Whether you’re clocking hours in the cockpit or enjoying your passion from the ground, having the right gear is key to maximizing the joy of aviation. From essential flight simulation software and professional pilot and aviation gear to the latest in drone technology, the world of essentials is constantly evolving.
To see what products are currently capturing the attention of the community, we’ve compiled a list of the top-selling items purchased by FLYING magazine readers in September 2025. Dive in to see the gear, gadgets, and books that are popular this month.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Premium Deluxe SteelBook Edition
What can we say that we haven’t said before? The Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) franchise has been the gold standard among flight sim software for its breathtaking detail and depth.
On November 21, 2024, the software giant released its latest iteration, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024). The newly released edition of MSFS2024 has hobbyists and professional pilots rethinking their flight simulator setups and making them question whether they should upgrade to the 2024 version. MSFS2024 has been redesigned from the ground up to be expandable and more user-friendly than any previous versions. (See more flight sim deals.)
Loiley 2K HD FPV Drone
This entry-level drone from Loiley is aimed at beginners, teens, and those looking for a wallet-friendly introduction to the hobby. It includes features for new pilots such as Altitude Hold, One-Key Take Off/Landing, Speed Adjustment, and Headless Mode. The package comes with two batteries. [See the latest drone deals on Amazon]
Rugged Air RA200 Aviation Headset
The Rugged Air RA200 is a no-nonsense, passive headset that delivers solid performance at a very accessible price. This headset offers its wearers 24 dB of passive noise reduction with a stainless steel headband construction, gel ear seals, and a flexible mic boom with an electret noise-canceling mic. It’s a favorite among student pilots and renters due to its affordability and decent audio clarity. If you’re just getting started in aviation or need a reliable backup, this is a smart pick. [Read more of our picks for best headsets.]
Holy Stone HS210T
Coming in at only $48.99, the Holy Stone HS210T is an excellent drone for new pilots.
The drone can operate in both land and air modes, allowing pilots to build confidence at their own speed before taking to the skies. You can operate the drone using the included remote control or launch it manually from your hand.
There are several preprogrammed flight modes like circle fly and 3D flips, making it easy for even first-time flyers to look like aerial aces.
READ MORE: What Is the Best Underwater Drone?
The drone’s batteries come with overcharge protection and offer flight times of up to 16 minutes. Additional safety features include built-in propeller guards and a durable frame.
Carrera Men’s 1033
The Carrera 1033 was created for pilots, by pilots, and is affordable, lightweight, and pretty stylish, to boot. The thin frames don’t lack durability, and the curved plastic on the lenses adds a layer of protection from the sun. [See our other picks for best pilot sunglasses.]
ALBATROSS 6-in-1 Survival Tactical Military Folding Pocket Knife
The survival knife is a rescue knife on steroids. It is high quality stainless steel with a black finished coating. It is sharp, durable, and wear resistant. This knife will come in handy in a number of situations and is made to last. [More pilot knives]
DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo
The DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo is an ideal package for aerial enthusiasts seeking superior performance wrapped in a compact design. Weighing under 249 grams, this drone offers the advantage of not requiring FAA registration for recreational use. Equipped with a 4K Ultra HD camera and a 3-axis gimbal, the DJI Mini 4K delivers cinematic-quality footage, capturing stunning moments from sunrises to night scenes with exceptional clarity.
Designed with ease of use in mind, the drone has a maximum flight time of up to 93 minutes when utilizing all three included batteries, allowing for uninterrupted creative sessions. It boasts a 10 km maximum video transmission range, ensuring you can explore and capture expansive landscapes with confidence. Additionally, its Level 5 wind resistance ensures stable flight, even in challenging environmental conditions.
The DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo also includes intelligent features such as QuickShots, which enable automatic shooting of professional-level videos with ease. Its beginner-friendly functions like one-tap takeoff/landing and GPS Return to Home make it an excellent choice for novices. Included in the package are three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a two-way charging hub, a shoulder bag, and all necessary components for a complete and thrilling flying experience.
Samurai! by Saburo Sakai, Martin Caidin, and Fred Saito
The experiences of Japanese fighter pilots tend to go unexplored in Western literature, but Samurai! proves a worthwhile exception. Sakai’s accounts of particular dogfights spotlight the skill and daring required to pilot the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, while also revealing the exhausting toll the war took on him and his colleagues. A near-fatal combat wound is a centerpiece of the story, and his harrowing return to base is as much about human will as it is about aviation. [More recommended military history books here]
Lepro Solar Outdoor String Lights
If you’re a fan of camping alongside your airplane, these lights are a no-brainer piece of gear. With solar power, the lights charge up during the day and then turn on at night. The Lepros have a nice, warm, golden glow despite being LEDs. This creates a pleasant atmosphere that you really appreciate after seeing other LED string lights that have a high color temperature.
Yaesu FTA-850L
The Yaesu FTA-850L hand-held radio was engineered to meet the requirements of top aviators. It is a full-featured hand-held radio with a large color display and a built-in GPS.
Features:
- Type: Comm/Nav
- Power: 4 watts
- Memory: 400 channels
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery provides12 hours of operating time.
- Additional features: Color screen, Bluetooth capability, VOR, LOC, ILS, GPS navigation available, loud audio output, PC programmable
- Included accessories: Lithium-ion battery, 110 volt and 12-volt-DC charger with cradle, alkaline battery tray, antenna, belt clip, headset adapter, USB cable
Disadvantages:
- The unit is one of the most expensive radios on the market. The slightly less advanced Yaesu FTA 750L ($429.95) offers similar capabilities at a lower price.
- Complex programming requirements
Read more about our recommended aviation radios.
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