DuBois Aviation pilot recommendations
Pilot Gear Worth Comparing Before You Buy

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 recommendations
What we look forReliable in a training environmentUseful beyond the first few lessonsAppropriate for general-aviation cockpitsClear value at its intended experience level

Buy 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

David Clark H10-13.4 Aviation Headset product photo
Student headset

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)
Bose A30 Bluetooth Aviation Headset - Dual Plug product photo
Premium headset

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)

Cockpit iPad setup

Apple iPad mini A17 Pro, Wi-Fi and Cellular, 128GB product photo
Electronic flight bag

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 product photo
Cockpit mount

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

View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
MyGoFlight Kneeboard and Mountable Case for iPad mini 6 and 7 product photo
Pilot kneeboard

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

View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh product photo
Backup power

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 product photo
Flight planning

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

View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Foggles Aviation IFR Training Glasses product photo
Instrument training

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

View this exact product on Amazon (paid link)
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (2026), FAA-H-8083-25C product photo
Core knowledge

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)

Everyday flight-bag essentials

Flight Outfitters Dual-Color Pilot Headlamp product photo
Night flying

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 product photo
Organization

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)
See a product in flight

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.

Independent Bose A30 review by pilot Stefan Drury, embedded from YouTube.

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.
Ask DuBois Aviation about flight training