Essentials: Private Pilot
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, it takes a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to obtain a private pilot’s license. That’s equivalent to one week of work at a full time job. And while this training typically takes six months or longer to complete, it can be done in as little as 2 months if studying full time.
That means you could be flying you and your friends to Key West in a Cessna 172 before Christmas. Add these essentials to your rotation before you head out.
Schott Nylon Flight Jacket
Schott exists in a league of its own when it comes to heritage-quality outerwear built for adventure. The classic nylon flight jacket silhouette gets an edgy remake thanks to a slimmer, tailored fit and a rugged build that will only fit better the more you take it to the skies in search of your next adventure.
Price: $168
Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt
Need a T-shirt to wear on a long flight to the desert? Check. Want a T-shirt to wear to the office underneath an unstructured blazer? Check. It’s all owing to the temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking blend of Merino wool — quite possibly the world’s best fabric — and nylon.
This combo provides reinforcement and structure, but rest assured that this tee isn’t overly bulky or heavy. It also resists odors, making it the ideal tee to wear for a long day of travel. See our hands-on review here.
Price: $88
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire is an unmistakable pilot’s watch featuring the newer 32111 caliber, a robust automatic movement with up to a five-day power reserve. Inspired by the 1948 Mark 11 navigation watch for the British Royal Air Force, this highly-wearable 39mm timepiece also features a unique bronze case that will handsomely patina over time alongside your Cessna Skyhawk aircraft.
Price: $5,400
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays is essential–especially while cruising at 9,000 feet–and the Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses do it in style. The iconic aviator design, combined with polished gold frames and subtle green lenses not only add a touch of classic elegance but also provide superior protection from glare and harmful UV rays.
Whether you’re strolling through the city or embarking on a cross-country flight to Canada, these sunglasses offer both the fashion and function every pilot needs.
Price: $171
Luca Faloni Bifold Cardholder
The Luca Faloni Bifold Cardholder is handcrafted in Florence using premium vegetable-tanned full-grain leather sourced from Santa Croce. It features a slim, functional design, perfect for organizing essential cards, cash, and of course, your private pilot’s license. The caramel brown hue showcases the leather’s quality and will develop a handsome patina over time.
Price: $130
Buffalo Jackson Roosevelt Leather Pilot Bag
The Buffalo Jackson Roosevelt Leather Pilot Bag is expertly crafted from premium full-grain leather and boasts a rugged aesthetic, sturdy brass hardware, top-stitch detailing, and plenty of room for all of those “extra” essentials you’ll need on your next long haul flight. It provides unmatched durability and style, ensuring functionality for both weekend trips and cross-country adventures alike.
Price: $350
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