A very wishful pilot gift guide
After all that 2020 has been, or not been, I’m sure each of us wants to make this holiday a memorable one for the aviation geek (#avgeeks!) in our life. So put down that aviation shopping magazine full of tchotchkes and do something different. Here’s my very ho-ho-ho wishful wish list for every aviator and dreamer, full of my personal recommendations of extravagant to thoughtful gifts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will make this season bright and memorable for your special aviator.
Flight Simulator
There could be nothing cooler than a full motion flight simulator in your basement. Am I right or am I right? If you played the stock market well this year and find yourself with an extra $58k than you’ll want to use that on nothing else than the Redbird MX2 Flight Simulator. But, if you’re concerned about how you’ll wrap it and if it will fit under the tree than consider the all new Microsoft Flight Simulator ($59) and as a stocking stuffer the much raved about Alpha Flight Controls ($249).
Nasa | Past and Present Dreams of the Future
Nine years in the making. Over 200 images of space exploration’s most iconic objects, as you’ve never seen them before. One man’s lifetime obsession with space and the achievements of NASA. I don’t know what else to say. Order this amazing book here ($200).
Hand Crafted Culver Prop
You know what your mantel is missing? If you said a hand crafted wooden propeller made right here in the USA than ding! ding! ding! You couldn’t be more right. Am I right? That was too many rights…go pick up your one of a kind prop here from the lovely folks at Culver Props in Missouri ($375).
Paramotor flight
You know that extra space in the trunk of your loved one’s car? Yeah, that’s it, you should fill it with something….like a backpack and paramotor wing. You’re welcome. Not ready for that commitment? Ok, ok, lucky for you right here in Tennessee we have mountains to jump from and plenty of beautiful scenery to explore. Get started with Flying Camp near Chattanooga or Freedom Paramotors of Tullahoma ($250).
Discovery Flight
A Discovery Flight is an adventure! A 30-60 minute flight with a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) where you actually get to experience real flight in a real airplane. It is nothing short of fun, educational and inspiring. I will always remember my first airplane ride. We flew over the New River Gorge, WV and it literally changed my life. Learn more and schedule one here with yours truly ($99).
Wing Walk
Does your aviator require something more adventurous? Are you really living if you haven’t wing walked? Do you have a big talker in your life you want to shut up? Here’s your chance to call their bluff. Gift them the experience of wing walking with Mason Wing Walking in Sequim WA (call for price). 140mph standing on top of a wing…how very merry.
Tailwheel endorsement
There’s an old saying that you’re not a real pilot until you can fly a tailwheel airplane. It’s not really true (but maybe?). Certainly there’s no quicker way to instantly build credibility with fellow pilots than to proclaim, “oh yeah, I fly tailwheels" and simultaneously stick your foot in your mouth after learning your audience has 300 carrier landings. Give a gift that will give them something to brag about. Contact me to learn more.
The World’s Greatest Airshow
Every summer the skies over Oshkosh Wisconsin are transformed by thousands of aircraft all converging at the same place. At first you might think they’re all coming here for a slice of Joe’s Fox Hut legendary pizza and to throw back a Spotted Cow and that is a rightful assumption, but these pilots are arriving in Oshkosh for a week of pure aviation heaven. Purchase tickets now for Airventure 2021 and give the most coveted gift in aviation: a week long adventure of airplane bliss.
Coffee
The first item on any pilot’s checklist should be a good cup of coffee. There are many great coffee roasters across this beautiful land that one might gift. But you didn’t seriously think I would pass up an opportunity to shamelessly plug Crema? Nope. Choose from thoughtfully curated holiday gift sets and delicious coffees to delight your aviation geek and get their flying day started right at crema-coffee.com. Free shipping on all orders over $29!
Van’s RV-14 Airplane Kit
Santa are you reading this? Again, I want an RV-14 for Christmas. I know you got my letter, the mailman said “oh son, I’ll make 100% definitely without doubt no question make sure the big man will definitely-not get your delusional letter”. I can say with certain confidence that this is exactly what your aviator wants too, after they’ve opened the flight simulator why not add an RV-14 as a stocking stuffer ($49k)? Hurry, lead times are eight months.
Flight of Passage
A more inspiring book has never been written. The end. Go and buy it here ($5). Alright, alright, a little more info: Writer Rinker Buck looks back more than 30 years to a summer when he and his brother, at ages 15 and 17 respectively, became the youngest duo to fly across America, from New Jersey to California. Having grown up in an aviation family, the two boys bought an old Piper Cub, restored it themselves, and set out on the grand journey.
Scholarships
Maybe your pilot has everything she could ever need or want. What to do? Make a donation in her honor to one of these incredible scholarship organizations listed here. Maybe your pilot enthusiast could use some assistance, why not begin (or complete) a scholarship application for him (and or combine with a gift) to show your thoughtfulness. The Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA 2021) Flight Scholarships are now open.
Authentic Control Yoke
This one is borrowed from friend, author and aviation oracle, Jason McDowell, also known as @Cessnateur on the Instagrams. He writes, “nothing is more unique and interesting than something that was itself once part of a flying aircraft. An authentic control yoke checks all of the boxes…the place to go is the Airline Pilot’s Historical Society, aka ‘oncealoft.com’. The money they raise goes either to educational projects, or to children's hospitals and organizations that specialize in the needs of children.” Could a better gift be gifted?! Learn more and find links on Jason’s post here.
Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments below…