Russell Hartley

A reliable flashlight is one of the most important tools a pilot can carry. From preflight inspections at night to in-flight emergencies, flashlights provide safety, convenience, and peace of mind. It’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s essential gear for all night operations. 

The iPad has changed the way pilots fly, but there’s one thing it can’t fix—battery life. Long flights and heavy use can leave your devices drained at the worst possible time.

Pilots always need reliable, practical gear—and having a trusty utility tool in the cockpit is no exception. You never know when you’ll need it, whether it’s cutting tie-down rope, tightening a loose screw, or opening a can of oil.
With so many options on the market, we at Sporty’s focus on selecting tools specifically suited for aviators. These five essentials are must-haves for tackling the unexpected in the air or on the ground.

The iPad has transformed aviation, replacing stacks of paper charts and bulky materials with streamlined digital tools like ForeFlight. Recognizing its impact early on, Sporty’s saw how essential the iPad would become for pilots. However, one limitation of this revolutionary tool remains—battery life. No matter how advanced each new iPad model gets, long flights and constant use can drain your device, potentially leaving you without critical information mid-flight.