Best iPad Pilot Gifts for 2025
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From rugged kneeboards to powerful backup batteries, these thoughtfully curated gifts from the Editors at iPad Pilot News are designed to make flying smoother, safer, and more organized. Whether they’re a new student pilot or a seasoned pro, these top picks blend innovation with everyday cockpit practicality.
Read on for our 2025 favorites—and find even more iPad-ready gifts at Sportys.com.
10. Flight Gear Magnetic Charging Cable
Charging cables get abused in airplanes—stuffed into side pockets, tugged, stepped on, and tossed. These magnetic charging cables solve the problem with a smart coiling design that snaps neatly into a compact circle, keeping your bag clean and your cockpit clutter-free. The nylon-braided exterior boosts durability, and both versions (USB-A → USB-C and USB-C → USB-C) deliver fast charging with zero interference to avionics. At roughly 4 feet extended, they’re the perfect length for cockpit use without creating cable chaos.
These magnetic charging cables feature a smart coiling design that snaps neatly into a compact circle, keeping your bag clean and your cockpit clutter-free.
9. Flight Gear Executive Kneeboard
Made from premium faux leather, the Executive Kneeboard blends modern style with practical cockpit utility. A solid writing surface, secure front clip, and elastic strap make it ideal for switching between paper checklists and your EFB. Rubberized corner clips hold most tablets—even many with protective cases—while a microfiber interior protects your device when closed.
Grooved backing keeps the kneeboard secure on your leg in turbulence, and the adjustable strap with a high-quality buckle ensures a custom fit.
The Executive Kneeboard blends modern style with practical cockpit utility.
8. Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX
A backup battery is a must for every pilot, and the Smart Battery Pack MAX delivers power, durability, and intelligence in a compact design. With a massive 27,600 mAh capacity, it can charge an iPad Mini about 4.5 times, run a Starlink Mini for more than two hours, and power multiple devices simultaneously.
Smart protection prevents overheating, overcharging, short circuits, and voltage spikes. If temperatures climb too high, the battery automatically pauses until it returns to a safe level. A built-in display shows real-time status for all devices connected—perfect for long cross-countries.
With a massive 27,600 mAh capacity, it can charge an iPad Mini about 4.5 times.
7. Flight Gear iPad Bag
This compact, durable bag was designed specifically for pilots who fly with iPads. Its small footprint fits perfectly between the seats of a Cessna or similar training aircraft. The main compartment includes a unique headset hanger to keep your headset suspended and protected, while multiple mesh and zippered pockets ensure clean organization of cables, batteries, wipes, and accessories.
A padded shoulder strap, heavy-duty handle, and reinforced structure mean it easily withstands the demands of daily flight training.
This compact, durable bag was designed specifically for pilots who fly with iPads.
6. Starlink Mini Aviation Kit
The Starlink Mini is transforming general aviation, and this kit gives pilots everything required to power and mount the unit safely in flight (Starlink Mini not included). It features:
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USB-C to DC Power Cable (100W PD) for easy cockpit power
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Silicone Suction Mount for secure window placement
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Flight Gear Smart Battery Pack MAX for up to two hours of Starlink Mini runtime
Whether staying connected for business or streaming with the family, this all-in-one kit makes airborne Wi-Fi a simple, pilot-friendly upgrade.
This kit gives pilots everything required to power and mount the unit safely in flight (Starlink Mini not included).
5. Robust Mounts
this collection of phone and iPad mounts offers excellent quality at surprisingly affordable prices. The cradles are universal so they accommodate different size iPads and even most cases. There are two main mounting cradles: one fits almost every phone and the other will fit every tablet. Each cradle can be matched to an adjustable arm and mounting base which includes a single or double suction cup, yoke clamp, or C-clamp base. The system uses a 25mm or 1” ball to connect the pieces. Our Editors’ pick for a complete Robust iPad mounting system is the Universal iPad Suction Cup Mount.
The Robust series mounts have universal cradles to accommodate different size iPads, with or without cases.
4. iPad Mini (2024 Model)
Still the most popular model among GA pilots. The 2024 version features the A17 Pro processor with support for Apple Intelligence features. It’s lightweight, powerful, and cockpit-friendly.
We recommend the Wi-Fi + Cellular model (256GB) because the built-in GPS enables moving map navigation without accessories. Wi-Fi-only models pair perfectly with external GPS receivers like Sentry.
The 2024 version features the A17 Pro processor with support for Apple Intelligence features.
3. ForeFlight Mobile
A solid EFB app is essential for the iPad pilot. These all-in-one planning and navigation apps can do an amazing number of tasks, from weather briefings to moving maps. There are many apps to choose from, but ForeFlight is firmly established at the top. ForeFlight includes flight plan filing and weather briefings, digital sectionals and airport/facility directory, in-flight navigation when used with a GPS, in-flight weather (from ADS-B or SiriusXM receivers), and more. Instrument pilots will also appreciate the included IFR charts. There are even options for synthetic vision, a checklist, digital logbook, and weight and balance.
ForeFlight includes flight plan filing and weather briefings, digital sectionals and airport/facility directory, in-flight navigation when used with a GPS, in-flight weather (from ADS-B or SiriusXM receivers), and more.
2. Sentry Plus ADS-B Receiver
For the price of a few flight lessons, you can have in-flight weather (ADS-B or SiriusXM), GPS, traffic, flight data recorder and a backup attitude/heading display, all on your iPad.The Sentry Plus takes the best features of its predecessor and adds upgrades that truly make it the ultimate iPad accessory for pilots. With an integrated OLED display, 18-hour battery life, and a next-generation flight data recorder, Sentry Plus keeps essential information within reach. Plus, it’s equipped with jam-resistant GPS, a built-in G-meter, and even a carbon monoxide detector, providing peace of mind in the cockpit.
For the price of a few flight lessons, you can have in-flight weather (ADS-B or SiriusXM), GPS, traffic, flight data recorder and a backup attitude/heading display.
1. Sporty’s Pilot Training App
The ultimate training platform—now our #1 pick for 2025.
The app has helped tens of thousands of pilots earn certificates, add ratings, master advanced avionics, and get checked out in new aircraft types. In 2025, it’s even better—now including content from PilotWorkshops, giving pilots access to even more expert-led courses, scenario-based training, and real-world tips.
Known for consistently adding new content, innovative training tools, and technology enhancements each year, the app delivers unmatched flexibility. Pilot Training offers access to all of Sporty’s aviation courses and more on dedicated iPhone and iPad apps, Mac app, an Android app, online and on the TV, using the included apps for AppleTV, FireTV, AndroidTV, Roku and Chromecast.
Known for consistently adding new content, innovative training tools, and technology enhancements each year, the app delivers unmatched flexibility.
From essential apps to powerhouse batteries, this year’s lineup highlights the best gear to help pilots stay organized, powered, and confident in the cockpit. For even more great ideas, browse the full iPad collection at Sportys.com.
- Best iPad Pilot Gifts for 2025 - December 9, 2025
- Webinar Video: Flying with Your iPad as a Digital Copilot - December 5, 2025
- ForeFlight Video Tip: Packing For a Flight - October 24, 2025
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