Most Popular Aviation Items of December 2024

Here’s where you can still find them and cross them off your wish list. Call it your New Year’s resolution to be equipped with the best and brightest aviation products this year.  

Reasons to choose: Curved screen and uber-sharp resolution create immersive experience

Make this last-minute addition to your Christmas cache to get the ultimate viewing experience for your flight simulations. The Samsung 49-inch OLED curved gaming monitor features an ultrawide display that’s two quads in width, offering maximum screen space. You’ll enjoy razor-sharp detail from extra pixels that create stunning resolution. The monitor provides enhanced field of vision with the screen’s curvature that wraps around for an immersive experience. OLED technology fuels nearly instantaneous reaction and response time.

Price: $1,599

Reasons to choose: Superior noise reduction and comfort

Enjoy quiet and comfortable flights this year with your new Lightspeed Zulu 3 ANR Headset. Its active noise reduction (ANR) features reduce a broad range of low frequency noise, while magnesium ear cups block out high-frequency clutter. Lightweight and designed for longevity, it has patented technology to automatically lower the volume of other devices when radio or intercom transmissions come in. You can record incoming and outgoing communication with its free FlightLink app for Apple iPads and iPhones.

Reasons to choose: Provides the most realistic experience next to the real thing

It’s being hailed as the most realistic simulated piloting experience available. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 doesn’t disappoint. Explore the most detailed digital twin of the world using real-time air and ship traffic as you pilot over 65 aircraft with 150 airports to choose from. Conduct missions that range from medevac, to search and rescue, to aerial firefighting, and passenger transport. Compete against other pilots in air races. You’ll soar with enhanced physics and aircraft systems, an all-new flight planner, and a comprehensive career mode for aspiring pilots. See what the hype is all about.

Reasons to choose: Impressive graphics and gaming performance

Use this Lenovo Legion 5i 16-inch Laptop with your flight simulator for excellent graphics and gaming performance. Its Intel 14th Gen Core processor keeps things humming at high speeds so you can run current games at the highest resolutions and settings. The Nvidia graphics card ensures you’ll get lifelike visuals. Many ports and configuration options make this laptop a mini powerhouse for the price. You’ll find out why it’s been named one of the best gaming laptops for its price point.  

Reasons to choose: Excellent sound control and comfort at a lower price

If the Zulu model is more than you wanted, treat yourself to the Lightspeed Aviation Sierra ANR headset and still find what you want. You get the clarity and stereo sound of ANR technology, with auxiliary audio input and Bluetooth connectivity to your cell phone. The Sierra version retains the ComPriority feature that reduces background sound (like music) by 80 percent when radio comms come in. Plush ear seals offer comfort for long hauls, and an auto shut-off feature will keep the battery from draining when it’s not in use.

Reasons to choose: Packed with extras but easy to use

You’ve always wanted one. The Specta Air Drone has plenty of bells and whistles, with the ease of handling that a rookie needs. You’ll appreciate one-tap takeoff and landing. Dual cameras can shoot two perspectives of one scene (wide angle and telephoto). You can watch your film unfold from a 5-inch mini screen on the hand-held remote that controls your craft up to 12 miles away. Enjoy 45 minutes of flight time on one charge. What’s not to love?

Reasons to choose: Realistic motion creates lifelike experience

Navigate the cockpit from home in this Boeing Commercial Edition that’s an official licensed product of Boeing. Your sturdy, customizable seat comes with plenty configuration options and support for a keyboard and mouse. Suitable for simulations or gaming, the seat reclines or moves back and forth for a realistic experience. Immerse yourself in combat flight, general aviation, commercial flight, and even space exploration scenarios. It’s compatible with flight electronics—like throttles, rudders, and joysticks—for all major brands.

Reasons to choose: Compact, takes off and lands in the palm of your hand

An alternative to the full-size drone, this Neo Drone Mini Quadcopter packs around with ease. At just under 5 ounces, you can take it anywhere. Film your adventures as they unfold while Neo follows you with AI tracking, for instant vlogs. Wake it up with voice activation or control it through a mobile app. This mini quadcopter takes off and lands in the palm of your hand. Wind resistance technology and eight creative shooting modes help you create professional looking footage. It’s regulation friendly and requires no FAA registration. It’s just that easy.

Reasons to choose: Plenty of power, clear audio, weatherproof

Every pilot needs a great avionic radio. If it’s time to retire yours or upgrade, readers love this Icom VHF Airband Transceiver. This next-generation air band is a powerful handheld with 6 watts of power and an impressive waterproof rating. It features built-in GPS and Bluetooth, with an easy-to-use interface and large LCD display. Users praise its clear audio and easy recharge cradle. Don’t wait until next Christmas.

Reasons to choose: Brings to life the incredible history of mankind’s quest to fly

No pilot’s library is complete without this gorgeous Smithsonian edition that captures the story of flight from its earliest pioneers to the space age. Interweaving historical facts with gripping tales of the men and women who made flight possible, you’ll be captivated by the quest that spanned the Wright brothers, to the jet age, to the astronauts. Includes stunning color photos, a vast range of aircraft, and a century of innovation that will keep you turning the pages.

Reasons to choose: Easy to operate and perform simple stunts

This mini drone designed for kids of all ages will keep them entertained after the thrill of the other gifts have worn off. With fun features like “throw to go” (toss it in the air to start flying), 3D flips, and “altitude hold” that keeps the drone hovering at current height with no hands on the controller, your budding drone pilots are sure to be captivated. You might enjoy getting in on the action, too.   

Reasons to choose: Three pieces simulate aircraft’s flight stick, throttle, and rudder

This complete FCS Flight Pack system offers simulator pilots a realistic experience in controlling the cockpit elements of the plane. Designed for advanced flyers looking for a more authentic alternative to the keyboard and mouse, the pack includes a flight stick, throttle, and rudder pedals. It’s compatible with your PC by USB using Windows 10, 8, or 7, and Vista 32 bit and 64 bit. You can practice perfectly proportioned maneuvers in a lifelike environment with this high-precision system.   

Reasons to choose: Compact and affordable

If space is an issue or the Icom radio isn’t what you’re after, readers also loved this Yaesu Hand-Held VHF Airband Transceiver. It’s an affordable, compact option that delivers strong output with a rugged, waterproof exterior. Users like its easy, intuitive operating system that can be readily navigated without a manual. It offers a high resolution dot matrix display, narrow band capability, and 250 programmable channels. This pocket-sized radio makes a great belated stocking stuffer for any pilot.

Reasons to choose: Realistic response and feel

These rudder pedals score high in popularity for an authentic simulation experience. They feature the latest generation of magnetic sensors that give the pedals more precise coordination and reduce overcorrection. They’re fully adjustable to maximize comfort, with customizable feet angles and tension. The left and right toe brake axis allows for variable pressure to create a realistic feel. Gift yourself with this smart addition to your simulator setup.

Reasons to choose: Lots of customizable storage in a small package

At just 14-by-13-by-10.5 inches, this flight bag is a mini genius. It was designed by a flight instructor who used his engineering background to create a bag that finally met his needs. The Brightline Flex B7 is a winner with our readers, too. Its compartments are customizable so you can add or subtract as you need. It holds two full-size headsets, charts, up to two iPads, a kneeboard, and a hand-held radio. The front pocket cap stores all your small and personal items and detaches to take with you. It’s even popular among nonpilots. Treat yourself to two—one for you and one for your travel partner.