Let’s face it—not every training airplane has a first-class seat. Some of the airplanes we fly have been working hard since the 1970s (or earlier), and after thousands of hours of students climbing in and out, the seats can leave a little to be desired. Fortunately, you don’t have to redo the entire interior to make your next flight more comfortable.
At Sporty’s, we’ve offered a variety of seat upgrades over the years because every pilot—and every airplane—is a little different. Some solve a specific problem, like giving shorter pilots a better view over the panel. Others simply make a three-hour cross-country much easier on your backside.
Here are four of our favorite ways to upgrade your seat.
1.) Pilot’s Elevator Cushion
Sometimes you just need a better view. The Pilot’s Elevator Cushion was designed for pilots who could use an extra inch or two to comfortably see over the panel and nose. The cushion may feel firmer than your typical seat cushion, but that’s intentional—the thick foam provides the support needed to give you a reliable boost without sinking down during the flight. Pockets on the back provide convenient storage for flat items, while the built-in carrying handle makes it easy to bring along between lessons or airplanes.
Size: Back measures 14"W x 18"H x 2.5" thick; seat measures 14"W x 12"D x 2.5" thick.
2.) Sporty’s Compact Pilot Gel Seat Cushion
This is one of those products you don’t think you need—until you fly with it. If your airplane’s seat has seen better days, the Compact Pilot Gel Seat Cushion can make a surprisingly big difference. Its breathable honeycomb gel design adds comfortable support and helps take some of the punishment out of long cross-country flights.
Best of all, it’s portable. Fold it in half when the flight is over and toss it in your flight bag or under the seat. Once you get used to flying with it, you may find yourself bringing it everywhere.
Size: 15.5" x 13.5" x 1" open; 7.5" x 13.5" x 2" folded.
Weight: Approximately 1 lb. 6 oz.
3.) Flight Gear Heated Seat Pad
Anyone who has climbed into a cold airplane on a winter morning knows the feeling. The engine might eventually warm up, but that doesn’t mean you will.
The Flight Gear Heated Seat Pad makes cold-weather flying a lot more comfortable. Simply connect the USB-A plug to your favorite portable battery pack (sold separately), select your heat setting, and enjoy some extra warmth while the rest of the airplane catches up.
A slip-resistant bottom helps keep the pad securely in place, and when the flight is over, it folds into a compact package for storage in the airplane, hangar, or flight bag.
Size: 17" x 15" x 0.5" open; 15.5" x 5.25" x 2" folded
4.) Sheepskin Seat Covers
If you’re looking for the premium option, it’s hard to beat real sheepskin.
Pilots have relied on sheepskin seat covers for years because they’re comfortable in both temperature extremes—helping keep you cooler during summer flying and warmer when temperatures drop. There’s a reason you’ll find sheepskin seats in the cockpits of many professional aircraft.
Each cover is made from high-quality, approximately 1"-thick sheepskin and tailored to cover the seating area while wrapping around the sides and top of the seat. Beyond comfort, they also give an aging interior a great-looking upgrade while helping protect the original upholstery from everyday wear, sunlight, fading, and cracking. You don’t need a brand-new interior to make an older airplane more comfortable.
Whether you need a better view over the nose, some relief on a long cross-country, extra warmth on a January morning, or a premium upgrade you’ll enjoy on every flight, there’s an option for almost every pilot and airplane.
