Starting flight training is one of the most exciting times in your life. The first time you grab the yoke, you realize how many little things make a big difference in comfort and focus. From your first headset to a sturdy flight bag, the right gear helps you learn faster, fly safer, and actually enjoy your lessons.
After researching what real student pilots buy and use every week, here are the five products that consistently rise to the top. Each one is practical, affordable, and something you’ll use on nearly every flight.
1. Rugged Air RA200 Aviation Headset
Every student pilot reaches the same point where they decide it’s time to stop using the school’s beat-up headset. The Rugged Air RA200 is one of the most popular first headsets due to its affordability, durability, and excellent sound quality. It offers solid noise reduction, clear microphone performance, and a comfortable fit even during longer lessons.
It’s the perfect “first headset” that will easily last you well beyond your private pilot checkride.
👉 Check the latest price on Rugged Radios
2. ASA Complete Student Pilot Kit
Instead of buying books and tools one at a time, grab a complete starter kit. The ASA Complete Student Pilot Kit includes everything your instructor will ask for — a logbook, E6B, plotter, and essential FAA handbooks.
This kit is used by thousands of student pilots across the U.S. and is often listed as “required” in training syllabi. It’s one of those purchases that saves both time and money.
👉 View the ASA Student Pilot Kit at MyPilotStore
3. Kneeboard and E6B Flight Computer Bundle
Trying to juggle charts, notes, and a pencil while flying isn’t fun. A kneeboard keeps your essentials organized and steady, while the E6B flight computer helps with planning and navigation exercises.
This bundle combines both tools along with a plotter and notepad, making it ideal for cross-country flights and written test prep. You’ll start using it early in training and keep it for years.
👉 Get the Kneeboard and E6B Bundle from EntireFlight
4. Flight Gear Crosswind Bag
You’ll be surprised how fast your flight materials add up. A headset, logbook, water bottle, checklists, and sunglasses can quickly turn into chaos without a proper flight bag.
The Flight Gear Crosswind Bag from Sporty’s is compact, organized, and looks professional. It has padded sections for your headset, side pockets for accessories, and enough space for your manuals and iPad.
It’s an item you’ll use every single lesson and one that most student pilots end up keeping long after earning their license.
👉 Check out the Flight Gear Crosswind Bag at Sporty’s
5. Sporty’s PJ2+ COM Radio
A handheld COM radio is one of those items you don’t think you’ll need until you do. The Sporty’s PJ2+ gives you clear communication with ATC, lets you monitor frequencies before flights, and acts as a backup in case your panel radio fails.
It’s small, lightweight, and easy to operate with standard headset plugs built right in. Many student pilots like using it to practice listening to ATC from home, which helps build confidence before solo flights.
👉 Buy the PJ2+ COM Radio at Sporty’s
Final Thoughts
Flight training is full of expenses, but the right gear makes the experience smoother and more rewarding. These five products are the ones student pilots actually use and recommend to each other. They hold up over time, and they make you feel prepared every time you step on the ramp.
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Fly safe and enjoy every hour in the sky.