# AviationTested

> Pilot equipment guides: aviation headsets, ANR and passive, flight bags, kneeboards, EFB tablets and mounts, portable ADS-B receivers and GPS, and training gear for student and private pilots.

AviationTested publishes pilot gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://aviationtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://aviationtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://aviationtested.com/glossary): pilot gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://aviationtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Headsets](https://aviationtested.com/category/headsets): Active noise reduction and passive headsets, ear seals, adapters and hearing protection.
- [EFB & navigation](https://aviationtested.com/category/efb-navigation): EFB tablets and mounts, portable ADS-B receivers, GPS and cockpit power.
- [Bags & cockpit](https://aviationtested.com/category/bags-cockpit): Flight bags, kneeboards, document holders, cockpit organizers and aircraft covers.
- [Training & pilot supplies](https://aviationtested.com/category/training): Logbooks, plotters and E6B computers, study tools, sunglasses and pilot apparel.
- [Aircraft care](https://aviationtested.com/category/aircraft-care): Aircraft covers, tie-downs, chocks, cleaning products and cabin accessories. Certified parts are not covered.
- [Emergency & survival](https://aviationtested.com/category/emergency): Survival kits, personal locator beacons, life vests and safety gear suited to general aviation.
- [Drone pilots](https://aviationtested.com/category/drone-pilots): Part 107 study tools, logbooks and gear for drone pilots, distinct from hobby RC and camera drones.

## Buying guides
- [ANR vs Passive Aviation Headsets: Noise, Comfort and Cost](https://aviationtested.com/guides/anr-vs-passive-aviation-headset): Passive headsets block noise with tight ear seals and foam, cost the least and need no batteries, but clamp harder and let more low-frequency engine drone through. Active noise reduction (ANR) headsets add microphones and electronics that cancel low-frequency noise, so they can use lighter clamping and reduce fatigue on longer flights, at a much higher price. Both must have the right plugs for your aircraft.
- [Aviation Headset Plug Types: GA Dual, LEMO, Helicopter and Adapters](https://aviationtested.com/guides/aviation-headset-plug-types): Most US general aviation aircraft use GA dual plugs: a 1/4-inch PJ-055 headphone plug and a smaller PJ-068 microphone plug. Many newer aircraft add LEMO 6-pin jacks that also power ANR headsets. Helicopters commonly use a single U-174 plug, and some airliners use 5-pin XLR. Check every aircraft you fly and buy adapters for the others.
- [EFB Tablets and Mounts: Size, Overheating and Cockpit Placement](https://aviationtested.com/guides/efb-tablet-and-mount-guide): Pick a tablet size your cockpit can hold without blocking controls or the view: smaller tablets suit kneeboards and tight panels, larger ones show more chart. Plan for heat, since tablets can shut down in direct sun, with venting, shading and spare power. Choose a kneeboard, yoke or suction mount that keeps the screen secure, visible and clear of the controls, and keep paper or a second device as backup.
- [How to Choose a Flight Bag: Size, Headset Pockets and Organization](https://aviationtested.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-flight-bag): Choose a flight bag by what you carry and the aircraft you fly. Students and local pilots usually need a compact bag with a padded headset pocket, a tablet sleeve and slots for a logbook, kneeboard and flashlight. Cross-country pilots carrying two headsets, overnight gear and charts need more room. Structured bags keep shape on the seat; soft bags squeeze into small baggage areas.
- [Portable ADS-B Receivers: Traffic, Weather and EFB Compatibility](https://aviationtested.com/guides/portable-ads-b-receiver-guide): A portable ADS-B In receiver sends traffic and, in the US, free FIS-B weather to your EFB app. Choose a dual-band receiver (978 UAT and 1090ES) for the most complete traffic picture, and check it works with your EFB app. Traffic from ground rebroadcasts is tailored to ADS-B Out-equipped aircraft, so without ADS-B Out you may see partial traffic. It does not replace required ADS-B Out equipment.
- [Student Pilot Gear Checklist: What to Buy First](https://aviationtested.com/guides/student-pilot-gear-checklist): Start with a headset that fits your school's aircraft plugs, a logbook, a kneeboard, an E6B flight computer and plotter, a flashlight with a red mode, non-polarized sunglasses and a simple flight bag. Add an EFB app when your instructor introduces it. Expensive ANR headsets, ADS-B receivers and premium bags can wait until you know what you will use.

Contact: info@aviationtested.com