Russell Hartley

As a student pilot, your checkride is essentially your graduation day. You put in loads of time, both studying and flying. You come prepared with all your documentation, know all of your checklists, and acronyms. It is your big day to show off to your designated pilot examiner (DPE) exactly what you know and understand. This is your time to shine. Until it’s not.

Let’s face it, flight instructors are some of the bravest and most patient individuals on the planet. You try to kill them, and they keep coming back for more. I know for a fact that I would not be a pilot without the non-stop help and support of my flight instructors along the way for my private pilot certificate. You spend countless hours together with these individuals in the cockpit, classroom, and on the ramp—before long, they start to feel like a second family.

The Flight Gear Stealth Backpack redefines “bang-for-your buck” in pilot gear. When it comes to flight bags, versatility is everything. You are essentially getting three different bags in one with the new Flight Gear Stealth Backpack. Whether you prefer a shoulder bag, a backpack, or a quick-grab carry option, this bag has you covered.

As a student pilot, my flight training journey has been a constant evolution—not only in skills, but also in the gear I carry. When I first started out, my flight bag looked more like a traveling library. Here’s why I switched to the Sideslip Bag.

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.