Gifts for Pilots or those wanting to be a pilot

[LooneyBird]

What would be a good gift for someone that is a pilot or is thinking of becoming a pilot?

Obviously price is an issue, so maybe break it down into a few categories. $20, $50 and $200 ranges would be nice to know. What would be a must have or highly desired gift?

Thanks!

[Dana]

It depends on what kind of flying the person is interested in, and his experience level. For example, a leather flying helmet might be appreciated by a biplane pilot (my kids got me one for my Father's day last year) but would be less useful to an aspiring airline pilot. A pilot who does lots of instrument flying might like a good quality chart bag, but an ultralight pilot would have no use for it. Leather flying jackets are appreciated by most, but expensive. A white silk scarf to go with it is functional even if you don't own a biplane. Ray-Ban sunglasses. But lots of the actually useful things are a matter of personal preference that a pilot prefers to pick out for himself. OTOH, the aviation suppliers like Sporty's Pilot Shop have gift sections you can browse through.

[George Sychrovsky]

For someone who is thinking of becoming a pilot an introductory flying lesson.

[WLIU]

It would be a big help to know the age of the individual.

Someone 30+ would likely enjoy a copy of the classic book "Stick and Rudder". Not very expensive on Amazon. Or Kershner's Student Pilot Flight Manual.

A generic copy of the Cessna or Piper airplane flight manual is less than $100.

Is the individual an EAA member? If not, a membership is not expensive and comes with a great magazine.

Looks like you are in Minnesota. There used to be a really good antique airplane place at Anoka County Airport. Might arrange a visit and/or ride if available.

If the individual is older and you want to engage in some dreaming, a VFR chart of the Hawaiian Islands is fun. Even better if you plan to go to Maui, rent an hour of dual at Kahului airport and do an aerial tour of Maui, Molokai, and Lanae. But that ups the budget quite a bit.

Best of luck,

Wes

[FlyingRon]

A younger person might be find Rod Machado's books, etc... more interesting than Kershner.

[WLIU]

Actually, Rod M's books are great for any age. I overlooked them.

http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Machados-Private-Pilot-Handbook/dp/0963122991/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426186042&sr=8-1&keywords=rod+machado

http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Machados-How-Fly-Airplane/dp/0985932848/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426186042&sr=8-2&keywords=rod+machado

Best of luck,

Wes