Gear November 2016

with 3-axis image stabilization and the ability to record video in an immersive 130° field of view. A 5.8 GHz WiFi link allows pilots to control the camera, with a streaming first-person view of the video by way of the ST10+ personal controller screen, which takes the guesswork out of whether you got the shot. The Q500 has a built-in GPS and compass, and extra-long flight times of up to 25 minutes are possible. There are three flight modes---Smart Mode for new drone pilots, Pilot or Angle Mode for aerial videography, and Home Mode, which lets the drone automatically return to its "home point" and land within a 10-foot circle of where it took off. Included in the box are the drone, remote control with video screen, 4K camera, two intelligent 5400 mAh batteries, SteadyGrip to extend the gimbal camera, a charger, extra propellers, an SD card and a custom storage case. Yuneec also provides a helpful support staff. • sportys.com/pilotshop

Get flexibility for your iPad mini or iPad Air in the cockpit with AirGizmos AirMounts from Aircraft Spruce ($87.75-$96.75). The nifty gadgets provide fixed, tilt and suction options. The Fixed Mount solution is designed to be screwed to your panel using standard 3¹/₈" instrument mounting holes (or use an existing instrument hole). Snap in the iPad, and it's held securely in place. The Tilt Mount version allows for a 16° tilt up or down for a convenient setup while flying, a great solution for pilots combating a lack of panel space. The Suction Mount uses a heavy-duty suction cup that securely attaches to your windshield or any other smooth surface. It's designed to be used in rental aircraft or in planes that don't have enough panel real estate. Included with the Suction Mount are extension arm lengths of 1, 2 and 3 inches to accommodate just about any mounting situation. All three mount solutions allow you to leave your tablet in its protective case; the AirMounts adjust on three sides, holding your device in any orientation. Check the Aircraft Spruce website for the full line of AirGizmos gear. aircraftspruce.com

For pilots who want their cockpit essentials within reach, consider the clothing line from SCOTTeVEST. The Sterling Jacket for men and women (men's pictured, starts at $150) is stylish, functional and versatile, with zip-off sleeves to accommodate changing weather conditions and enough pockets to store all your gear (25 pockets for the men's jacket, 23 for women's). The idea is to have your accessories on hand and organized, so you're free to focus on your flight. While the line won't replace your flight bag altogether, the SCOTTeVEST garments are designed with specially engineered pockets to hold the gear you'd normally fumble through a bag or backpack to find, like smartphones, notepads, tablets, keys and sunglasses, leaving your kneeboard less cluttered or eliminating it. You're wondering if you're going to look like the Michelin Man. The answer is no---the SCOTTeVEST line features staggered interior/exterior pockets so contents don't overlap, plus a chiropractor-tested Weight Management System to ensure maximum carrying capacity and comfort. The line includes vests, cargo pants and shorts, travel pants and hats (yes, with pockets!) for men and women. • scottevest.com

For those who like to straddle the digital-analog divide, the Altimeter Clocks from Tailwinds ($99) are cool throwbacks, as if the instrument has been pulled straight from the cockpit of a WWII plane. Available in black/brass or polished aluminum/brass, the vintage-looking clocks feature a dial that shows the remnants of a sub-dial that displays altitude per thousand feet, while the main hands denote altitude per ten and hundred feet. Made of cast, machined aluminum, the altimeter clocks are durable and weighted, making them ideal as desk, table or shelf clocks, while quartz movement keeps precise time. The clocks measure 5 inches high and 4 inches deep, with a clock face diameter of 3¼ inches, and run on a single AA battery (not included). An Altimeter Wall Clock is also available ($109). • tailwinds.com