Many pilots’ flight bags, aircraft and homes are treasure troves of pilot tools, gear and gadgets. Most have a common theme; ForeFlight, iPad, ADS-B receiver, headset, SiriusXM weather, and a portable transceiver. Below are some new tools for safety, style and comfort for the upcoming spring flying season. Prices quoted in this article are as of late-2025 and do not include taxes, tariffs, duties or shipping costs.

MyGoFlight Flight Flix

MyGoFlight in 2023 acquired Flight Flix, a manufacturer of action camera solutions from mounts to entire recording systems. Its products solve two problems: mounting an action camera like a GoPro or Garmin VIRB to the wing or fuselage of an aircraft or helicopter and, second, providing continuous power during flight. GoPro’s original camera cases were built from Lexan polycarbonate. Over time, Lexan will be damaged by UV light, becoming brittle. The small tabs on a GoPro case could break, causing the camera to depart the aircraft. Flight Flix’s cases are made from aircraft grade aluminum (Metal GoPro Safe Case). 

Flight Flix has a variety of internal and external mounts branded Rock Steady also built from aluminum. The RS Slim GoPro Tie Down Mount (US$74) uses the aircraft’s tie down rings to securely affix its Safe Case (sold separately) to the aircraft. An aluminum centring nut allows for quick attachment to any tie down ring. The Rock Steady Tie Down Standard Ball Mount (US$124) is more versatile providing unlimited adjustability using a ball and socket mount and is available for both GoPro and standard 1/4-inch-20 camera sockets.

MyGoFlight solved the problem of battery life in flight with a ram turbine charging system, the Airfoil Generator (US$479). It features: 5V/1.5A output using a standard USB-C port; 65 Knots minimum speed to generate power; weather resistant aluminum case; 1/4-inch-20 universal mounting point; a small Fast Speed Turbine (31 mm/1.22 inches) with a minimum airspeed to start producing energy of 90 knots (do not exceed 200 knots); and a large Slow Speed Turbine (42 mm / 1.65 inches), minimum speed to start producing energy is 70 knots (do not exceed 140 knots).

Sporty’s Flight Gear Batteries

Sporty’s in August 2025 introduced the Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack in either 10,000 mAh (US$49.95) or 27,600 mAh (US$99.95) capacities. Designed for pilots, these battery vaults have been tested in various aircraft to ensure clean operation with no radio interference. Equipped with two USB-C and one USB-A ports, the Flight Gear battery pack can charge up to three devices at once. It will detect the type of device and apply the optimal charging current, delivering safe power without overloading. Equipped with pass-through charging, the power vault will charge tablets and smartphones as it recharges itself. 

Critical for use during flight, the battery packs are engineered to prevent overcharging, short circuits, and voltage spikes. It will pause operation until it reaches a safe temperature (think lithium-ion thermal runaway). With an LCD screen and aviation placards on the battery pack, these devices are designed for the aviation environment.

Mountain High Oxygen 

In 2024, I had the opportunity to fly a new Cirrus SR22. Flying at 17,000 feet in a non-pressurized aircraft, supplemental oxygen was an absolute necessity. The aircraft was equipped with a Mountain High Equipment & Supply’s O2D2 pulse demand system, designed to conserve supplemental oxygen. Mountain High was founded in 1985 by Patrick McLaughlin, who was flying hang gliders in Sault Lake City and needed supplemental oxygen. In his garage, McLaughlin built the prototype of an on-demand oxygen system that quickly gained popularity with other hang-gliding pilots, leading to commercialization. 

The pulse demand technology is different from the “standard” constant flow systems, wasting no oxygen during the breathing cycle. The average aviator may see an increase in capacity of their oxygen tank of two to three times compared to constant flow systems. The system operates for up to 100 hours (two people) on three AA alkaline batteries. The O2D2-2G has an external power jack enabling it to be operated from an external power source. 

The two person system is equipped with a built-in barometer reducing oxygen system workload to almost zero. There are no oxygen flow indicators to monitor and you do not need to manually operate a flow valve. A rotary switch cycles the O2D2-2G through the various modes that automatically deliver the required supplemental oxygen pulses for both the pilot and passenger. The EDS O2D2-2G unit weighs 12.1 oz. (with batteries) and costs US$995. The O2D1-2G kit is a single-pilot system and retails for US$789. Multiple units can be attached to a single oxygen bottle to support four or more people. 

StarLink Satellites

Many corporate aircraft operators subscribe to specialized services from specialized connectivity companies like GOGO Flight, because accessing the internet can be challenging at altitude. Starlink provides an alternative to these costly systems for general aviation and business aviation. StarLink’s Mini satellite antenna ($599) delivers a form factor perfect for the confines of small aircraft.

Complementing the antenna is MyGoFlight’s mount adapter. The Sport Starlink Adapter (US$105) is good solution for mounting Starlink in the cockpit or cabin. Combined with the MyGoFlight mounting system, Starlink can be mounted virtually anywhere and quickly positioned and is compatible with the StarLink Mini. The adapter is to be used with the Flex Suction Pro only. 

Call Sign Watches

New to the aviator watch scene is Bravo Golf, now rebranded as Call Sign. The design of the watch face is simple and uncluttered displaying both local and Zulu (GMT) times. “Most pilot watches got bigger and busier over time,” says Beau Garrett, founder of Call Sign. “We went the other direction, towards simplicity and balance.” 

Call Sign watches are 42 mm in diameter, 11.3 mm thick and waterproof to 100 metres. They feature sapphire crystal glass, titanium carbide material, and super-LumiNova glow in the dark on the hands and dial. The watch includes a Swiss made quartz movement with an internal battery expected to last for 45 months. 

Call Sign has two collections, Discovery Collection and the Wrights of Passage. The Wright of Passage collection celebrates the contributions of Katharine Wright, Wilbur and Orville Wright, and their father, Milton Wright. Each watch is engraved with symbols of their groundbreaking achievements and personal legacies, paying tribute to the vision and innovation that made the dream of flight a reality. The Discovery Collection is priced at US$700 and the Wrights of Passage Collection starts at US$2,690.

Stratus ADS-B IN

Stratus released its first ADS-B IN receiver in 2011 and has sold 110,000 receivers to date. Stratus 3 was launched in 2018 and it has now been replaced with October 2025 launch of Stratus 4 (US$849), a fifth-generation product. The Stratus 4 portable receiver has the usual features pilots need, including: WAAS GPS; dual band ADS-B IN; AHRS; flight data recorder; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; field replaceable battery (no tools needed); automatic shut off; light weight at 10.6 oz; USB-C connector; support for popular EFBs including ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, Stratus Insight and others; and eight hours of battery life. 

Stratus 4 has three new key features, including support for Apple Find My, G meter, and a full-colour touch screen. It includes a carrying case, charging cable, suction cup and mounting clip. For Canadians, AvWorld will retail the Stratus 4 for between $1,080 and $1,100 (depending upon US Exchange rates). Stratus offers a trade-in program (US$100 for S2, US$200 for S3), but your Stratus 3 might have more value on eBay or Barnstormers. Stratus products are manufactured in Fargo, North Dakota.

Travelpro bags

Pilots and aircrew flying the line are increasingly deciding to pack their own food for flights away from home. Travelpro manufacturers several models of cooler bags specifically designed for aviation use. Its FlightCrew 5 Flight Cooler features: a 12 can capacity; 10 zippered compartments; fully insulated main compartment; zip out PVC lining for washing; 10.5” x 14” x 9”; and weights 2.3 lbs empty. FlightCrew 5 is $88 and is available from AvWorld. Pro Tip: use Ziploc bags to carry ice or ice packs to prevent leakage and to work the ice around food or beverages. 

“Our goal is to craft superior luggage that makes the demanding lifestyle of airline professionals easier,” says Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for the Travelpro family of brands.  “This is the reason why over 90 airlines choose Travelpro.”

AITHRE AVIATION

Flying at altitudes requires supplemental oxygen to meet FAA, TC and personal health requirements. Some pilots and passengers find traditional nasal cannulas uncomfortable especially those over the ears and under a headset. The noise cancelling capabilities of modern ANR headsets can be compromised with tubing breaking the seal with the headset’s ear cushions. Aithre Aviation solved these problems with its new Boom Cannula and Adapter kit. Built from aircraft grade aluminum, the Boom Cannula is designed to attach to the side of the headset and has a small silicon nasal cannula which easily fits into your nose, without compromising the headset’s microphone. The anodized aluminum adapter is designed to last just as long as your headset. The cannula will last a long time as well, but many aviators like to occasionally get a new cannula replacement. The boom and cannula portion is easily removed and interchangeable without any tools. 

When oxygen is not required, the aluminum adapter can be pivoted away from your face or the boom can be bent upwards or sideways. This keeps the boom and nasal piece available, but out of sight. If this is not enough, the Boom Adapter can be removed from the adapter ball mount. With a little pressure, the Boom will pop out of the adapter ball mount with a little pressure after loosening the thumb set screw. The kit includes: the Aithre Boom adaptor; adaptor ball mount; adaptor screw; adaptor ball mounting 3M Tape x2; long Boom Arm (7.5 inches) and nose piece; and cannula tubing, seven feet (OD 6mm, ID 4mm). Current retail price is US$250 for the kit.

FACTORY DIRECT MODELS 

Factory Direct Models has manufactured high-quality wood models for over 35 years. Founded in 1945, FDN has over 124 employees, with 120 at its plant in the Philippines, where the models are meticulously hand carved by skilled craftspeople. FDM produces custom models for the military, commercial airlines, business aviation, general aviation and many of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers worldwide. You can email them photos of your aircraft, which they will duplicate both in terms of paint, right down to the placement of antennas. FDM uses 26 steps, starting with a solid block of wood, resulting in an outstanding model aircraft created with no power tools or computers. Its showroom is located at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona.

FlaRE Bourbon

The owners of Flare Bourbon are all pilots who, one day while hanging out in a general aviation hangar, formulated a plan to create a bourbon that would help celebrate all the milestones on your journey in aviation. From your first solo flight, PPL, CPL, type ratings, career milestones, Flare wants to be there with you. The bourbon is distilled in Atlanta and ages in fine oak barrels before being bottled. Currently its vintages are aged for four years. Flare Bourbon was the first alcohol manufacturer allowed by the EAA to exhibit at the Oshkosh 2025. A 750ml bottle is US$59.99. | W