Doug Ranly

Lightspeed just introduced the new Zulu 4 headset. It has the latest and greatest features in modern, premium ANR headsets. What improvements have they made since a Zulu 3? Let’s jump in and take a look.

Which headset is the best? We get this question more than any other during headset demos. The Lightspeed Zulu 4 and Bose A30 are two of the top contenders, each packed with premium features from trusted brands. It’s a bit like asking, “Lamborghini or Ferrari?”—both are excellent, but the best one for you depends on what you value most in the cockpit.

“It’s magic.” At least that is what I thought the first time I turned on an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset. WOW! What kind of wizardry is happening in these ear cups? I was instantly convinced that ANR might be the single greatest innovation in aviation history. The noise environment of a piston airplane makes communications tough, but modern ANR headsets have revolutionized the way pilots communicate.

A routine VFR flight to Georgia turned into a classic summer puzzle—building cumulus clouds, climbing altitudes, and the looming threat of thunderstorms. I stayed above the weather at 8,500 feet, but the cloud tops kept climbing, forming anvils to my west. One quick look at ForeFlight connected to Sentry, and it reported some green, yellow, and even some orange in some of those clouds over there.

For pilots, an aviation headset is more than just an accessory—it’s an essential tool for clear communication and in-flight comfort. The ideal headset should provide superior noise reduction, crystal-clear audio, and all-day comfort without breaking the bank. That’s exactly what the Kore Aviation KA-1 delivers.

Flying IFR can be stressful for some pilots. For many of us, the IFR muscle is one that we don’t exercise too often. But just like in any stressful activity, having the right gear can help alleviate some of the pressure. These are the five items that I don’t get an IFR clearance without. 

One of the many pre-flight tasks pilots perform on aircraft involves fuel, and it’s not just confirming you have enough for your flight and required reserve. Specifically, pilots need to inspect the fuel to make sure it’s the right type and that it is free from contaminants. That is where a fuel tester comes into play.

Flying at night is amazing. Fewer people fly at night so there is much less traffic to deal with. The air is often smoother than during the day and the visibility is even better. Seeing city lights from a small airplane ranks high on the must-do list for many a land lover. 

Pilots can be some of the hardest people to buy for. Finding something unique and different that already isn’t on their shelf can be extremely difficult. This year has been filled with a ton of new and innovative products, so the odds will be in your favor if you stick to these top 5 gifts introduced this year. The best part about this list is that 4 of the 5 are under $50.