I. Essential Pilot Gear & Navigation Aids:
- Headsets (Active Noise Reduction – ANR and Passive Noise Reduction – PNR): These are consistently top sellers. A supplier should offer a range of brands (Bose, David Clark, Lightspeed are popular) and different types to cater to various budgets and preferences (e.g., Bluetooth enabled, helicopter-specific).
- Flight Computers & Plotters (E6B, CRP-9, navigational rulers): These are fundamental for flight planning and navigation. Suppliers should stock both manual and electronic versions.
- Kneeboards & Cases: Essential for organizing charts, checklists, and other flight-critical information in the cockpit. Offer various sizes and features (e.g., tri-fold, iPad/tablet specific).
- Logbooks (Pilot and Aircraft): Mandatory for recording flight hours and aircraft maintenance.
- Fuel Testers & Gauges: Critical for pre-flight safety checks.
- Checklists (Aircraft-specific and generic): Laminated, durable checklists are highly sought after for various aircraft types.
- Portable GPS Devices & ADS-B Receivers: For in-flight navigation, weather, and traffic information.
- Flight Bags: Designed for easy cockpit access and organization of pilot essentials. Offer various styles (backpack, classic, rolling luggage).
II. Training & Reference Materials:
- Aviation Books & Manuals:
- Air Law handbooks (especially for PPL, CPL, ATPL).
- Navigation, Meteorology, Flight Performance & Planning books.
- Aircraft-specific manuals (POH – Pilot Operating Handbook).
- Training guides (e.g., Takeoffs & Landings, Flight Instructor manuals).
- Aviation Dictionaries.
- Training Aids (DVDs, Software, Flight Simulators): For both initial training and ongoing skill development.
- Epaulettes & Uniform Accessories: Essential for professional pilots and those in training.
III. Aircraft Maintenance & Safety Supplies:
- Aircraft Consumables: Oil filters, air filters, O-rings, seals, gaskets, hardware.
- Aircraft Fluids & Chemicals: Piston oils, turbine oils, greases, hydraulic fluid, sealants, lubricants, cleaning supplies.
- Batteries (Gill, Concorde): For aircraft power.
- Tires & Tubes (Goodyear, Aeroclassic, Michelin): For various aircraft types.
- Safety Equipment: ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters), fire extinguishers, CO detectors, life vests (for overwater flights).
- Aircraft Spares/Parts (for common General Aviation aircraft): Cessna, Piper, Robinson Helicopters) Parts for engines, brakes, lighting, ignition, and electrical systems.
IV. Pilot Apparel & Accessories:
- Pilot Uniform Shirts, Ties, Caps: Professional attire.
- Flight Jackets & Outerwear: Practical and often a status symbol.
- Sunglasses (especially aviation-specific brands like Randolph): Important for glare reduction and eye protection.
- Pens & Writing Pads: Simple but essential cockpit items.
- Aviation-themed Gifts & Novelty Items: Mugs, keychains, aircraft models, artwork, etc., appeal to aviation enthusiasts.
- Brand Reputation: We Stock trusted and reputable aviation brands (Bose, David Clark, Lightspeed, Garmin, ASA, Jeppesen)