Things for student pilots to consider buying or putting on their Xmas list:

1. Handheld radio. Many trainers don't have them, so get your own (with a remote "cop" speaker mike. Get used to listening to it - you don't have to talk but knowing what is going on around you can save your life!

2. Audio vario - interesting idea, but it won't be TE compensated so if you are flying glass it may get frustrating. Real answer is to get audio varios in our training gliders!

3. GPS. Once you start venturing out, you need to think about navigation. You do carry a sectional, don't you? If you think it takes less heads down time to navigate with a sectional than a good GPS, you are mistaken, IMO. Have both, learn how to use them, and fly safer knowing you can reach your alternate landing fields. Plus you can now start analyzing your flights from your GPS log trace. G7ToWin is freeware that can download and convert log files from almost any GPS.

4. PCAS. If you fly near airways or a big city, you might consider a Zaon MRX PCAS. Warns you of transponder-equipped aircraft near you. Best $500 I ever spent on safety equipment!

5. SPOT. Let your friends/sig other/club know where you are in real time, and make landing out retrieves fun again. Less expensive than an ELT and more useful than a PLB - my wife insists that I have mine on and tracking on every fligh, so she can share my adventures and find me when I land out.

Have fun!

Kirk
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