Top Pilot Supplies You Should Always Have Onboard
Key Takeaways
- Your pilot certificate, government-issued photo ID, and FAA medical certificate are required for every flight – verify their currency before departure and keep them accessible at all times.
- Core communication gear includes a quality headset (PNR or ANR, with a reliable microphone) and a handheld transceiver as a backup – radio failures happen, and having an immediate fallback prevents a manageable situation from becoming a safety issue.
- Organization and navigation tools – a flight bag, kneeboard or clipboard, tablet with EFB apps, and a mount to keep your device in your field of vision – reduce cockpit workload and improve situational awareness throughout every phase of flight.
- Non-polarized sunglasses are the correct choice for pilots: polarized lenses interfere with instrument displays and can reduce the reflections used to spot traffic. Check that the earpiece design doesn't compromise headset fit.
- USB chargers, cables, spare headset batteries, snacks, and water round out a complete flight kit – small items that prevent the kind of distractions and fatigue that affect decision-making when it matters most.
Being a pilot demands a high level of preparedness and organization. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or a student pilot building hours, having the right gear onboard makes your flights more efficient, comfortable, and safe – and ensures you're ready for unexpected situations as well as routine ones.
In this article, we'll cover the essential pilot supplies that should always be part of your flight kit, from clipboards and screen protectors to flight bags and pilot headsets.
Pilot’s License, Photo ID, & Medical Certificate
Your pilot certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and your FAA medical certificate are required documents for every flight – not optional. Keep these on your person or easily accessible in your flight bag at all times, and check their currency before every flight.
Pilot Flight Bag
Your flight bag is your mobile command center. Choose one with comfortable carry options, ample organized compartments, and durable construction that holds up to frequent travel. A well-designed flight bag provides dedicated space for your headset, charts, electronic devices, documents, kneeboard, and a compact first aid kit – everything you need in one place and easy to locate under pressure.
Pilot Headset
A high-quality pilot headset is one of the most important investments a pilot can make. It enables clear communication with ATC and other aircraft, reduces fatigue from cockpit noise, and provides hearing protection over years of flying. Look for a headset that fits comfortably for extended wear, delivers effective noise attenuation, and includes a reliable microphone. Keep spare batteries in your bag if your headset requires power.
Tablet, Smartphone, or Laptop
Electronic flight bags – iPads, iPhones, and laptops loaded with apps like ForeFlight or SkyDemon – have become standard cockpit tools, delivering charts, weather, navigation aids, and checklists in a single device. Because these screens are exposed to sunlight, turbulence, and frequent handling, a high-quality anti-glare screen protector helps maintain visibility and extends the life of your device throughout your flying career.
Pilot Kneeboard
A kneeboard attaches securely to your thigh and gives you a hands-free surface for plotting courses, jotting down clearances, and referencing charts in the cockpit. In tight cockpit spaces, a kneeboard is far more practical than a traditional clipboard. Many models are designed to hold iPads as well, integrating your EFB directly into your workflow.
Pilot Clipboard
Despite the prevalence of digital tools, a well-designed pilot clipboard remains one of the most practical organizational tools in the cockpit. It consolidates flight plans, checklists, and reference documents and makes them immediately accessible. Modern aviation clipboards often include built-in calculators, timer functions, and small storage compartments for pens and other tools – simple additions that make a real difference during busy phases of flight.
Two-Way Radio
Radio failures happen. When they do, a handheld transceiver in your flight bag provides immediate backup for communicating with ATC and other pilots – clearly and without delay. Pack your charging cradle, cables, and a fully charged spare battery so the radio is ready when you need it.
First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit – with adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and basic medical supplies – is a practical addition to any flight bag. It's no substitute for medical care, but having these essentials on hand and knowing how to use them can make a meaningful difference in an unexpected situation.
Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Non-polarized pilot sunglasses reduce glare and eye fatigue during daytime flights without interfering with the anti-glare filters on instrument panels and digital displays. When choosing sunglasses, verify that the earpiece design is compatible with your headset – interference between the two can create discomfort and affect noise isolation during long flights.
Snacks and Water
Staying hydrated and fueled matters more at altitude than many pilots realize. Fatigue, dehydration, and low blood sugar all affect focus and decision-making. Pack lightweight, non-perishable snacks and a secure, spill-resistant water bottle – and choose containers that can handle changes in cabin pressure on unpressurized aircraft.
EFB Mounts
Mounting your tablet or phone within your field of vision – rather than on your knee – can significantly improve situational awareness and reduce the time your eyes are off the panel. Yoke mounts, suction-cup mounts, and panel-mounted solutions are all available. Choose based on your cockpit layout, preferred viewing angle, and how frequently you reference your EFB in flight.
USB Power Chargers and Cables
Electronic devices are central to modern cockpit operations, and a dead battery mid-flight is more than an inconvenience – it can deprive pilots of access to navigation, charts, and communication tools at the worst time. USB power chargers and aircraft-compatible cables ensure your devices stay operational from preflight to shutdown.
The Bottom Line
The right supplies transform a well-organized pilot into a well-prepared one. Each item covered here serves a specific purpose that contributes to safety, efficiency, and situational awareness in the cockpit – and having them on hand consistently builds the habits that define confident, capable aviators.
Pilot John International® (PJi®) is a leading global supplier of premium pilot supplies – including flight bags, headsets, kneeboards, clipboards, iPad and iPhone screen protectors, pilot sunglasses, USB power chargers and cables, and mounting systems for iPads, GPS devices, ADS-B receivers, and GoPro cameras – from trusted manufacturers including David Clark Company, Flight Outfitters, Flying Eyes, ICOM, Kore Aviation, and MyGoFlight.
If you need help finding the right gear, our aviation specialists are ready to assist. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat today!
