Flying is often associated with traveling to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, but for helicopter enthusiasts, aviation is always on the mind! This year, you can bask in the delight of surprising the ambitious aviator in your life with these five unique holiday gift ideas. From private tours to new apparel, read on for aviation-themed gift inspiration.
Spruce Up Your Tree with a New Ornament
Add some sparkle to your holiday decor with a new helicopter ornament. Choose from colorful, festive options to sleek, engraved crystal ornaments.
Whether you’re looking to continue a long-standing tradition or start a new one, honor your loved one’s passion for flying by adding a new aviation-themed ornament to your tree each year.
Consider buying ornaments that represent destinations the aviator in your life has traveled to. Over time, your holiday decorations will reflect the many adventures he or she has undertaken.
Don’t forget to commemorate the newly-certified pilot in your life with an ornament to recognize their dedication and hard work in pursuit of their dream. Choose from a wide variety of aviation-themed trinkets to adorn his or her tree.
Take Flight—From Your Own Home with an Online Simulator
For those looking to experience the thrill of flying from the comfort of their own home, look no further than the Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox and Windows 10 PCs.
Gamers can travel the world, departing from more than 37,000 airports in two million cities. Soar high above real-life buildings, mountains, roads, trees, and more as you hone your pilot skills. Fly day or night with live real-time weather including accurate wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rain, and lighting. This online flight simulator also offers interactive and highlighted instrument guidance and checklists.
A new, game-of-the-year edition launches on November 18, 2021.
Prepare for Takeoff in a New Flight Jacket
Not only is a “bomber” jacket an incredible fashion statement, it has been a staple of pilots’ wardrobes for decades. First introduced in 1917 by the U.S. Army Aviation Clothing Board, flight jackets were designed to keep World War I (WWI) pilots warm in the open-air cockpits of the early fighter planes. Over time, the jacket’s style evolved and, in 1949, the U.S. military began donning the MA-1 flight jacket, a style which is still replicated today.
An added benefit of these jackets was that they could withstand a wide range of temperatures from 14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, appealing to civilians looking for multi-purpose outerwear that could be worn from fall through spring. Gift the aviator in your life one of these incredibly fashionable and practical flight jackets! Some of our favorites can be found at Cockpit USA or MyPilotStore.com.
Get a Birds-eye View of Your Favorite Sights
Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or the whole family, a private helicopter tour is sure to be one for the books!
Choose from one of Independent Helicopters’ 30-minute or one-hour scenic tours. All tours are customizable and accommodate up to three people. Flights depart from Stewart International Airport and Saratoga County Airport, depending on your location and preferred route.
From Stewart Airport, one of our most popular routes covers West Point, the Hudson River, Bannerman’s Island and Mount Beacon. From Saratoga, our typical route covers the Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Lake, Downtown Saratoga and SPAC.
Take the First Step Towards Becoming a Pilot
For the hardcore aviator in your life, surprise them with a discovery flight from Independent Heloicopters.
Receive 30 minutes of hands-on instruction aboard a Robinson R22 or R44 along with ground instruction. Our R44 discovery flights can accommodate up to two additional passengers. You and your loved ones can discover what to expect on an introductory flight before embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
After your discovery flight, the next step on your journey to receiving your private pilot certification is ground school. Our own online training course can be accomplished in three stages, each of which guide students through the necessary aeronautical knowledge for the Private Pilot Rotorcraft Helicopter knowledge and oral exams.
Logo swag like hats, tees, and wine tumblers make a great addition to a gift certificate. These smaller items add that tangible element to your gift, make great stocking stuffers, and help your loved one show off their passion for aviation!
Bonus: Aviation Gifts for Whirly Girls
If you’re looking for something with a little extra sparkle, Aviation Jewelry has you covered. Matching earring and necklace sets featuring her aircraft of choice help her show off her love of aviation for all occasions. Stylish accessories aren’t just for women: they also feature aviation-themed cufflinks, and more!
Cherish this holiday season with gifts that are sure to delight the helicopter enthusiast in your life. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on our schedule of events, learn more about helicopter flight training, or schedule your own private adventure.