Top 5 Aviation Gift Ideas  

The best kinds of gifts are those that match the receiver’s lifestyle. If you have an aviator in your life, an aviation-themed gift is sure to be welcome. Piloting a private plane requires specific skills and equipment. Giving gifts that make the experience easier is a wonderful way to show you care. Here are some gift ideas for aviators.

Aviator Sunglasses

Protect your favorite aviator’s eyes. Sunlight seems brighter and ultraviolet rays are more intense at higher altitudes. Even occasional exposure to these rays can damage the eyes, and every pilot should own at least one pair of quality aviator sunglasses. Make sure you choose those created not just for style but also for the UV ray protection an aviator needs.

Flight Bag

A flight bag is a bag specifically designed for pilots. It is compact enough not to take up too much room in the cockpit, yet it has sturdy pockets to hold the necessary gear, such as a GPS unit, maps, sunglasses, headsets, manuals, first aid kits and more. Choose from leather or heavy-duty nylon, keeping in mind the weight. If your aviator will be carrying heavy items, choose a heavy-duty nylon bag instead of a leather bag, as leather weighs more.

Airplane GPS Receiver

There are several styles of aviation GPS devices. Many of the newest airplane GPS receivers provide navigational functions plus weather and airport information. This is an invaluable piece of technology for anyone piloting personal aircraft, and your aviator is sure to appreciate it.

Flight Jackets

Help an aviator stay warm when flying – purchase a new flight jacket. You can find men or women’s sizes in cotton, leather or heavy nylon. These are stylish jackets that look so good even non-aviators can be seen wearing them. The traditional colors are brown, black or green, but you can also find them in khaki or blue.

Headset

An aviation headset has the dual-function of noise-reduction and allowing the pilot to communicate with others in the plane or on the ground. There are many styles of headsets and individual aviators preferences may vary – before buying this wonderful gift, try to learn if the aviator prefers a specific model.

3 Must-Have Aircraft Cleaning Products:

There are many products that can be used for aircraft detailing; however having a basic few items will allow you to maintain your aircraft by yourself with continual use. Out of the dozens of products that we use for aircraft cleaning we’ve narrowed it down to 3 must-have products for aircraft cleaning:

1 . Supreme Glaze Wax:

Wax is the most important product for maintaining your aircraft’s exterior paint. Jetstream’s Supreme Glaze is a great aircraft wax. It reasonably priced and, when used 3-4 times per year, will keep your aircrafts paint clean and protected all year. Whether hand waxing or machine polishing aircraft wax is a must-have for any aircraft owner

2. Plexi-Clear Window Polish:

Window cleaner is important for many reason, mainly so you can see out of your windows without bugs, grease and scratches blinding your view. After each flight a simple wipedown with Plexi-Clear will ensure that your windows are in pristine condition for the next flight. And like with most aircraft cleaning products, cleaning the windows after each flight will prevent buildup and make cleaning much easier

3. Leather Cleaner & Conditioner:

Perrone makes great aviation leather cleaners and conditioners. Aircraft leather is subject to the same problems as auto leather. UV rays can crack the leather and cause it fade. Fixing cracks and rips in leather can be very expensive to fix. Because leather was once a living thing, its important to keep it cleaned and especially conditioned. The conditioner enables the leather to keep a vibrant feel and prevent it from fading and cracking in the strong UV rays

I hope this short list give you ideas of the products to keep with you for each flight. Like everything in aircraft cleaning and maintenance regular use is the key. Keeping on top of aircraft cleaning enables  you to maintain your aircraft’s appearance through all seasons. For more product info visit our store on our site at http://freshairdetailing.com/store.htm

3 Tips to Maintaining Your Aircraft This Winter

Maintaining your aircraft is tough, especially if you keep in cold climate areas like the northeast. The salt air, the cold

harsh conditions, and snow buildup can severely damage your aircarft; especially if kept outdoors on a tie-down. There are some precautionary measures you can take to better maintain your aircraft during these harsh times

1. Hand or Machine Wax the paint: 

This is the most crucial part of maintaining the aircraft’s paint. Machine or hand waxing the paint is recommended every 4-5 months depending on usage. If you keep your aircraft outside on a tie-down I’d suggest every 3-4 months. Waxing the paint keeps it protected from UV rays and prevents oxidation (the cloudy look). It also makes it easier to clean off salt bugs and tar once a protective layer of wax is sealing the top of the paint.

2. Machine Polish the Metal:

Not all aircrafts have exterior metal surfaces, but those that do require regular attention. Aircraft with a metal “spinners” or corporate jets with metal on the leading edges can be polished and protected. Machine polishing the metal with either Skai Metal polish or Nuvite is a great start. Once polished products like Jetstreams “Mirror-Image” removes swirls and provides a protective layer. Metal, like paint, can easily become oxidized and requires continual attention.

3.  Rubber Protection:

Protecting the rubber on the tires is also important during winter. The cold weather can expand and contract the rubber and cause cracks that can easily develop into blown tires. Standard tire protectant like those used in auto detailing can go a long way to making sure this doesnt happen. Tires are obviously an important part of the aircraft, and regular 3-4 month application of tire protectant can help keep them from cracking.