?
Depending on your budget, you can choose a D2 air X10 at 549.99 € or the D2 Mach One, which is more expensive but made from much finer materials. Another great video from our collection to help you decide: “The idea was to create a tool-watch that goes beyond just chronograph and navigation by estimation, while maintaining the aesthetic DNA of the pilot,” says the Garmin representative about the D2 range. Class and technology: everything you need to perfect your style…

Checklist OK? Off to the airfield!