Aviation takes a special type of person. Once you’re in the club, you’re always in. Are you a pilot looking for some cool items? Maybe you’re married to or dating a pilot and trying to find them a cool gift? Maybe you know someone who just passed a checkride or just got a new job. Maybe you know a pilot who has been grounded due to Covid-19 and you want to keep their spirits high by reminding them that they will be back to the world of aviation soon enough. Either way, I have compiled a list of really cool items for pilots that would make perfect gifts.

Key Chains

Both of these keychains are perfect to give a pilot to have either on their key ring or on their flight bag. If your pilot is Catholic, this religious key chain is a good way to help keep them safe with payers. Saint Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of aviation.
My wife bought me the “fly safe” one and I keep it on my flight bag as a constant reminder that I have someone on the ground waiting for me. Plus, it’s cute as f***.

AV8R T-Shirt

Have you ever heard the joke, “How do you know if someone is a pilot”? They will tell you. This shirt will do the talking for any pilot before they can even tell someone they are a pilot. Plus, can you even fly a plane without an aviation t-shirt? That would be like a super hero without their cape.

Boeing or Airbus?

There are several things you don’t discuss in the flight deck. This includes politics, religion, and the dreaded “Boeing or Airbus” debate. Show your pride by wearing a hat or T-Shirt showing your side. Or maybe buy a Boeing shirt for your nemesis (and Airbus fan).

Airplane Tie

Maybe you or the pilot you know have an interview, a fancy dinner, or maybe just to look fly and classy. Are you even a pilot if you don’t own an airplane tie? Incase you’re wondering, the answer is no. Now get yourself a airplane tie.

Aviation Reading Material

Pilots can have a lot of downtime between flights. What’s the second best thing to do when you’re not flying? Read about flying. You can either get a subscription to Flying Magazine or purchase the Smithsonian’s Flight book with amazing photos and a complete history of aviation.

Flight Gear

Here’s some of my favorite gear to take along with me on flights. First off, the Bose A20s are a complete game changer. I know that there’s a lot of noise cancelling headphones on the market, but I have only experienced the A20s. To be honest, I’m so satisfied with them, I haven’t had a desire to even look at any other ones. They fit comfortably on my head and I never have issues with the sound. The Brightline bag is such a cool little bag with so many pockets for your flight odds and ends. It’s also very customizable to get the bag that fits perfect for you and your flight needs.

Aviation in the Office

Aviation can often find its way into the home office. These cute items can also make for thoughtful gifts for Flight Managers or Chief Pilots to keep in their office. I actually keep this stylish airplane globe on my entertainment center. The propellor letter opener actually spins and doubles as a little fidgeter to just spin and spin while you work.

It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere

A great addition to any at home bar, coffee bar, and inflight bar. What’s better than that dope globe we mentioned earlier? A globe that you can put liquor in. Talk about a great conversation starter. Know someone who just started their journey in flight training? This coffee mug is a super cute gift to get them. Hopping back on the alcohol train, the last gift is a carry on cocktail kit that comes in a super cute carrying bag that can be repurposed later.

Video Junkies

Into making sick aviation videos? These GoPro attachments are perfect to connect your GoPro to different parts of the airplane. Time to take your video skills to the next level.

Token Prop

Lastly, here’s a wooden prop that just makes you the ultimate aviation junky. Are you even a real pilot without a decorative prop in your house? Hop on the bandwagon already!