The logbook
Everything we've worked out at the hold-short line and over the fence — researched properly, written with radio-call brevity, and never padded to hit a word count.
DateEntryRoute
- Jul 13, 2026ASA CX-3 Long-Term Review: The Checkride CalculatorIs the ASA CX-3 worth roughly three times a metal E6B? This long-term-minded review covers what the electronic flight computer does well, where the whiz wheel still wins, and who should buy which, argued from features and community consensus.Flight Training6 min
- Jul 13, 2026First Headsets Compared: KORE KA-1 vs Rugged Air RA200 vs Faro G2Every student shops the under-$200 headset tier first. We compare the KORE KA-1, Rugged Air RA200, and Faro G2 on the things that matter in a first headset, argued from specs and owner consensus, plus when it is worth skipping straight to active noise reduction.Cockpit Gear7 min
- Jul 13, 2026Checkride Day: What to Bring, What to Leave in the CarMost checkrides that fail before takeoff fail on paperwork, not flying. Here is what to bring to a private pilot checkride, what the aircraft needs, and what to leave in the car so you can walk in calm.Flight Training6 min
- Jul 13, 2026First Solo Gifts Pilots Actually KeepThe first solo earns a cut shirttail. It also deserves better than a clip-art mug. Here is what CFIs and families should actually buy a new solo pilot, matched to the milestone and chosen to last well past the checkride.Hangar Culture7 min
- Jul 13, 2026How to Read a Sectional Chart Without SquintingA sectional looks like noise until you learn the grammar. This is a symbols-first walkthrough of the color logic, airport data blocks, airspace rings, and terrain figures, so the chart reads like a sentence instead of a puzzle.Cross-Country6 min
- Jul 13, 2026The $100 Hamburger: A Field Guide to Flying for LunchThe $100 hamburger is the oldest excuse in general aviation: fly somewhere just to eat. This field guide covers what the term means, how to plan the run, how to log it, the fly-in etiquette that keeps you welcome, and the gear that makes it painless.Cross-Country15 min
On the recommended list
The short list — see the full ranking on the gear page.
ASA CX-3 Pathfinder Flight Computer
$131.99
Check priceKORE Aviation KA-1 Headset
$283.40
Check priceFlight Gear iPad Bi-Fold Kneeboard
$34.95
Check price
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6 guides published
8 products vetted
54 reader price checks
The Line — 122.8
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