The Best Gifts for Pilots (2024)
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The holidays are behind us, but the same gifts remain well suited for the pilot in your life. Student, private, or professional, these gifts will appeal to their passion. Be sure to check out our other articles, Unique Art and Top Items for more ideas.
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Our coffee intake increased after getting to our first regional airline. However, waiting in long airport lines and paying steeper prices was far from ideal. The Wacaco Minipresso allows us to make a delicious cup of espresso right on the airplane, saving us time and money.
It easily fits in our flight bag, and does not need a battery or any electricity. All you need to add is finely ground coffee of your choice and hot water, which most airplanes can provide. It then uses a hand pump to make a great cup of espresso.
Proman Products Wardrobe Valet
Pilots like looking good, and must to adhere to company uniform standards. At the most basic level, its important we don’t lose any uniform pieces either. This valet stand is perfect for both organization and care. After a trip or cleaning, we can set aside our uniform so it’s ready to go for the next one. We love that it has a specific hanger for ties, and a shelf and drawer to set down wings, epaulettes, tie clip and our company ID. All in one place, we are quickly ready to go in a clean, neat uniform for the start of our next trip.
Scratch The World Travel Map
Know a pilot who flies international? They will love the Scratch the World Travel Map. They can keep track of the all the countries they visit. Get the largest size, which includes impressive detail including cities, mountains and rivers. We like this map especially since it’s gold and neutral tones will fit more home decor styles.
Go Pro Hero 10 Action Cam
Go Pro cameras are the favorite action camera among pilots. We use ours in smaller propeller planes (with an ND filter) to record flights takeoff to touchdown. They take great still photos as well. They can be set up with a variety of mounts for easy, hands-free operation. Students to private pilots will love to share clips of their flights to friends and family. Their new go pro will also serve as a great companion for adventures outside the cockpit too. Bundled with accessories, here.
Bumruk Backpack
Be one of the first to own a revolutionary backpack perfect for pilot travelers and beach go-ers. It features a built-in reclinable chair, made from a steel internal frame covered with high density waterproof foam. It can separate from the backpack for convenience. Users attest the chair is stable, comfortable, light and compact. No need to bring a bulky beach chair when your pack is the Bumruk. Also perfect for those you prefer to visit the beach by bike!
Airplane Tie Clip
Tie clips complete a pilot’s uniform. They also function to keep the tie centered and in place. Once we added a tie clip, we’d never want to go without one. We love the airplane silhouette etched into this stainless steel clip. Simple, yet unique.
Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro
Technology moves fast in aviation, but doesn’t always make it into every cockpit. We have used the Bad Elf GPS Pro in older private jets, connected to personal iPads for further situational awareness. We have also used the Bad Elf in modern day airliners, since GPS on company provided iPads can be intermittent. Student and private pilots in older piston aircraft will also appreciate it. Some iPhones and tablets simply do not have a built in GPS good enough for apps like ForeFlight to use continuously, especially once airborne. This is a great gift for any pilot.
Jarvisen Language Translator
International pilots spend a lot of time in foreign countries. Sometimes, weeks at a time. It can be intimidating traveling alone, not speaking the language. While there are apps like google translate, it is not always practical. Or, there may be no WiFi. The Jarvisen language translator comes with a 2 year built in data plan, so no wifi is required. All that is needed is a cell phone signal. Press and hold to speak, and the device translates and also displays text. This is a thoughtful gift for any international pilot.
Silver Art Airplane Self Pull Cork Screw
Know a pilot and wine connoisseur? The airplane self pill cork screw makes the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer. Continued turning will lift the cork right out of the bottle.
Fly Safe Airplane Keychain
With every takeoff, pilots use their skills and training to manage risks and later land safely to return to their loved ones. This quality keychain is a thoughtful, personal reminder to do just that. It is stainless steel, lead free, nickel free and hypoallergenic.
Canvas Airplane Wall Art
Perfect for a younger aspiring pilot’s room, or the professional’s office or living room. These bold canvas prints hang on the wall in split panel form. Choose from military fighter jets or commercial aircraft. The come stretched on solid wooden frames with hooks, ready to hang.
Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag
All of us at pilotmood care about staying healthy on the road. That means bringing food from home to avoid eating out every meal. The Stasher Silicone food bags have made packing food easy. As a bonus, we feel good reducing our single-use plastic footprint. These bags are leakproof, and contain no BPA, PVC, or latex. They are also microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and over safe up to 425 degrees. Perfect for professionals who also like to bring food on their trips.
Foreflight
There are many apps for pilots, yet ForeFlight is the most loved and it is easy to see why. Student pilots all the way to professionals use ForeFlight for flight planning, weather data, and charts. We still use ForeFlight even though we work for an airline that provides a flight planning app. It is a great backup, and even prefer it to company software for extra awareness or quick on-the-go weather checks.
There are 3 separate yearly plans, all reasonably priced. A $120 gift card will cover a whole year of the basic plan. Make sure your giftee has an iPad or iPhone since Foreflight is only compatible with Apple phones and tablets.
