The 5 Cool Gadgets Every Pilot Needs to Have

Undoubtedly, nothing quite compares to the rush that comes from lifting an airplane off the ground. Whether you are a professional pilot or a private one, having the ability to experience the exhilaration of flying never fades. Picking out gear might not seem quite as exciting, but there are some amazing tech gadgets available to make your flight experience that much more satisfying.

Oakley Vertical Messenger Backpack

This pilot bag is lightweight and compact while remaining sturdy at the same time. The dimensions on the bag measure 14″ H x 12″ W x 3″ D but the space inside will blow you away. This bag is also designed to make security screenings easier, as the main compartment is easily accessible when security wants to inspect what you are carrying. A front zip pocket with mesh dividers makes for easy organization of your keys, cell phone, and anything else you would like to have easy access to. If you happen to be carrying important documents, there is a safe and secure zippered slip pocket design just for that.

For carrying convenience, Oakley has integrated both a detachable shoulder strap and a padded carrying handle for easy toting. This bag also includes a separate mesh bag to carry any necessary electronic cables. The Oakley Vertical Messenger Backpack is made of 100 percent polyester material.

Octo-Pod Ion 10

What is a common problem when flying? While waiting around in airports to board and in-between flights, one common problem is loss of battery power to your mobile devices. The Octo-Pod Ion 10 helps eliminate the need to search out the closest electrical socket. The unit uses lithium power cells to power up your most important devices. It is possible to charge your smartphone up to five times or a tablet computer a total of two times with the Octo-Pod. With dual USB ports, the Octo-Pod even allows for you to charge two devices at the same time.

Aside from bringing much-needed convenience to your trip, the Octo-Pod is ruggedly designed to withstand all of the jostling that is common when flying and stowing your carry-on. This is a gadget that you will undoubtedly get good use of.

Delorme inReach Explorer

With this popular pilot gadget, it is possible to navigate, create waypoints, keep a log of your trip, and even send and receive text messages. If you are ever in distress, it is easy with the Delorme inReach Explorer to send a SOS signal. It can be paired with a mobile device for easy access to topographical maps and U.S. NOAA charts. Compatibility with Iridium makes global coverage possible on this gadget. This device requires a monthly subscription service in order to fully take advantage of all of the features mentioned above, but the return is well worth it.

Bose A20 Aviation Headset (Available With or Without Bluetooth Connectivity)

All aviators need a sturdy and functional headset. It is about as necessary as the flight plan itself. The Bose A20 has earned the reputation for being the most functional advanced noise reduction headset currently available on the market. For comfort, the A20 offers a cushioned head pad and comfortable ear seals. Bose is also well-known for pioneering electronic noise cancellation (ENC), which comes as a standard feature on all the pilot headsets offered through the line.

Also offered as an option is Bluetooth connectivity so that the pilot can have easy access to a cell phone or other Bluetooth enabled gadget. the entire headset only weighs 12 ounces and offers a flex-boom, noise-cancelling electret mic, and crystal clear communications while in the cockpit.

Torgoen T7 Series Pilot Watch

There are watches, and then there are pilot watches. Torgoen happens to design one of the most sought after pilot watches currently available on the planet. The design of the T7 was inspired by the P-51D Mustang, a fighter plane that was as fast and durable as it was deadly. Pilots can expect a 12-hour format with additional time zone set inside a high quality stainless steel case. The watch comes with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal face with Swiss quartz dual time movement technology. It is water resistant to 10 ATM or 330 feet. Another useful function is the E6b flight computer which will help any pilot perform basic multiplication and conversion operations.

Most of these gadgets are only available exclusively through a pilot shop and are made exclusively with pilots in mind. Compact travel bags, portable mobile device charging stations, navigation devices, pilot headsets, and specialty watches are just some of the several gadgets available to those who seek the adventure of the air.