I wanted to put together a short list for student pilots to help get a handle on what is needed as they start the journey to becoming an Aviator.

Kinda like the one they used to hand out at the first day of school, only without the kleenex, crayons, blunt scissors, and glue. Those come at the higher levels 😛

Many of these items can be borrowed, made, repurposed, downloaded or combined. Not everything is needed on day 1. Don’t fall into the “pilot stuff” trap! Over time, you will learn what works and what doesn’t. Items marked ** are (strong) suggestions – these items worked very well for others, and myself, but there are many options and resources to get the job done. Before you spend big $ on anything, feel free to ask me or another CFI or pilot; there might be alternatives. Email me and I can even send you a PDF!

Flight Bag – should be well organized, not too large, not too expensive at first. A backpack or even a reusable grocery sack at first is OK.
Plotter – for cross country planning.
E6B – for in-flight and planning calculations. Metal “whiz wheel” is good, or an app.
Headsets – aviation-specific with dual GA plugs. Used or borrowed is OK at first, this is one area where the investment in quality is worth it – but make sure you are in it for the long run before dropping that kind of $.
Sectional Chart (Dallas/Ft. Worth) and Chart Supplement – or electronic equivalent. Used or expired OK at first.
Pad of paper and pens/pencils – you can never have too many
Watch – just a large simple dial, easy to read. The fancy “pilot” watches are impressive but pretty much unreadable when in the air. Phone is ok too.
** Sporty’s Learn To Fly course or King Schools equivalent – this will save you hours of reading or ground school. Demo clips can be found on youtube – they even guarantee a pass of the exams.
FAA publications – Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook – this is what the FAA will expect you to know
** ASA publications – Private Pilot Test Prep and Oral Exam Guide. Get through these, and you’ll be pretty well set for the tests. Comes with free simulated FAA-style tests.
Pilot’s Log Book – doesn’t need to be super fancy
Kneeboard – keep things together on your lap while flying. Optional but nice to have. A clipboard works too if you can attach a strap to it.
Flashlight with white and red beams – either on a lanyard for your neck or with a strap for your head. Helpful for inspection and finding things, the red light is needed for night time.
FAR/AIM – a few different publishers, just a collection of the current aviation regulations and pertinent information. Used/expired OK at first, and it is all available online anyway. Good to have handy for the exam to show you know the regs or where to find them!
Extra batteries, cables, chargers, etc. – self-explanatory. Or learn the hard way 🙂
Sunglasses – again, doesn’t have to be expensive “aviators”. But they are pretty cool :-). Non-polarized is a must.