Best Gear and Tools for a Rusty Pilot

Maybe a job ended, or the weather kept you grounded. Perhaps finances got tight, the airplane was sold, or life just got busy. What starts as a short break can quickly lead to a loss of proficiency and currency.

To avoid getting rusty, it’s important to prioritize proficiency. Staying current alone doesn’t ensure a pilot can fly safely, skillfully, or with confidence.

Checking off the biennial flight review and having a legally current certificate doesn’t guarantee peak performance. Skills can begin to deteriorate in a matter of weeks, and in aviation those skills are what make a safe flight.

Getting back into flying after a break is easier with the right equipment. This article covers essential gear and tools to help rusty pilots refresh their skills and fly safely.

If you’re returning to flying after a long hiatus, you may consider upgrading old gear or adding new tools to your lineup. 

Every pilot needs a reliable bag to store and transport their flying essentials. The ideal flight bag is durable, easy to keep organized, and comfortable to carry. If it’s been a while since you upgraded your flight bag, it may be time for a new one. Flight bags endure a lot of wear and tear, so replacing them periodically ensures your gear is kept safe and accessible.

Try this: Flight Bag PLC Pro 2024 Edition

Whether you choose to fly with an iPad or a pad of paper, it’s always a good idea to have a kneeboard. A loose tablet or writing pad can fall or become misplaced when you need it most. A kneeboard keeps your tablet or paper secure and conveniently within reach.

Try this: iPad/Universal Kneeboard Folio C 

To protect your iPad and reduce glare on the screen, consider adding a protective film. A screen protector such as ArmorGlas not only keeps your tablet safe but also improves visibility with its antiglare design. This makes it much easier to view the display in flight while shielding from scratches or cracks.

Try this: iPad ArmorGlas

If you’d rather have your iPad displayed at eye level rather than on your lap, a suction mount is an excellent solution. Impermanent and easily moved, a suction mount fixed to a window can turn your tablet into a heads-up display for convenient viewing.

Try this: iPad Flex Suction Mount

When you’re getting back into flying, it’s a great idea to track and review your progress. A simple action camera setup in the cockpit can discreetly record your flights, giving you better insight into your performance. 

Recording useful footage in flight can take a little practice, so consider bringing a friend or instructor who can monitor and adjust the equipment as needed. Ideally, your camera setup should be a set-and-forget tool that requires zero attention in flight. If you find it distracting, keep it out of the cockpit.

Try this: Rock Steady Pro Cockpit Bundle for GoPro

For an accurate weight and balance calculation, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of weighing your cargo. A simple luggage scale is compact and can be kept in cargo or a flight bag to be used as needed. 

Modern technology has made flying simpler and safer than ever before. Pilots can practice flying maneuvers at home with a flight simulator, or use software to manage their workload in the cockpit. 

Try This: FLYING Flight Simulator Computer

As a rusty pilot, you may find it beneficial to spend some time with a home flight simulator program before getting back into an aircraft. High-end graphics and realistic details of popular flight sim software give users an immersive experience without leaving the ground. 

Taking advantage of tools like these help strengthen and rebuild muscle memory and mental processes. While the time can’t be logged, it can make the time you do spend in an actual aircraft much more effective.

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If you haven’t tried flying with an iPad, it’s probably because you haven’t found the right apps. Mobile applications for tablets and smartphones are streamlining and simplifying flying tasks. Apps such as ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot are all-in-one flight planning and flying tools. From weight and balance calculations to weather briefings and in-flight navigation, an iPad with the right apps can alleviate the pilot's workload.

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One area where general aviation excels is in community development and sharing of information. Online platforms such as YouTube and Reddit open up a seemingly bottomless world of free content. More formal organizations and aviation clubs offer low-cost learning and networking opportunities. Even the FAA has a digital library of materials that are free to access. While regaining proficiency may take some time, thanks to abundant resources, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Aviation textbooks and community forums are a timeless source of information for pilots of all experience levels. Many foundational resources such as the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are even available for free online through the FAA. 

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Aviation clubs and organizations create communities around shared interests. Joining a group such as Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) or Women in Aviation International (WAI) can be a great way to get connected with other aviators on similar paths. A local flying club can also be a way to meet other pilots while logging flight hours and experience. Even online communities and forums such as Reddit offer incredible insight and conversations on real-world flying.

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Flying proficiency is not only about physical skills. It’s also about keeping your aviation knowledge sharp and up to date. It’s important to be familiar with topics such as aviation weather, aerodynamics, and regulations in order to be a safe, thorough pilot.

For a true deep dive into aviation knowledge topics, consider taking a ground school refresher course. Online programs such as Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Fly8MA, King Schools, and Gold Seal all offer courses specific to rusty pilots. A comprehensive review of aviation topics is always a great idea, especially if it’s been a while since your last flight review or flying activity.

If you prefer an in-person model, contact your local flight school and ask if it offers refresher courses. It may be able to provide or recommend a full course or work with you to reach your specific learning goals.

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After taking a break from flying, it’s crucial to prioritize refreshing both knowledge and skills. The recommended gear and resources are designed to make this process smoother and easier. From upgrading your flight bag to spending time with a flight simulator at home, you’ll be able to improve both safety and performance.

Flying is a lifelong pursuit of mastery. Even the most experienced pilots are always learning, practicing, and perfecting their craft. Continue to leverage resources to support your flying goals.

If you ever feel uncertain about your skills, don’t hesitate to seek professional instruction—flying should always be safe and enjoyable.