Case in point to the above, there was a well known pilot in Australia who created his own hotel with a pilot theme.  The person was named “the captain” by all of the patrons and people in the town.  It was a great place and every room reflected a different theme of aviation. 

With aircrafts and flying making up a large part of most pilots lives, it’s no wonder that there are a range of gifts and novelties on the market for pilots (or their friends and family) to buy.  Listed below are the some of the most popular – and in some cases wacky – gifts or novelties that you can buy a pilot.  Enjoy!

• Artificial Horizon Desk Alarm Clock:  Waking up to this alarm clock makes you feel like you are waking up in the cockpit of a plane (of course you never want to be asleep in the cockpit of a plane!).  This alarm clock is a perfect replica of a primary flight instrument, and also functions well as an alarm clock.  A great gift idea for the pilot that has it all.

• Trintec 10” Diameter De Havilland Beaver Wall Clock:  Don't just let others know you have a love of aviation, force it upon them by buying this fantastic wall clock.  Whenever anyone walks past the clock they will admire the stunning aircraft and your love of aviation. For those who don't know the De Havilland Beaver is a sea plane – awesome image on the clock.

• Johnson's Jewellery Gold Biplane Earrings:  If you have to buy a present for your wife, and she says “I only want jewellery” then you are in luck my friend.  You can by Gold Biplane earrings for your wife, and it still counts as jewellery.  These earrings are awesome and will let everyone know that you and your wife are aviation enthusiasts...even if your wife isn't.  When she asked for jewellery I bet she didn't see this coming!!!

• Johnson's Jewellery Helicopter Gold Earrings:  Yep.  This is the same product as above but has helicopters instead of biplanes.  Still a great gift for the misses.

• ASA Flying Carpet – Soul of an Airplane:  If you have not read this book, then you are missing out.  A great read and makes you feel like you are actually in the cockpit with the author.  The story relates to the trails and tribulations of becoming a pilot.

If you are a pilot then you will want to celebrate your passion in any way that you can.  Luckily there are a range of gifts and novelties that you can buy to indulge your passion.  One of the best places to buy top quality gifts and novelties on the Internet is at Aviation Logs visit the site and get yourself some wacky novelties today.  Wishing you every success with your flying.

If you are considering becoming a pilot then as well as the flying lessons, there are a range of pilot training, tests and kits that you will require.  These will help you to train in between your lessons and will help you become accredited quicker, and more importantly, become a better pilot.  In addition, if you are a pilot instructor these products will also be very useful to hand to your students.

Listed below are some of the most popular kits on the market:

• Jeppesen Instrument / Commercial Part 141 Kit:  This kit is perfect for training pilots as it contains all essential components that will prepare students for the practical and written examinations.  The kit is well put together, easy to follow and very thorough.  It will help make any person a better pilot.

• Jeppesen Helecopter Standard Kit:  This package is very similar to the package above, but it is made for helicopter pilots (or training helicopter pilots).  While the kit is made for the Schweizer Model 300CB Helicopter, it can be used for any type of helicopter.  The kit is again very thorough and includes materials for both students and instructors.  The kit covers more than just flying and includes meteorology, navigation and physiology as well as some complex manoeuvres.  If you are looking to become a helicopter pilot or you are a pilot instructor then this kit is a must have.

• ASA On-Top IFR Flight Simulator:  “Awesome” is probably the best world to describe this product.  ASA is a very realistic flight simulator that allows you to test your skills of judgement before you take to the wing in a real life flight test.  Unlike other flight simulators you can change the pitch and roll sensitivities to help you become a better pilot.  The program includes 10 different types of aircrafts (all of the common training aircrafts) and will make you feel as if you are sitting in the flight deck.  There are also realistic renderings of airports within the United States as well.  What's more the whole family will enjoy the program after you have got your pilots licence.

• ASA 2012 Commercial Pilot Virtual Test Prep DVD:  If you are looking to become a commercial pilot then this product is your best friend.  The DVDS will give you all the material you need to know to get 100 precent on the FAA Knowledge Exam.  The product doesn't just include test material either.  You will find some great 3D graphics and in-flight footage, as well as expert instructors.  A great product.

If you are looking at becoming a pilot, or are a pilot instructor, then there are a range of products on the market to help you.  What you learn outside of the classroom is equally as important as what you learn inside, and by having material at home you will become a better and more competent pilot.  If you are looking to buy products then the Internet is the cheapest place.  However, you need to ensure that you are buying high quality products.  One of the best sites is Aviation Logs - Training go check it out and get yourself a great kit.  See you in the wing.

The flight school you attend should bring you into a world of disciplined training which can be slightly intimidating in the beginning, but will pay off many times later in your time in the cockpit.  No longer will you be flying in coach, waiting for a stewardess to bring you a drink and some pretzels.  Now you will be in control of not only the aircraft you are flying, but the lives of yourself and those flying along with you.

The tow types of flight schools in America are referred to as Part 61 and Part 141 schools respectively.  Each type can bring you the knowledge and experience you are looking for.  The approach to becoming a pilot differs between the two however.

Part 61 pilot courses have more flexibility as to material presentation, and the order in which it is presented to the prospective pilot.  There can be a greater level of creativity on the instructor’s part in training you to handle an aircraft.  This approach often brings with it instructors who are less rigid, and perhaps more creative. 

Part 141 training schools have a curriculum that is strictly mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The learning material and presentation order are the same from one Part 141 flight school to the next.  There are obviously benefits to this approach as well.  Students can pause training at one school, and pick up right where they left off at another.  Perfect for the prospective pilot who may relocate, or has to budget flying school over a period of time.

Either type of flight training is effective, since all pilot license testing is standardized. Some would argue that those attending a Part 141 school may have a leg up in becoming a professional pilot, as there are some assurances that their training was strictly governed by the FAA.  The others would point out that the flexibility of the Part 61 approach allows instructors to focus on areas where students may need some extra work.

An important part of the initial process of choosing a training facility is to research what is available in close proximity to your residence or place of employment.  Asking around at local airports or researching this on the web can narrow your prospects in a hurry.  Many smaller airports have flight schools on location.  Narrow your list down, and check out those of interest to you before making a final decision.

Speaking to the instructors and administrators is a good beginning for you, since you will be able to quickly gauge how comfortable you feel with a facility or trainer.  Try also to speak with some current students and even pilot’s who have graduated from the schools you are considering.  The flying community is a close knit group usually more than willing to share their personal experiences (good and bad) with prospective pilots.  Getting to know the individual who will be your primary trainer is a must, as you will be spending quite a bit of time together in a cockpit as you accumulate your hours in flight.

Taking this approach will allow you feel comfortable with your decision as to where you will be investing a significant amount of time and money.  This alone will give you a much greater chance of achieving your dream than writing a check to the first flight school you find in the Yellow Pages.