Essential: logbook (EUR15-25), kneeboard, VFR charts, flight computer/E6-B, plotter, pens. Nice to have: aviation headset, tablet with EFB app, non-polarised sunglasses, flight bag. Total startup: EUR200-500 without headset, EUR400-1500 with one.
David Clark H10-13.4 (PNR, EUR300-350) — durable, comfortable, excellent passive noise reduction. Ultra-budget: Sigtronics S-58 (~EUR200). Stretch budget: David Clark ONE-X (EUR400-500). Budget ANR: UFQ A7/A28 (EUR200-350). Start budget, upgrade after PPL.
PNR: cheaper (EUR200-400), no batteries, durable, adequate for training. ANR: significantly more comfortable for long flights, reduces fatigue, improves radio clarity, but EUR600-1200+. For training, PNR is fine. For regular post-PPL flying, ANR is worth the investment.
Standard GA dual plug (two plugs: 6.35mm PJ-055 audio + PJ-068 mic) is most common in European GA. LEMO: single connector for newer aircraft (Cirrus, some Diamonds). U-174: military/helicopter standard. Buy GA dual plugs and carry a GA-to-LEMO adapter if needed.
Arguably the best ANR headset (~EUR1,100-1,300) but expensive alongside EUR10-18K training costs. A David Clark H10-13.4 at EUR300 serves perfectly through training. Upgrade to Bose A30 or Lightspeed Delta Zulu after PPL if you commit to regular flying. If budget isn't a concern: buy once, cry once.
SkyDemon: designed for European VFR/IFR, comprehensive EASA airspace data, excellent European chart coverage, EUR100-170/yr. ForeFlight: dominant in USA, expanding into Europe but European coverage not yet as comprehensive. If you fly both US and Europe, ForeFlight's worldwide coverage may be advantageous.
Not essential but increasingly common and useful. Many schools still teach paper chart navigation (which you must learn). An iPad Mini with SkyDemon provides excellent situational awareness. If budget is tight, prioritise flying hours. Use tablet as supplement to paper charts, not replacement.
Not yet for most VFR GA. Mandatory for IFR and certain controlled airspace. VFR in uncontrolled airspace generally doesn't require it yet. Country-specific requirements vary. Future EASA rules expected to expand requirements. New transponder installations should be ADS-B Out capable to future-proof.
Mode S recommended/required for controlled airspace across most EASA states. Mode C becoming insufficient. Requirements vary nationally. Popular models: Garmin GTX 335/345 (ADS-B capable), Trig TT31, Becker BXP6401. New installations should include Extended Squitter (ADS-B Out).
Traffic awareness/collision avoidance system using GPS broadcasting on 868 MHz. Widely used in European GA, gliding, helicopters. Mandatory in some countries for certain operations (e.g., glider towing in Switzerland). Highly recommended in areas with significant glider/GA traffic. Devices EUR500-2,000.
Non-polarised with 15-30% light transmission, 100% UV protection. Polarised lenses cause problems with LCD instruments, glass cockpits, and tablets (darkening, rainbow patterns). Grey or green tint. Popular brands: Randolph Engineering, American Optical, Serengeti. Aviator frames for peripheral vision.
During training: kneeboard is essential for writing clearances, clipping charts. After PPL: many transition to tablet mount (RAM mount, suction cup) for moving map, with a small kneeboard for notes. Learn with paper first — examiners may test without electronic aids. Kneeboards EUR20-50, mounts EUR30-100.
Any logbook recording: date, aircraft type/registration, PIC name, departure/arrival aerodromes and times, SE/ME, day/night, PIC/dual/solo/instructor time, instrument time. Standard EASA Part-FCL logbook EUR15-25. Digital logbooks also acceptable if printable and signed. Popular: Autorouter, mccPILOTLOG.
