Flight training is easier when your equipment is dependable, organized, and appropriate for the airplane. These specific options cover the practical items students ask about most often. Always confirm fit, compatibility, and instructor requirements before purchasing.
See the recommendationsBuy for the training you will actually do
A premium headset can make sense for a career-track student who flies several times each week, while a dependable passive headset may be the smarter first purchase for someone beginning lessons. Tablet mounts must not interfere with the controls, full movement of the yoke, instruments, or the pilot's view. Ask your instructor before committing to a cockpit setup.
Headsets for flight training
Bose A30 Bluetooth Aviation Headset - Dual Plug
A lightweight active-noise-reduction option for pilots who fly frequently and value comfort on longer lessons and cross-countries.
Best for: Career students, instructors, and frequent flyers
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Lightspeed Zulu 4 ANR Aviation Headset - Dual GA Plug
A premium active-noise-reduction headset with dual Bluetooth, FrameFit ear seals, cockpit recording support through the Lightspeed Aviation App, and a seven-year warranty.
Best for: Frequent students and pilots who want premium comfort, clear communications, and strong connectivity
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Rugged Air RA980 Bluetooth ANR Aviation Headset
A lightweight carbon-fiber headset with active noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and passive noise protection when the batteries are depleted.
Best for: Pilots seeking ANR, Bluetooth, and low weight below the flagship-headset tier
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
David Clark DC ONE-X ENC Aviation Headset
A foldable, lightweight headset with hybrid electronic noise cancellation, Bluetooth, digital signal processing, and the familiar David Clark approach to durability.
Best for: Pilots who value compact storage, a traditional aviation brand, and premium ANR features
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Lightspeed Sierra ANR Aviation Headset with Bluetooth
An established ANR headset with Bluetooth, plush ear seals, automatic audio-priority features, and a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Best for: Students who want a recognized ANR headset while spending less than flagship models
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David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset
A proven passive headset with straightforward operation and a long-standing reputation in training airplanes.
Best for: New students who want a dependable first headset
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)Cockpit iPad setup
Apple iPad mini A17 Pro, Wi-Fi and Cellular, 128GB
The compact cellular iPad format fits many general-aviation cockpits while providing built-in GPS capability for compatible aviation apps.
Best for: Pilots who use an electronic flight bag in smaller cockpits
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
RAM EZ-Rollr iPad mini Yoke Mount for iPad mini 6 and 7
A yoke-mounted solution that keeps an iPad mini visible and helps reduce loose equipment in the cockpit.
Best for: Aircraft where a yoke mount does not obstruct controls or instruments
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MyGoFlight Kneeboard and Mountable Case for iPad mini 6 and 7
A cockpit-friendly case that can be used as a kneeboard when a yoke or suction mount is not the best fit.
Best for: Students who prefer their tablet secured on the leg
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Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh
A high-capacity USB-C battery that can provide backup power for compatible tablets and phones away from an outlet.
Best for: Long cross-countries and pilots carrying multiple electronic devices
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)Training and study equipment
ASA CX-3 Flight Computer
An electronic aviation flight computer for common planning calculations, conversions, wind problems, and performance work.
Best for: Students preparing flight plans and knowledge-test calculations
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Foggles Aviation IFR Training Glasses
A simple view-limiting device used during simulated-instrument training with an appropriately qualified safety pilot or instructor.
Best for: Instrument students and pilots maintaining simulated-instrument experience
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Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (2026), FAA-H-8083-25C
A printed copy of the FAA handbook covering the foundational aeronautical knowledge used throughout private-pilot training.
Best for: Student pilots who prefer a physical reference for study and notes
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)Communication and backup equipment
Icom IC-A16B Bluetooth VHF Airband Handheld Radio
A rugged communication-only handheld aviation radio with Bluetooth, strong speaker audio, a rechargeable battery, and a backlit keypad.
Best for: Ground monitoring and a portable communications backup for appropriately equipped pilots
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Flight Outfitters Dual-Color Pilot Headlamp
A hands-free red-and-white headlamp that supports cockpit lighting needs and exterior preflight inspection after dark.
Best for: Night lessons, preflight inspections, and backup cockpit lighting
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
ASA Flight Bag
A dedicated flight bag keeps a headset, charts, charging cables, checklist, flashlight, and other essentials organized between lessons.
Best for: Students building a practical everyday flight kit
View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)Compare the options side by side
Bose A30 independent pilot review and flight test
This independent video shows a pilot using and discussing the Bose A30 in an operational setting. The reviewer's opinions are their own; DuBois Aviation did not produce or sponsor the video.
Before bringing new gear to a lesson
- Charge and update electronic devices before arriving.
- Confirm mounts and cases fit without blocking controls or instruments.
- Practice basic operation on the ground rather than during a high-workload phase of flight.
- Carry a charging cable and a non-electronic backup appropriate to the flight.
- Ask your instructor how the equipment should be incorporated into your cockpit flow.