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Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 12 Airplane

The Global Express has long been my favorite corporate jet.

The Global Express has long been my favorite corporate jet.

The last day has finally arrived, and like I said earlier, I have saved the best for last.  For the twelfth and last day of Avgeek Christmas, I strongly recommend you buy your favorite avgeek an airplane.

But it can’t just be any airplane.  If you really love them a lot then you should buy them a Bombardier Global 5000.  That’s right, for the incredibly reasonable price of only $30,500,000 the beautiful plane to the left can be yours.  I mean is there really any question here. Just buy it, and thank me later. (If anyone does buy this plane I expect a finder’s fee.)

Okay, so maybe a Global Express is not the right plane for everyone, or most people actually.  If however it is in your price range, please send me an email with your contact information, we need to become friends.  For the rest of us, there are still quite a few options believe it or not.

sd-1-minisport

The SD-1 minisport is one of many LSA’s that really opens up flying to more people.

One option if you are looking to buy a new plane at a comparatively reasonable price is a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).  Not only are they cheaper to buy, the training is simpler, and you don’t even need a special medical certificate.  There are quite a few out there now, but one that I found that looks like a lot of fun is the SD-1 Minisport by Skycraft Airplanes.

This LSA cruises at 120 knots with a range of just under 600 miles.  The engine is so efficient that it burns only 1.8 gallons per hour at cruise, and has an overall operating cost of only $12/hr.  It even has a glass display in the cockpit with GPS and wings that can be removed to transport it in a trailer if you want to.  All of this can be yours for the reasonable price of $55,000 and only a $2,000 deposit.

In the event that price is still a little to high for you might I suggest something in the used aircraft category.  As always there are tons of options depending on what you are looking for.  Sites like Browse the Ramp and Aviation Classifieds will give you plenty of fun stuff to browse through if you have a free afternoon.  Here are a couple I found recently.

The Piper CUB is an iconic aircraft that any avgeek would love to fly.

The Piper CUB is an iconic aircraft that any avgeek would love to fly.

Again in the LSA category, I found this Piper Cub for sale at only $33,000.  The Cub is one of those planes that just about every avgeek can admire.  Even people who are diehard followers of a certain company will often have a soft spot in the heart for the Cub.  I don’t even really know what it is, but they are just a fun little plane that hearkens back to the early days of aviation.

The second one I found is an experimental tail-dragger that you may run across at your local airshow because it is also fully aerobatic.  This Pitts S1S is simply stunning and according to aerial demonstrator Lauren Richardson, “They are the best fun you can have with your clothes on. Trust me!”  That right there is a pretty ringing endorsement if you ask me, and all of that fun can be yours for the rock bottom price of only $31,500.  If you think about it, I bet most people spent more on their last car, and I don’t think any car could be this much fun at that price.

Pitts

The Pitts S1S is a fully aerobatic plane that will take you for a trip every time you start it up.

I for one was surprised to find such nicely maintained planes at prices that low, but there is still no way I could buy a plane even at that price as I am sure most of you couldn’t either.  But that’s okay, there are still a few more options that I had never even really considered until just a couple of weeks ago.

If you read my blog very often, and I hope you will, then you probably saw my post titled, “Becoming a Pilot at a Discount”.  The post was mostly just my thoughts on how we could make flying cheaper, but the comments were what truly inspired me.  One person in particular, Jeff, left a string of comments about how restoring an older aircraft is possible for just about anyone who is willing to do the work.

The best advice that was given over and over was to find a mentor who can help you pick the right plane and get you through the process.  Another great resource is your local EAA chapter who is devoted to helping with experimental aircraft in particular, but any budding aircraft enthusiast.

A couple of other sites that were mentioned for finding aircraft were Barnstormers.com and eBayMotors.com.  In just a few minutes of searching on those sites I found dozens of aircraft for less than $20,000 and many below $10,000.  Obviously, the cheaper they are, the more work that may be involved, but that sounds like part of the fun to me.

One of my recent excitements that I hope to carry through the rest of my life is the desire to spread aviation to more people who have the interest but just don’t know where to start, or don’t think it is even possible for them.  I know those people are out there, it is just a matter of getting them involved.

I know I started this post with a ridiculous option that most of us couldn’t afford with our lifetime earnings, which is still fun to dream about.  However, I hope that I have shown you in some small way that owning your own plane is a very real possibility.  If I haven’t, go read through the comments from the post that I mentioned and maybe the great people who commented there can get you just as excited as I am.

My Christmas Day is coming to a close here on the other side of the world, and it has been a fine day with some good friends around some awesome aircraft.  I hope that you are able to enjoy this day doing something you love with the people that you love, because that is what these holidays are all about, people.

So whether it is Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or whatever holiday you may celebrate.  My best wishes to you and your family, and lots of wonderful aviation adventures in the new year.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 25, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 11 Random Aviation Accesories

There are lots of aviation inspired items for your home out there.

There are lots of aviation inspired items for your home out there.

As I mentioned at the very beginning of all of this I’m not sure why my wife thinks I am hard to shop for.  As an avgeek there is tons of stuff that I would love to have for Christmas.  There hasn’t been a single thing I have posted that I wouldn’t be happy getting.  On top of all of the things I have already posted, there are tons of little odds and ends that are sure to make any avgeek happy.

There are lots of fun ideas people have come up with utilizing aviation instruments as their inspiration.  One of the most common creations are clocks with an instrument as the background all of which would look great on a desk or wall.

For the little avgeeks out there you could always go for an awesome pair of Dusty Crophopper slippers from the amazingly wonderful movie Planes.  I know my son got a pair and he flipped out he was so excited.  Just about anything from that movie, or the movie itself, would make an awesome present.  The funny thing about us avgeeks is that most of us never really grow up.  Flying keeps you young.

My son loves his Dusty slippers, I just wish they had them in my size.

My son loves his Dusty slippers, I just wish they had them in my size.

For a little more gown up clothing option, you can always go with a leather bomber jacket.  I know it was a pretty big deal to me when I finally got mine from the Air Force.  Along with the sunglasses, it is just one of those classic looks that you think of when you think about a pilot.  There are plenty of good options out there starting at around $100, but just remember, you often get what you pay for.

Personally, I have always hated getting clothes for Christmas, so I would be more interested in something useful/fun as opposed to something I would buy for myself anyway.  One of the most useful things you could buy an up and coming aviator is an iPad.  Just browse through these few posts alone and you will see how often I mention the usefulness of iPads.

Now for the sake of full disclosure I am an avid Apple hater, but even I can’t ignore the practical applications of the iPad.  I would hope that Android options would catch up, but for now aviation is clearly an Apple dominated world.  If you are looking to save a little bit of money, an iPad mini will be just as useful, and in many cases a little easier to handle in a smaller cockpit.

Leather jackets are something that have always been synonymous with flyers.

Leather jackets are something that have always been synonymous with flyers.

Maybe you are more of a refined avgeek and in that case you may be more interested in an aviation poster or painting.

Another great suggestion I received from a fellow avgeek was a trip somewhere.  It may be hard to believe, but many of us avgeeks take as much pleasure in the plane ride as in any destination we may be going to.  If I might make a particular suggestion of an amazing trip that would be incredible for any avgeek I would suggest a trip to Seattle (technically Everett and Renton) to visit the Boeing factories.

If this sounds intriguing to you, might I recommend a particular weekend for this trip.  President’s Day weekend is the annual gathering of avgeeks in Seattle known as Aviation Geek Fest 2014 in this case.  It is an incredible weekend of serious avgeekery.  Put on by the AirlineReporter himself David Parker Brown, it is full of special tours and events that you cannot normally experience. The official details have not yet been released, but it gets bigger and better every year.

Outside of the actual events it is an amazing opportunity to meet up with fellow avgeeks and do what we do best, talk about planes.  There are often even unofficial gatherings at local bars and restaurants throughout the weekend for further bonding and merriment.  Last year there was even one group that came all the way from Europe to join in, and they said it was totally worth the trip.  You can sign up to be on the email list on the Airline Reporter website.

As you can see we avgeeks are not hard to shop for, it is just that most people just don’t understand the joy that we derive from such simple things.  They don’t understand how we could enjoy sitting around an airport for five hours in the hopes that you might see that one plane you have longed to see forever.  For us it is an adventure, it is thrilling, and it is not something that you can describe to someone else.  There was a time when flying was a wonder to just about everyone, we have just continued that wonder through to the modern-day.

Due to a miscalculation on my part that I blame on the time difference, there will be two posts today, and I have saved the best for last.  No matter how unrealistic you may think day 12 is, I encourage you to give it a read because you may find yourself as inspired as I am right now.  Just read the post and I hope you will understand.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 10 Cameras and Video Recorders

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i will improve your pictures from the first time you use it.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i will improve your pictures from the first time you use it.

One of my favorite parts of aviation is documenting the cool stuff I see.  For the longest time I just used my cellphone, which is good enough with as good as they are these days.  However, if you are looking to get some nicer pictures and get some real quality in documenting your adventures I would highly suggest purchasing a high quality camera, or video recorder.

Cameras are no different from most anything else I have talked about in that each person generally has a preference and they think there is really no other option.  I think it is mostly a matter of what you are used to and how comfortable you are with it.  Whether you get a Canon, Nikon, or some other brand, just get your hands on the camera and figure out which one fits you best.  As for me, I’m a Canon guy.

My weapon of choice is the Canon EOS Rebel T3i.  It is a relatively simple to use SLR camera.  I don’t claim to be very good with it yet, but it has made my pictures look infinitely better just by using it.  It came with two lenses and a handful of other extras.  That is really the beauty of a camera as a gift for an avgeek, there are always plenty of other accessories that you can buy for it.

A good camera will also give you the ability to take short videos, but if you want a better product, then a video recorder of some sort is likely your better choice.

In the event that you don’t have the excess capital for a camera because you spend all of your money on flying, there are a few companies out there, like Nflightcam, that make various mounts, filters and cables for iPhones to improve the quality of your video.  They also make accessories for the ultimate in active video recording, GoPro.

GoPro cameras can help you relieve your flying adventures over and over again.

GoPro cameras can help you relive your flying adventures over and over again.

There are a handful of different versions of GoPro out now, but we will just take a look at the newest model, the Hero3+ Black edition, because it is obviously the best.  This newest edition is lighter, lasts longer, and creates clearer videos than any of its predecessors.  These electronics are developing faster than you can even keep up.

This newest model records at up to 1440p to create incredibly clean videos.  One of the biggest knocks on these cameras is that the battery doesn’t last very long, but they have increased battery life by 30%.  That being said I would still strongly recommend a backup battery or two just to be safe.  The Hero3+ also has wi-fi capability to allow you to transfer videos quickly to your laptop for sharing or editing.

One of the coolest new features is that you can actually control the camera from your phone or iPad so there is no need to bump the camera for starting and stopping.  You can also view playback and easily share videos and still shots to your favorite social media site.

Much like a normal camera GoPros also have an incredible number of accessories you can buy.  There are numerous different mounts for all different kinds of applications.  It is also a good idea to buy extra memory cards and batteries so that you are prepared for even the longest day of recording.

Most of us avgeeks love watching videos of any kind from an airplane.  If you can get a camera like this then you can be the one sharing and leave all of us in awe of the amazing stuff you are doing.  Whether you go normal camera or video, just make sure you share, because sharing this stuff is what makes aviation awesome.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 24, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 9 Handheld Radio

A simple scanner can be fun for plane spotting, or just listening to ATC.

A simple scanner can be fun for plane spotting, or just listening to ATC.

I know what you are thinking, “What kind of idiot flies a plane without a radio?” Actually, there are some that do, because they don’t technically need one, and they also don’t want one.  In that case, this may not be the best choice of gift.  However, there are a few different types of avgeeks that would appreciate a gift like this. So for the ninth day of Avgeek Christmas I suggest the gift of a handheld radio.  These are not to be confused with simple two-way radios that you may use when you go camping or something but actual VHF radios to listen to, and make, ATC communications.Let me start first with a group that you may not be thinking of. Plane spotters. It is entirely possible that there are more plane spotters out there than pilots.  For one, it’s free, and two, you can do it just about anytime and anywhere there is an airfield.  Generally when people think of plane spotters they think they would want a nice camera or accessories to go along with it.  While that is true, a little handheld radio can be quite useful.

This VHF transceiver from Yaesu can make your life a lot easier in the event of a radio failure.

This VHF transceiver from Yaesu can make your life a lot easier in the event of a radio failure.

A handheld radio, or even just a scanner will allow you to know when aircraft are coming in, in real-time, as opposed to the delays with apps like LiveATC and FlightAware.  That way you know when to get ready to get that perfect shot.  They really aren’t that unreasonable either.  This handheld scanner from Uniden comes in at just over $100.  Not cheap, but by no means out of reach. Now listening is great if you are on the ground, but when it comes to being in an aircraft, you kind of need to be able to talk back.  While most aircraft have a radio or two of some sort, it certainly never hurts to have a backup.  Even the most meticulously maintained aircraft can have an issue where either the radio goes out, or there is an electrical issue that prevents the radio from working.  In those situations a little handheld radio can make life a lot easier. They really aren’t that expensive either.  A simple VHF radio transceiver can be bought for around $200.  For example, this radio from Yaesu goes for about $230.  It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but you also don’t need it to.  You just need to be able to talk to ATC to get back on the ground safely.  For the vast majority of civilian flyers, it is literally all you could ever need. Now you may be looking for me to write more, but for most people that is really all you need.  Sure there are some with a few more simple features, or longer battery life, or better range, but they really aren’t all that different from these.  Like I said at the beginning, this is really just a simple gift that could make a really big difference if you need it.  Let’s just hope you don’t ever need it.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 23, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 8 Handheld GPS

The cheapest way to go is attaching a GPS receiver to your iPad, phone, or other device.

The cheapest way to go is attaching a GPS receiver to your iPad, phone, or other device.

You can have lots of flying with nothing more than old steam gauges in your cockpit.  In fact, sometimes all of the technology can bog us down from enjoying the actual flying itself.  That being said, there are a couple of pieces of equipment that can make your life easier in certain situations.  We’ll look at the second one tomorrow.

For the eighth day of Avgeek Christmas we will take a look at a couple of different GPS units available for flying.  I should mention that it is possible to buy an attachment for your favorite tablet, phone, or laptop and use that as a GPS device.  That is generally the cheapest choice, and in some ways the best because then you can have the GPS interact with any other flight related apps you may have also purchased.

When it comes to actual handheld devices there are two companies that essentially own the market, iFly from Adventure Pilot, and Garmin.  I’m sure many pilots will talk your ear off about why one is infinitely better than the other, but I would venture to guess, like most things, it is personal preference.  Garmin is definitely the more widely recognized name, as well as what I have the most experience on.

The iFly 720 sports a nice 7" touchscreen that is easy to read, but not bulky.

The iFly 720 sports a nice 7″ touchscreen that is easy to read, but not bulky.

Both systems offer many of the same features like aviation charts, terrain avoidance alerts, and airfield maps/directories. Some of them will even give you a map of the airport to help you taxi more effectively.

Both companies also offer the ability to use your GPS on the roads too, so once you land you can still figure out where you are going with turn by turn directions on some models.

The iFly system comes in both a 5″ and 7″ touchscreen model.  They are also somewhat cheaper than the Garmin models likely, because they are not as well-known.  The 5″ model starts out in the $450 range, and the 7″ comes in closer to $700.

The Garmin aera796 3-D view is almost like a flight-sim version of your plane, as you fly.

The Garmin aera796 3-D view is almost like a flight-sim version of your plane, as you fly.

There is also a subscription fee involved to keep your charts updated which comes in at $69 a year for the basic package, and an additional $40 a year for IFR charts.  Compared to buying all of that in paper that is a very reasonable deal.

Garmin on the other hand offers a whole range of shapes, sizes, and complexities that range anywhere from about $600 to $15,000 or more if you get some of the in-panel models.  Even some of the higher end handhelds will be in the thousands of dollars, but they do offer some pretty cool features.

One of the coolest features that is on some of the higher end models is the ability to look at a 3-D view of you flight.  In essence you can watch a little window on the screen that will give you a 3-D rendering of your plane in the airspace.  So you can essentially watch your 3-D plane land as the real one does.  Kind of cool, just don’t watch it instead of the real ground.  I could see that as being very reassuring in IFR conditions though.

ADS-B receivers will be mandatory in the US in 2020.

ADS-B receivers will be mandatory in the US in 2020.

I would go into the pricing for their update subscriptions, but let’s just say it is a 16 page document on their website, so I will spare you.  In simple terms, a single update will run you around $50, with yearly subscriptions starting in the low hundreds, and going up into the thousands for the higher end models.  Just keep that in mind as you are deciding what to buy.  A GPS receiver can be a great tool, but if it is out of date, it quickly becomes less valuable as accuracy is paramount in aviation.

The last thing I will mention is the upcoming need to have ADS-B in your aircraft.  I won’t get into what exactly it is capable of doing, but it is their to help make the airspace safer and more efficient.  It is also going to be a requirement in the not to distant future (2020 in the US).  So it might be worth considering a GPS unit that also has ADS-B capability.  There are a number of different units out there that do one or the other, or both.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 22, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 7 Sunglasses and Watches

Classic aviators will always carry a certain appeal.

Classic aviators will always carry a certain appeal.

Part of being a pilot is about looking cool, right?  Of course it is, and nothing makes a pilot look cooler than a nice pair of aviator sunglasses.  Shoot, even a crappy pair of aviators makes you look cooler.  I mean, the Air Force even issued me a set in nav school so that I would be cool enough to fly on their planes, though my wife would probably tell you they don’t help.

To be totally honest, I hate wearing aviators.  I have just never found them to be comfortable, which my brother will tell you is because of my massive head.  Guilty as charged.  Either way, sunglasses are a very valuable asset to aviators of all kinds.

Flying Eyes are designed specifically for pilots.

Flying Eyes are designed specifically for pilots.

While aviators are often the go to look for pilots, it is interesting to me how many of the flyers I know don’t wear them, ever.  Most prefer Oakleys, though you do see the occasional Ray-Ban or other aviators out there.  It is mostly personal preference, so I will leave that debate up to you. However, the one suggestion I will make is to avoid polarized lenses.  They can be annoying for flying with digital screens, and even the windscreen on some aircraft.

I would like to present a couple of less well-known options that may prove to work the best.

Flying Eyes Sunglasses are designed specifically with pilots in mind.  One of the biggest complaints against most sunglasses is that they don’t fit comfortably under a headset.  The thickness of the frame either lifts the earpiece up or it gets pressed into the side of your head.  Either way it isn’t very comfortable, especially after a long flight.

Spokiz are the lightest and most comfortable sunglasses I have worn.

Spokiz are the lightest and most comfortable sunglasses I have worn.

For flying they utilize a webbed strap that you can tighten down if needed, such as in an open cockpit.  The strap can also be replaced by normal temples to wear out and about.  It is actually a pretty sweet little invention if you ask me.  They can even be fitted with prescription lenses or bifocals if needed.

The other cool company that I have been following for years is Spokiz.  They are another upstart company that came up with an ingenious idea for making sunglasses more comfortable, as well as more secure on your head by removing the hinges.  Their biggest market is the extreme sports folks who need sunglasses that don’t fall off easily, but their market is broadening to include just about anybody who wants their sunglasses to stay on securely, even kids.

I actually stumbled across them at a local community event and was instantly blown away by how light and comfortable they are.  Despite my best efforts not only could I not get them to fall off, I couldn’t even get the strap to loosen.

G-Shock watches will stand the test of time.

G-Shock watches will stand the test of time.

They are held on by a set of plastic bands that wrap behind your head and are fully adjustable to each individual ensuring that you get just the fit you are looking for.  Unless you are an avid cyclist you may not have noticed that the bands are held on by spoke screws from bicycle rims which I think is a nice touch.

They are also quite fashionable too.  They actually have a few different styles now including a polished aluminum that I think looks really sharp.  They will even convert any pair of glasses or sunglasses you have for $50.

Another practical yet fashionable item that every avgeek can appreciate is a good watch.  Just about any watch will do just fine for most pilots.  Find one that looks nice, and that keeps good time and you will be good to go.

Torgoen watches are full of cool features and look awesome as well.

Torgoen watches are full of cool features and look awesome as well.

One of the most popular watches amongst pilots is the G-shock from Casio.  These watches are shock/water-resistant, and offer various features such as multiple time zones, timers, and digital and analog clocks.  The rugged nature of these watches it what makes them so popular.  They also come in a pretty broad range of prices depending on the features you want.

If you are looking for something a little more refined you can always go with a company like Torgoen that bases all of their designs on aviation instrumentation.  Some of their designs even include an E6B flight computer on the dial and other fun extras.  They have a very nice selection of elegant and functional watches.

There are even watches out there with altimeters, barometers, and compasses, but let’s be honest, if it comes down to the instruments on your watch to get you home safely, you are having a really bad day.

 

 

 

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 21, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 6 Bags and Kneeboards

Even a simple kneeboard can provide great value.

Even a simple kneeboard can provide great value.

After the somewhat pricey headsets that we looked at yesterday I figured some cheaper options might be a little better for today.  As a pilot, there are lots of things you have to remember, and a fair amount of it is on the spot.  However, a good pilot will write much of it down rather than trying to just remember it all.  Things like clearances, frequencies for ground, tower, and approach control, routing, and the list goes on and on. As you start to fly regularly in the same area you will likely memorize much of this information, and may even create a little cheat sheet for things like frequencies and such.  But very few of us get into flying just to hang out in the same area.  We want to go out and explore new areas and new airports.  In those situations there will be plenty of need to write things down. That is where a good kneeboard comes in handy.

This kneeboard is incredibly popular amongst Air Force pilots.

This kneeboard is incredibly popular amongst Air Force pilots.

Just like everything else in aviation there are lots of different options out there depending on what you are looking for.  The simplest version I have used is a girl’s hair band that I just wrapped around my leg.  While it works for simply securing something to your leg it is less useful when it comes to actually writing things down.  With that in mind you can always just get a simple kneeboard that is nothing more than a small metal clipboard with a strap to attach it to your leg. Most kneeboards have some basic information on them like the phonetic alphabet, basic light gun signals, and the information needed for a basic flight plan.  In the case of kneeboards designed to support IFR flight it includes information like mandatory reporting points, IFR equipment codes, and airspace requirements. For those looking for something a little more than just a clipboard, this kneeboard from Flyboys is probably the most commonly used kneeboard by Air Force pilots, at least the ones I have seen.  It has a clear sheet to cover your approach plates, rings for attaching stuff like checklists, as well as the obviously important pen/pencil holder.  The info section on its page says you may want one for each leg, and while I have seen it, most civilian flying really doesn’t warrant the need for two.

Tri-folds are great for storing charts and extra paperwork.

Tri-folds are great for storing charts and extra paperwork.

There are also tri-fold options out there for storing things like maps and approach plates.  This can become incredibly useful for longer flights that may include multiple charts, or extra approach plates.  I used one of these for a while and found it useful, but I now have a whole desk where I fly so space is not quite the issue it once was. The last group that is becoming increasingly popular is kneeboards that hold an iPad or similar tablet.  With the increasing functionality of these devices, they are becoming the cheaper/simpler option to expensive avionics upgrades in aircraft.  They are even capable of supporting ADS-B devices which will be mandatory in the not too distant future.  If you already have an iPad it would be worth it to see if you like flying with it and purchasing a kneeboard to works well with it.

Having an iPad conveniently placed can be vary useful.

Having an iPad conveniently placed can be vary useful.

Whatever kneeboard you decide to purchase, the one major recommendation I would make is to make sure it is a good size for you.  I had a kneeboard once that was so large I couldn’t properly manipulate the controls.  I had used it in a different aircraft with no problem, but it just didn’t fit in this cockpit.  So just make sure you understand how it will interact in your particular cockpit. As you can see, you will start to accumulate a decent amount of stuff that you fly with, and it can get a little annoying having to carry it all out to the plane, which is where of course a good quality flight bag comes in.  You could always just carry any backpack or duffel with you on a flight, but you may also find that bags designed specifically for the purpose are far more useful.

A bag like this has all the pockets you could ever want.

A bag like this has all the pockets you could ever want.

You can get a simple flight bag for around $30 or less.  They will have various pockets for all of the fun little crap you will start to acquire, but they will also have room for your headset, kneeboard, and charts. If you want to go with something that has even more “bells and whistles” you can always go for a bag that has detachable pockets for things like headsets, GPS receivers, and transceivers.  They can also have adjustable dividers in the main pocket as well as mesh pockets for small items like keys.  If you live somewhere with a lot of rain you may want to make sure the bag is at least water-resistant. Now for those of you who are looking for a high quality bag that will make a statement every time you fly I have a recommendation for you.  This bag is one of the nicest pieces of equipment that I have ever seen.  The Classic Flight Bag is an all leather bag that hearkens back to the early days of flying.  The rustic leather look reminds me of an old war movie where the pilot climbs out of the plane with his goggles and leather jacket with the fur lining carrying a bag just like this.

The Classic Flight Bag will make a statement every time you fly.

The Classic Flight Bag will make a statement every time you fly.

It received raved reviews from the Airplanista himself Dan Pimentel.  I could never do it the justice that Dan does, so I highly recommend you check out his review of the bag.  That alone should say something as Dan rarely does a review.  While I am not as eloquent as Dan I will say that a bag like this truly does make a statement while being incredibly functional at the same time.  Especially with all of the technology available today there is no reason to need a large suitcase for all of your flight gear.  A simple yet elegant bag like this will not only serve you well, it will do so for a very very long time. It is clearly a high-end bag at about $500, but if you sign up for their mailing list they will give you $50 off, and the shipping is free.  Each of these bags is handmade so unfortunately it is too late to get it on time for Christmas, but just wrap up a picture of this bag and your avgeek will be more excited about what will be coming after Christmas than anything else they get that day. Of all of the things I have researched for this series of posts the Classic Flight Bag is hands down my favorite. All of these items will aid in your organization while flying, and I can’t emphasize enough how important that really is.  It is amazing how much simpler and more enjoyable a flight is when you have everything right where you need it when you need it.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 20, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 5 Headsets

The Sennheiser S1 Passive helps reduce outside noise.

The Sennheiser S1 Passive helps reduce outside noise.

Hopefully my last post inspired you to go out and take the first step to flying and you went and took a discovery flight.  If not, go back and read day 4 over and over until you, or the person holding you back, are convinced that you need to go fly.  For those of you that are now hooked on flying, you’re welcome.  Now you get to start spending all of your money, and hopefully other people’s money on flying and flying stuff.

For the fifth day of Avgeek Christmas, we are going to look at one of the first things that I am of the opinion you should buy if you intend to fly regularly: your own headset.  It is true that most flight schools have headsets you can borrow, and most other people who have a plane probably have them too, but a headset is just one of those things that you can get relatively inexpensively that will make the whole thing feel more real.

The Telex Stratus 30 has active noise reduction to help keep things quiet.

The Telex Stratus 30 has active noise reduction to help keep things quiet.

That being said, there is a wide range of cost when it comes to headsets, so I wouldn’t recommend going out and buying a top of the line headset right now, that can come later.  If you are already an experienced flyer, by all means get the upgrade as there are some pretty awesome new technologies out there that make headsets more comfortable and better to use.

At the very bottom of the price range there are a handful of headsets for $100-150 like this offering from Sigtronics.  While a headset like that will work just fine, I think it is worth just a little more money to get a significantly better headset.

For a little less than $200 you can get a headset from the most well-known aviation headset company in the world.  The David Clark H10-76 headset is the exact same headset that I use every time I fly in the Air Force.  While it is obviously not the top of the line, it serves me and the rest of my crew well.  Even with the four fans of freedom spinning outside we are all able to communicate without any issues.  They also take a pretty good beating from us and still continue to work.  I did just recently break my first pair after about 300 hours of flying all over the world, but David Clarks come with a warranty so that shouldn’t be an issue.

The Lghtspeed Sierra allows you to connect your phone to your headset through Bluetooth.

The Lghtspeed Sierra allows you to connect your phone to your headset through Bluetooth.

The next range of headsets comes in at around $250-350 dollars.  They offer things light headset bags, lighter weights, and better noise reduction.  While all of these things are nice, you really have to step up to the next level to start getting more features.

At this point you start getting into headsets that have a few more features that you may find desirable.  For example, the Sennheiser S1 Passive headset offers passive noise attenuation (think noise reduction) as well as a jack to plug-in an mp3 player or cell phone.  Don’t worry the headset automatically mutes the auxiliary port if there is a radio call.  At around $370 it is pretty reasonable if you plan on long flights where a little music might be nice.  It also comes with more ways to adjust the headset to customize the fit to you.

For just a little bit more, in the $400-500 range you start to add a feature that can really make difference for talking on the radio as well as saving your hearing.  Active Noise Reduction (ANR) is a feature that involves tiny speakers working to counteract outside noise like the sound of your engine.  It really is amazing how much of a difference it makes.  The Telex Stratus 30 for example offers ANR as well as the auxiliary port for that mp3 player or cell phone for only $479.  I should mention that ANR does require power through either batteries, or in some cases from the panel of the aircraft.

The David Clark DC Pro-X Hybrid allows you to use Bluetooth audio as well as your phone.

The David Clark DC Pro-X Hybrid allows you to use Bluetooth audio as well as your phone.

One of the newest features that is becoming increasingly popular is the ability to connect bluetooth devices to your headset.  The advantage of course is that now you don’t have more wires draped across the cockpit while you are trying to fly which could potentially cause a problem if you don’t control them well.  These headsets start out in the $600 range like the Lightspeed Sierra aviation headset.

At the lower end you will only be able to connect your cell phone to the headset, but other headsets like the David Clark DC Pro-X Hybrid allow you to connect audio devices as well so you and possibly your passengers can listen to music.  It comes in at just over $600.

The last feature that is just starting to hit the market with mixed reviews are wireless headset systems.  One example is the EQ-1 wireless system.  They claim to have been the first to perform an entirely wireless flight back in 2008.  While the technology is pretty cool, my experience has not been awesome with it.  I found it very difficult to hear our loadmaster who was using it in the back of the plane as well as it cutting in and out during the flight.

The Bose A20 Aviation headset is about as good as it gets.

The Bose A20 Aviation headset is about as good as it gets.

I am not sure which manufacturer it came from, or if it was just user error, but I was not impressed.  Now bear in mind I am talking about using it on a C-130 aircraft with crew members being as much as 40 feet away so that may have played into it as well.  It would likely work better in a small cockpit with everyone within 10 feet of each other.

While that pretty much sums it up in terms of features on an aviation headset, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one other company that is the pinnacle of aviation headsets, and really headsets in general.  Bose has become the best of the best when it comes to aviation headsets.  I have never actually worn them but from what I hear they are the most comfortable and functional aviation headset that you can buy.  They have all of the above features available, but they also come in at the highest price on the market.  Most of their headsets come in at around $1000 dollars, but from what I hear they are well worth it.

As you can see there is a pretty broad range of offerings when it comes to headsets, with a fair number of different features depending on what you are looking for.  The reality is that every pilot has their personal preference for a number of different reasons that you may or may not agree with.  There are tons of reviews out there for all of the different headsets available, but if you get stuck just go with what sounds good to you, and you will likely be just fine.

If you have a favorite headset, or company, by all means, share in the comments below and help all of us find that perfect headset.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 18, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 4 Flight Lessons

My first small aircraft flight was in this plane.

My first small aircraft flight was in this plane.

Day 4 of Avgeek Christmas this year is where the real fun starts as far as I am concerned.  There simply is nothing like flying in a small plane at the controls.  I have been on dozens of airliners and flown all over the country, and even half way around the world, but there is still nothing that compares to the first time I ever took the controls of a plane.

For me it was a Cessna 172 with the Garmin G1000 system, which was awesome.  I even remember the tail number still: N123VK.  It really doesn’t matter what type of plane it is though, it is still incredible.

Whether it is a Cessna, Cirrus, Mooney, or Stearman it will still change your life.  Okay, if it was a Stearman it might be even more life changing, but that is for another post.  The point is, there is nothing that compares to the hum of that engine, pushing up the throttle, and the feeling that you get when the gear leaves the ground, and for just an instant you feel totally empowered and peaceful all at the same time.

It truly is indescribable, but once you have felt it, you will never be the same.

In a lot of ways, flying is like the greatest drug ever.  It is totally legal, will eat up your money just as quickly, and lets you experience a high that simply cannot come in any other way.

The Mooney is the fastest of the single-engine aircraft, and a joy to fly from what I hear.

The Mooney is the fastest of the single-engine aircraft, and a joy to fly from what I hear.

The beautiful thing is that there are literally thousands of airports all across the country where you can take lessons.  You won’t find any links in this post because there is simply no way I could possibly link to even a fraction of a percent of the options out there.  If you know where the airport is just drive on out there and I would be willing to bet there is a flight school there, unless it is DFW, JFK, LAX or some other similarly sized airport.  Stick to the small airports for now.

That being said, all flight schools are not created equal.  Some of them have nicer aircraft which will carry a higher price.  You may want to learn on a tail-dragger and not all schools have those.  One of the most important aspects to consider is finding an instructor that you mesh well with.  There would be nothing sadder than committing all that time and money to something amazing just to grow to hate it because you hate your instructor.

Many schools offer discovery flights to new students which give you a chance to check out the school, the instructor, and the aircraft you will be working with generally at a decent discount.  This is a great opportunity to find just the right fit for you.  The key is to remember that this really is about you, and not the school or the instructor.  You need to be happy with what you are receiving, and if you aren’t then find somewhere else, because like I said, there are plenty of options.

Another great avenue to consider, that can also be less expensive, is finding a local flying club.  This is a great way to save a little money, as well as being part of a club that you can continue flying with after you attain that coveted PPL.  Once again, no links here because there are too many to even try.  A simple Google search of “flight club (your city)” will likely give you a great starting place.

The "Mighty Katana" or DA-20 is used by the Air Force for initial flight screening and is a blast to fly.

The “Mighty Katana” or DA-20 is used by the Air Force for initial flight screening and is a blast to fly.

The other great route to follow in finding just the right school or flying club is to talk to the people at the airport.  Talk to the students, talk to the instructors, the maintenance guys, possibly the FBO that houses the flight school, or even just fuels their planes.  People are what make aviation great, and for the most part we are all there to help other people out, especially new people.

If you come across a school or club that isn’t anxious to help you find exactly what you are looking for, then look elsewhere, because flying should be fun, and it is about you.  The moment that it stops being fun is the moment you need to change something, because it is supposed to be about having a great time.

As I write this post, there are no links that I have personally put up, but like I say all of the time, flying is about people, and helping others out, so if you have a flight school or a flying club that you would like to support or recommend then leave me a note in the comments and I will gladly put them up on the main post.

Flying is one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life.  It shapes the choices I make everyday and the career that I have decided to pursue.  It has become a part of me in a way that if I could never do it again I would never be quite the same.  If you or your favorite avgeek have even the slightest interest in learning to fly then please go out and take a discovery flight.  You may find that you would rather stick to the airliners, but you may also find the most incredible experience of your life, and you will never be the same.

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”

-Leonardo da Vinci

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 17, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 3 Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators

So you’ve played with your aviation toys, and got your aviation reading for those cold winter nights by the fireplace.  The next logical step of course is to get something a little more techy.  I don’t know what exactly is logical about that, but that is the next area of Avgeek Christmas that we will be looking at.

Honestly, I don’t know nearly as much about aviation apps as I probably should.  That may come as a result of the fact that almost all of my flying is military related and we aren’t allowed to rely on apps for our data.  I have used some for weather and stuff like that, but not as extensively as others.  But, there are a handful of apps that I have heard raved reviews about.

The app I probably hear the most about is ForeFlight.  It was one of the first truly blockbuster apps for aviation, and has remained the premier Electronic Flight Bag for most people.  This app includes flight planning, weather, aeronautical charts, and a whole lot more.

The major downside I see is that it is only available for iOS devices, but since they are the most popular devices for pilots it likely is not an issue for most.  The other thing to keep in mind is that there is a subscription involved depending on the level of service that you desire.  But with all they have to offer, their annual subscriptions of $75 or $150 are quite reasonable.

SocialFlight is the premier listing of aviation events.

SocialFlight is the premier listing of aviation events.

Some of the other EFBs that are available out there are WingX, Garmin Pilot, AOPA FlyQ, Jeppesen FliteDeck, Bendix King MyWingman, FltPlan Go, Avare, and AvPlan EFB.  As you can see there are a fair number, and they each have their plusses and minuses.

One of the greatest parts of aviation is the social aspect involved.  Whether it be airshows, pancake breakfasts, or fly-ins, the only thing most pilots like as much as flying is hanging out with other people who love to fly.  One of the best websites for learning about all of these types of events is SocialFlight.com.

They provide an expansive offering of events going on all over the place, and all of it can be accessed from their mobile app.  The app includes maps of local events and listings that can be structured to help you find exactly what kind of event you are looking for.  The app is available for both iOS and Android systems.

You could spend weeks talking about all the different apps out there so I will leave you to simple searches on iTunes and Google Play to find what you are looking for.  There are lots of good reviews and articles out there, including this one from AOPA, about the best apps, and when all else fails you can always ask another pilot or avgeek.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X will provide hours of entertainment.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X will provide hours of entertainment.

The next best thing to flying a real plane is flying a simulator.  In some cases it is probably the only way that most of us will ever get to captain a 747 or F-15.  What’s awesome about modern simulators is that they have gotten so good they can even help with your abilities flying a real plane.

The simulator that I have spent the most time playing is Microsoft Flight Simulator X.  It provides excellent graphics and flight controls.  I just bought a new laptop and was able to bump all of the graphics to their max level and it is so incredible some of the details they have included.  There is also an online option where you can fly in the same airspace as other people including people acting as air traffic controllers.  Some people have even created their own FlightSim airlines which is a unique aspect that I wouldn’t have even imagined not that long ago.

The simulator comes with a pretty substantial number of aircraft but there are quite a few others you can purchase including a lot more military aircraft.  Like so many other sims before it, it is a great chance to “fly” aircraft that most of us will never touch the controls of in real life.

The other incredibly popular simulator that has begun to dominate the market is X-Plane.  Unlike the Microsoft offering, X-Plane is available for your computer, tablet, or even smartphone for which there is a free offering on Android.  Many people have their personal preference, but in my opinion X-Plane has a better offering of aircraft as well as an interface that allows for flying that is a little closer to realistic.

X-Plane may be newer to the market, but they are growing rapidly.

X-Plane may be newer to the market, but they are growing rapidly.

X-Plane also comes with a fair number of aircraft with the ability to download new aircraft, and they are developing new offerings all of the time.  You can even fly the Space Shuttle, which the engineer on my crew did during a recent flight.  Flying a flight sim while flying may just be too much fun for one person.  It does take a little getting use to controlling the plane by tilting and turning your phone or tablet, but it is not very difficult, and most people will get the hang of it in a matter of minutes.

They also offer a world flying edition as well as regional offerings for different airport offerings.

There are also quite a few fun little games available for smartphones that are great for killing time in between flights, or other less pleasant events.  Many of these are available with reduced abilities for free, or at a small cost for the full version.  The beautiful thing about us avgeeks is that we love everything about planes, so even the most simple simulator or app will bring us joy.

Have other recommendations of great aviation apps or software?  Please share in the comments section below.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane

December 16, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.