Flying Equipment Recommendations

Getting the right flight equipment is crucial for effective training because it ensures safety, reliability, and an accurate learning experience. Proper equipment allows trainees to practice realistic scenarios, adapt to actual flight conditions, and develop essential skills with confidence. High-quality, up-to-date flight equipment also minimizes technical issues during training, allowing students to focus on mastering flying techniques rather than dealing with equipment malfunctions.

iPad

In this modern aviation world, technology is leading the way in new developments. Having an electronic flight bag (EFB) is a common place. With many of the important and useful aviation apps being Apple only, iPad is the best option for an EFB. There are many options for new or used iPads in the market. While it’s not the only way to be properly equiped for flying, it is the most convient and smoothest way. Depending on preferrence, we have two recommendations. The iPad 11-inch is a larger screen allowing for more information to be displayed at the cost of being bulkier to carry around and in the plane. The Apple iPad mini may have a smaller screen but is much easier to hold on your knee while flying. Below are types of iPads that we recommend.

iPad Mounts

Many students elect to use an iPad mount to hold their iPad while flying. This frees their hands to control the aircraft while providing them with their important information applicable to the flight. We have linked a few iPad mounts below that are good options

Foreflight

Foreflight is the leading software used by pilots while on the ground and in the air. It provides charts, route planning, weather information, airport information and much more. It is nearly an essential for a complete EFB. There are several different subscription plans depending on the needs of you as a pilot.

Starter Plan - $125/year

The Starter Plan includes basic planning, flying, weather and logbook. It is recommended for new student pilots and infrequent flyers.

Essential Plan - $250/year

The Essential Plan includes hazard and situational awareness features for VFR and IFR pilots. This is the most common plan for pilots and is recommended for most students that are continuing past their private pilot.

Premium Plan - $370/year

The Premium Plan includes refined flight planning and forecast visualization features for preflight insight. This plan has the most features, many of which, will not be necessary for learner pilots.

Below we have a link to foreflight.

Garmin GPS Trainer Aviation App

The Garmin GPS Trainer Aviation App allows for students to study how to use the Garmin Avionics like the ones installed in our aircraft. In the app, students can practice inputing information into several different models of Garmin Avionics. The app is available for iPads.

Non-EFB Flight Training

If you do not intend on getting an iPad or an EFB, there are still ways to get all the necessary documents and tools to complete your flight training. Below, we will list the necessary equipment and documents you will need.

Sectionals

Sectionals are the maps that pilots need to properly naviagate airspace within the US. They are area specific to allow for a detailed view of the airspace. With an ever changing aviation world, these have an expiration date of 56 days. This ensures the most up-to-date information is available to pilots. Below is where you can purchase sectionals. The Albert Lea airport is located on the Twin Cities sectional chart. Ensure that you bring a current sectional whenever you fly!

Airport/Facility Directory (AFD)

The AFD is a book containing all applicable information about aiports and their facilities in a selected region. This is crucial for understanding airports you plan to fly to. To keep these documents accurate, they have a valid date on their front cover. Ensure that if you’re using one, that it is the most current version. Albert Lea airport’s AFD is the North Central AFD.

Sectional Plotter

Sectional Plotters are a tool used in flight planning in tandem with the sectional chart. You can use this to determine distances and direction to fly while flight planning. There are two main models, a standard model and a rotating plotter. Either are great options for learner pilots.

E6B

The E6B is a flight computing tool to help pilots calculate flight time, fuel consumption, wind correction and much more. There are three main versions depending on what you need. All allow for the same computations but in different ways. There is a paper and metal version of the manual computer and a digital computer.

Log Books

Every pilot needs a log book to tally their flight time and show their progress. Log Books are essential to becoming a pilot no matter what level. There are many different versions available for purchase and it’s up to personal preferrence as to which design fits you. Below are some examples but many more are available.

View Limiting Devices

View Limiting Devices are an important tool for practicing instrument flying (flying in the clouds). They can simulate flying by Instrument Flight Rules, which is a necessary part of all pilot training. There are different kinds linked below.

Aircraft Posters

Aircraft Posters can be a great tool for practicing procedures while studying at home. They feature an accurate image of the panel of an aircraft. These are usually available for purchase through custom design sites such as Redbubble and Etsy. Just look for a PA-28-180 aircraft cockpit.

Flight bag

Flight bags, while not being necessary, can be an easy way to carry your equipment to and from the airport. Most flight bags have dedicated pockets and slots for common aviation equipment. If you don’t want a flight bag, most common backpacks can be a great substitute. Below are a few good options for dedicated flight bags.

Knee Boards

Knee Boards can be useful when flying with paper or an iPad in your lap. They stabilize the paper or iPad to your leg to prevent them from falling when flying. Below are some good options.

Flashlight

Flashlights are necessary when flying an aircraft at night. A red bulb flashlight provides soft light to pilots which allows them to maintain their night vision. Headlamps are recommended to allow both hands to be free while flying.