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Holiday Gift Guide
by Sean Fulton
Every year, we go through the same struggle. My family wants to support this aviation obsession of mine by buying “aviation stuff,” but no one knows enough about it to differentiate between the things I can use and junk that will sit in the back of the closet until our next garage sale.
I know I’m not the only one. Our local pilot shop reports that every year about this time like clockwork, they see dozens of wide-eyed family members timidly walking into the shop asking for help figuring out what a pilot or would-be pilot wants or needs. The result is two or three hours sifting through everything from flight jackets to flashlights and disposable urine bags, before finally settling on a gift that half of the time winds up being exchanged.
So this year, we decided to do everyone – including ourselves – a favor by publishing this holiday gift guide. On the following pages you’ll find gifts for everyone in an aviation family, no matter what your budget. We’ve also included a handy checklist that the aviator can fill out and leave in a conspicuous place so there will be no guesswork about which gifts would be most appreciated this holiday season.
 SERENGETI SHADES
Every pilot flying in daytime’s bright light needs a good pair of sunglasses; you’ll never see a more stylish practical gift as these sophisticated Serengeti Drivers Gradient shades. The Spectral Control® Lens System Photochromic Technology reduces glare and intense sunlight, while allowing a clear view of the cockpit instruments. Available in gun metal or matte black finishes for about $130.
 ASA FOLDING KNEE BOARDS
Cockpit clutter occurs all too easily when a pilot tries to balance maps, notepads and instrument procedure books in one lap. Keep critical information easily at hand with this folding knee board with a sturdy brushed aluminum construction and a spacious (9" x 16") desk area. “Cheat sheet” information silk-screened onto the board helps pilots recall seldom-used but important information such as lost-comm procedures and light-gun signals. Available for about $35. 
NO MISSED SYLLABLES OR WORDS
 The FlightTech ITC-2004-ENRI 4 Place Portable Intercom is the ideal gift for a pilot who rents airplanes that never seem to have enough working headset jacks for every seat in the airplane. This model features sophisticated circuitry that ensures clear communications without the chopping lost syllables common in many noise reducing, voice activated systems. The unit runs on a 9V battery and features its own push-to-talk switch. Plugs right into a working headset jack on the panel. Priced just over $300.
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