10 Perfect Gifts for Pilots in 2025 (All Budgets)

Finding the perfect gift for the pilot in your life can be challenging—they often have specific preferences for cockpit gear and strong opinions about equipment. Here are ten gifts that pilots actually want, ranging from affordable stocking stuffers to premium splurges.

Budget-Friendly Gifts (Under $50)

1. Pilot Logbook

Every pilot needs a logbook, and they go through them regularly. The ASA Standard Pilot Logbook ($12-15) is the industry standard, while the leather-bound Jeppesen Professional Pilot Logbook ($35) adds a touch of luxury. For a personal touch, consider a custom-embossed leather cover.

2. Aviation Sectional Chart Poster

Sectional charts of a pilot’s home airport or a memorable destination make excellent wall art. These $20-30 posters combine decoration with nostalgia, perfect for an office or flight school.

3. Fuel Tester with Screwdriver Tip

The ASA Fuel Tester ($8-12) is a practical gift every pilot uses during preflight. Models with integrated screwdrivers for drain valves are especially convenient. It’s a small item pilots frequently misplace, so a spare is always welcome.

Mid-Range Gifts ($50-200)

4. Quality Kneeboard

A good kneeboard keeps charts, checklists, and tablets organized in the cockpit. The MyGoFlight Sport Kneeboard ($80-100) balances functionality with comfort, while the Flight Outfitters Slimline ($50-60) offers excellent value. For iPad users, dedicated tablet kneeboards run $75-150.

5. Aviation Sunglasses

Pilots need sunglasses that work with instrument displays and reduce glare without distorting colors. Randolph Engineering Aviators ($150-200) are the classic choice, or consider Flying Eyes ($100-150) designed specifically for headset compatibility.

6. Portable Aviation Weather Station

Handheld weather instruments like the Kestrel 3000 ($150-180) measure wind speed, temperature, humidity, and density altitude. Pilots use these for preflight planning and to verify field conditions—genuinely useful, not just a gadget.

Premium Gifts ($200-500)

7. Quality Flight Bag

A durable flight bag is essential equipment. The Brightline B4 Swift ($230) offers excellent organization with modular pouches. The Flight Outfitters Bush Pilot Bag ($180) balances capacity with portability. Look for features like padded tablet compartments and easy-access document pockets.

8. Portable ADS-B Receiver

Devices like the Sentry ($499) or Stratux (DIY, ~$200) bring traffic and weather information to tablet-based navigation apps. For pilots without ADS-B in their aircraft, these devices significantly enhance situational awareness. A genuinely flight-enhancing gift.

9. Quality Handheld Aviation Radio

A backup radio provides safety and peace of mind. The Yaesu FTA-250L ($200-250) and Icom IC-A25N ($400-450) are popular choices. These serve as emergency backups and are useful for monitoring frequencies during flight training.

Splurge Gifts ($500+)

10. Premium ANR Headset

If your pilot is still using a passive headset, an upgrade to active noise reduction will transform their flying experience. The Bose A20 ($1,195) and David Clark DC ONE-X ($995) represent the premium tier, while the Lightspeed Zulu 3 ($850) offers excellent value.

Gift Cards and Subscriptions

When in doubt, consider gift cards to aviation retailers like Sporty’s, Aircraft Spruce, or MyPilotStore. Subscriptions to services like ForeFlight ($100-300/year) or training resources like Sporty’s Pilot Training courses make excellent gifts that pilots will actually use.

What to Avoid

Skip novelty items with propeller motifs unless you know the pilot’s taste. Avoid cheap electronics that won’t hold up in cockpit conditions. And never buy a headset without knowing the pilot’s preferences—fit is personal, and they may have specific requirements for their aircraft.

The best pilot gifts are things they’ll actually use in the cockpit. When in doubt, ask about their wish list—most pilots have a mental catalog of gear they’ve been eyeing.