Gifts Your Flight Instructor Will Love

Our flight instructors give us one of the greatest gifts imaginable: the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become pilots. They’ve trusted us with an aircraft, guided us through our first nerve-wracking takeoffs, and calmly talked us through landings that didn’t always go as planned. Beyond stick-and-rudder skills, they’ve taught us judgment, discipline, and respect for the sky, often while juggling early mornings, long days, and endless questions. Whether it’s celebrating our first solo or patiently explaining the same concept for the third time (more right rudder...), flight instructors play a huge role in shaping not just competent pilots, but confident ones. Finding a gift for them is a small way to say thank you for the time, dedication, and passion they invest in every student who climbs into the cockpit.

Flevel Document Holder

Flevel was founded by a pilot for pilots.

Crafted for professional aviators, this document holder provides a secure, organized way to carry all essential documents, making it an ideal choice presenting credentials during training events and check rides, or any other situations requiring quick, polished access to your information.

Flevel offers two document holders: V1 and V2. Both are similar, with the notable difference being V2 has a secure zipper closure to keep its contents safe. Both versions are available in real or eco leather, along with a variety of colours to choose from.

I personally love the look and usability of V1. I store my TC Aviation Booklet, radiotelephone operator certificate, medical certificate, and a few other personal documents. The document holder fits perfectly in my flight bag and protects my documents for many flights to come.

Click here to check out Flevel website. Most Flevel products are also available on Amazon Canada.

LightMap AIR Station

The LightMap AIR Station is designed exclusively for pilots, providing real-time METAR station data with just a glance for a single airport identifier.

Although this information is for education purposes only and not for operational use, the LightMap AIR Station provides a cool visual of current conditions at your favourite airport.

LightMap also sells FAA VFR sectional charts with illuminated METAR weather conditions. More expensive than the AIR Station and only offered for FAA Sectionals, but still a cool and meaningful gift, nonetheless.

Click here to check our the LightMap Air Station.

Lost Aviator Coffee Co.

Lost Aviator Coffee Co. was founded in Guelph Ontario, Canada in 2020 by two longtime friends and career airline pilots, Adam and Steve.

We're sure most pilots can agree there are few things more beautiful than the view from 40,000 feet with a cup of great coffee in hand. Seeing parts of the earth that are nearly impossible to reach, or even view, from the ground provided Adam and Steve an appreciation for our planet from a whole new perspective.

With this appreciation for our planet, Adam and Steve founded Lost Aviator Coffee with sustainability and ethical sourcing as their core values. Their goal is to provide you a captivating start to your day (or night), with the knowledge that we are support direct trade local farmers, and the environment.

Lost Aviator Coffee Co. sells a variety of roasted coffee, apparel, and merchandise. Our favourite roast is the Young Aces Medium Roast, where $1 from every sale goes to the Air Cadet league. Also pictured is their Because I Was Inverted mug pictured while flying inverted!

Click here to check out Lost Aviator Coffee Co.

Model Aircraft

A model aircraft is a classic, meaningful gift for a flight instructor. Whether you choose a scale model of the aircraft you trained in together or one that represents the next chapter in your instructor’s career, this type of gift carries both sentimental and professional significance.

If you’re looking for high-quality, ready-made models, Gemini Jets offers an extensive catalog covering everything from general aviation aircraft to commercial and military fleets. For more niche, customizable, or hard-to-find options, such as specific tail numbers, liveries, or unique aircraft types, Factory Direct Models is an excellent choice.

To make the gift even more personal, consider pairing the model with:

• A small plaque noting your training dates or first solo

• A handwritten thank-you card

• A framed photo from a memorable flight or flight test day

  
  

Click here to check out Gemini Jets or click here to check out Factory Direct Models.

ForeFlight Subscription

A ForeFlight subscription is a practical and highly appreciated gift, especially for instructors who rely on it daily for flight planning, weather briefings, logbook tracking, and in-flight situational awareness.

Whether your instructor already uses ForeFlight or you’re helping them upgrade to a higher-tier plan, a subscription shows that you understand the tools they depend on and value their craft.

I recommend gifting a ForeFlight gift card, allowing your instructor to select their preferred tier.

ForeFlight also offers a referral program specifically designed to give back to flight instructors. If purchasing a ForeFlight subscription for both yourself and your instructor is outside your budget, this program provides a thoughtful, no-cost alternative. Simply ask your instructor if they participate in the CFI Referral Program. Signing up through their referral link is an easy way to support them while setting yourself up with a powerful training and flying tool from day one.

Click here to purchase a ForeFlight giftcard.

08L Aviation Artwork

Aviation art from 08L  makes a thoughtful and personal gift. Known for clean, modern designs inspired by real-world aviation, 08L pieces capture the emotion and pride that come with life in the air.

08L offers a vast select of art, including airport diagrams, control towers, aircraft, photography, apparel, and more.

Consider selecting a 08L piece that connects directly to your instructor’s career, such as the aircraft they teach in, a memorable airport, or a milestone moment from your training.

08L was founded by an aviation enthusiast for aviation enthusiast, and that authenticity is what makes it such a standout gift.

Click here to check out 08L.

Ray Ban Meta AI Glasses

The Ray Ban Meta AI Glasses blend classic styling with modern features. With built-in cameras, Ray-Ban Meta glasses allow pilots to record phases of flight in a safe, frictionless environment. Easily snap a high-resolution photograph or record up to three minutes of video with the single touch of the Smart Glasses frames.

Click here to purchase the Ray Ban Meta AI Glasses.

Custom Tail Registration Replica

A custom tail registration is a unique, personalized gift. These handcrafted metal signs feature aircraft tail numbers and are designed to look authentic, durable, and timeless, perfect for aviation-themed offices, hangars, or homes.

Choosing a tail number your instructor regularly flies, taught you in, or has a special attachment to turns a simple sign into a lasting reminder of shared flights and training milestones.

Click here to purchase from Tin Tail Numbers.

Non-Aviation Gifts

While aviation-themed gifts are meaningful, some of the most appreciated gifts are often the ones that simply make everyday life a little easier. Instructors often work long, irregular hours, and practical, non-aviation gifts can go a long way in showing genuine appreciation.

Gift Cards are a safe, thoughtful option, especially when tailored to your instructor’s daily routine. Popular choices include:

• Local restaurants or coffee shops near the airport

• Gas stations

• Grocery stores for everyday essentials

Car Detailing gift certificates are another excellent option. After countless hours driving to and from the airport, a profession

al car detail is a luxury many instructors wouldn’t splurge on themselves, but will absolutely appreciate.

And yes, sometimes the simplest option is the best: cold, hard cash. While it may not feel flashy, cash gives instructors complete flexibility to use it where they need it most: gas, bills, subscriptions, or even a well-earned day off.

To make the gift more personal, pair it with a handwritten thank-you note. A few sincere words about how your instructor impacted your training can turn even the simplest gift into something memorable.

Caroline Guillen Art

Caroline Guillen is a Brazilian artist who specializes in detailed, hand-drawn aviation artwork. Her pieces capture the character and personality of aircraft with a strong attention to line work and realism, making them a favourite among pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Caroline accepts custom commissions, allowing you to order personalized aviation artwork directly through her Instagram.

Check out her Instagram by clicking here.

Bonus Gift: Pass Your Flight Test, Share your Knowledge, and Fly Safe!

One of the most meaningful gifts (and arguably the most important) you can give your flight instructor doesn’t cost anything at all: success and paying it forward.

While passing your flight test is always a proud moment for students, it is also a proud moment for instructors. It reflects their dedication, teaching skill, and commitment to safety. But you can take that gift one step further by providing your instructor with a thoughtful, comprehensive rundown of your flight test experience.

After your test, consider sharing:

• The oral topics emphasized by the examiner

• Flight maneuvers requested and how they were evaluated

• Any surprise questions

Most importantly, honor your instructor’s investment in you by continuing to fly safe, make good decisions, and represent their training well. Every safe flight and smart choice you make reflects back on the person who taught you.