You do not need a pile of gear to start flying, but a few items make training easier, safer, and more comfortable. This guide covers exactly what student pilots actually need, when to buy it, and how much to budget, with deeper buying guides for the big decisions like your headset.
This is part of our Learn to Fly library. Everything here is available from PilotMall.com, and prices are always current on the product pages.
Essential gear for your first lessons
Show up to your first lessons with the basics and you will get more out of every hour:
- A headset so you can hear and be heard clearly
- A logbook to record every flight from day one
- A kneeboard to write down clearances and notes
- A student pilot kit with the books and tools you will need
See our headset buying guide and flight bag essentials for the details.
Gear you add before solo and cross-country
As you progress to navigation and cross-country flying, add an E6B flight computer and a navigation plotter, current charts or an electronic flight bag app, a reliable flashlight for night flying, and a fuel tester. Many of these come bundled in a student kit.
Gear for the checkride
For your checkride, have your headset, a current checklist for your airplane, a kneeboard, your logbook, and your charts and references organized and ready. Examiners notice an organized, prepared applicant.
How much should you budget?
A reasonable starter setup runs a few hundred dollars, with the headset being the largest single item. A solid passive headset, a logbook, a kneeboard, an E6B, and a student kit cover everything you need to begin. You can always upgrade later, especially the headset.
Do not overbuy
It is tempting to buy everything at once. Resist it. Buy the essentials to start, then add items as your training calls for them. The one place it pays to invest early is a comfortable headset, since you will wear it every single flight.
Start with the essentials
What you'll need
A simple, complete starter setup, all from PilotMall.com.
Buying guides
- Best aviation headset for student pilots
- What to put in your flight bag
- Choosing a kneeboard
- The E6B flight computer, explained
Frequently asked questions
What gear do I need for my first flying lesson?
At minimum a headset; a logbook, kneeboard, and student kit are very helpful from day one. Many schools can lend a headset for your first lesson or two.
How much does starter pilot gear cost?
A few hundred dollars for a complete starter setup, with the headset being the largest single item. Check current prices on each product page.
Should I buy a cheap headset or invest?
Buy the best headset you can comfortably afford, because you wear it every flight. A quality passive headset is a great value; premium models add active noise reduction and Bluetooth.
Do I still need an E6B if I use an app?
Yes. Phone and tablet apps are not allowed in the FAA testing center, but a mechanical or standalone electronic E6B is, and you plan by hand during training. Learn the E6B, then use apps day to day once you are certificated.