At the beginning of training, the "pilot language" can be quite confusing. In addition to all the new terms, there are also many "things" that a pilot must have with them. From headphones and goggles to the triangle and the infamous "Drehmeier". We bring light into the jungle and explain what is needed. We don't want to go into specific models or brands, as there are very different opinions as to what is "the best", but rather focus on the category of things that are needed. The list should also not be considered exhaustive. In any case, it is advisable to consult your flying school and other students and pilots before making a purchase.
Pilot equipment
Below we list some of the things you need for your training, organised into: Bags, aids, maps, cockpit equipment and study material for the theory test. We also provide an overview of some of the well-known online shops where equipment can be ordered. Here, too, it is advisable to talk to other pilots, flight students or the flight school (materials can often be ordered more cheaply here, so this should definitely be discussed!) We would like to focus here on what you need as a student pilot. Once you have the licence in your pocket, you will certainly use more and more electronic resources and software solutions over time. We will deal with this elsewhere.
Bags, backpacks
Especially as a student pilot, since a lot is still learnt with pen and paper, you have a lot with you that needs to be packed in a structured way. Various bags or rucksacks are ideal for this. Of course, there is also the famous pilot's case. Everyone should look at what suits them best. It is highly recommended not to take classic backpacks or bags, but special ones for flying. These usually have enough compartments and space for a headset etc. Keeping things tidy is the measure of all things here, especially in the cramped cockpit area.
Aids for flight planning and navigation
Even in private aviation, most things are done on iPads and the like these days. From planning and calculations to moving maps during the flight. However, things are different in training. Here you learn how to plan, calculate and track your flight using maps. This is important as it is the only way to understand how the whole thing really works. The following aids are therefore indispensable:
- Course triangleBasically, it is a normal geo-triangle, but with markings specially designed for flying. The course triangle teaches you how to plot your course on the map, lay out angles and plan your flight.
- Even though you can use the course triangle to calculate all angles, there are also other tools that can make life easier, such as a so-called "course triangle". Circular Protractor, with which prices can be read off very easily. Also widely used are the Navimats which can be used to read both angles and distances. Everyone has to see what works best for them.
- Course rulerDistances on the chart are measured with a course ruler. It is important that nautical miles can also be read off the ruler, in a scale that matches the standard charts (see below).
- Navigation calculator (also known colloquially as "Drehmeier"): This is a mechanical calculator that can be used to make calculations for flight navigation and flight planning. For example, courses can be calculated taking wind into account, distances, times or even conversions between different units. Even though these calculators are often no longer used in "real" flying life, they are mandatory for training and are also used in theory exams. A common model for private flying is the "E6-B".
Maps
During training, you learn how to use classic navigation charts, how to plan your flight with them, how to plot the flight route and calculate the corresponding angles. Every student pilot needs the following
- ICAO chartThis chart is the standard chart for VFR flying. It is a VFR route chart standardised by the ICAO at a scale of 1:500,000. The charts are always published in March each year (when the flying season starts) for the current year. They contain an overview of the airspace structure, information on all aerodromes, frequencies, reporting points and much more. Germany is divided into 8 sets of charts. There are charts for the regions around: Hamburg, Rostock, Hanover, Berlin, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Munich. Together they cover the whole of Germany. There is also an ICAO chart for Switzerland & Lichtenstein, as well as for Austria and other countries in Europe and the world.
- Approach charts: These charts are available for each aerodrome with details for approach and departure
- To be able to draw courses on the map, you also need Marker pens and/or marking tapes. There are either pens with markings that can be erased, or you can order the ICAO chart in the foiled version so that markings can be wiped off again.
Equipment for the cockpit
For the practical part of the training, you must set yourself up in the cockpit accordingly. The following equipment is important here.
- HeadsetFor pilots, there are special headsets that can be connected to the avionics in the cockpit. The most important features are certainly noise protection - because it is very loud in the cockpit of a small aircraft - wearing comfort and the audio quality of the headphones and microphone. There is a very large selection of different brands and models. There are passive models, where the noise cancellation is "physically" carried out by the earmuffs, and active models with so-called Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technology. A microphone in the ear cup picks up the noise and a corresponding counter-sound is generated, which can significantly reduce the noise.
- Flight logbookPilots are obliged to record flight times and other flight information. There are dedicated flight logbooks for this purpose, which implement the ICAO requirements.
- KneeboardDuring the flight, the previously created flight plan (flight log) must be monitored and adjusted if necessary. You also have approach charts, checklists or you simply need paper to note down flight clearances or frequencies during the flight. There are knee boards so that you have a base and nothing slips. There are various models (including those for attaching tablets or mobile phones, for example), which are usually attached to the thigh with a Velcro fastener.
- SunglassesSunglasses are indispensable, especially in summer. You can't do without them. There are many models available. You should make sure that the glasses are non-polarised and colour-neutral, offer UVA/UVB protection and that the temples are as flat as possible so that the noise insulation of the headphones is not disturbed and wearing comfort is not impaired.
Learning materials for theory
Various books or online databases can be used as part of the training, especially to prepare for the exam. We provide detailed information on how best to prepare for the exam in the corresponding articles on the LAPL/PPL theory exam and on flight radio training.
At this point it should be mentioned that the book "Motorflug kompakt - Das Grundwissen zur Privatpilotenlizenz" by Winfried Kassera has become the standard work for the private pilot licence and can be highly recommended.
Online shops for pilot equipment
Below are some well-known online shops, but of course anyone can buy the material from a dealer they trust.
- Eisenschmidt: www.eisenschmidt.aero
- Friebe: www.friebe.aero
- Siebert: www.siebert.aero
- www.aviationshop.com
- www.pilot-shop-24.de
- www.skyfox.com
- www.pilotstore.at
- www.aeroshop.eu
Summary
Some materials are required for theoretical and practical training, such as bags, goggles, maps, a flight log or knee boards. This article provides an initial overview of the items you will need.
In general, you should discuss with others what has worked well and of course discuss this with the flight school.
In separate articles, we look at things that make life as an aviator easier once you have completed your training.
Source: EASA FCL