Black Friday Flight Gear Finds Worth Your Wingtip Dollars

If you're like me, you keep one eye on your wallet and the other on your wishlist when Black Friday rolls around. Aviation gear rarely goes on sale, especially the good stuff. So when solid deals pop up on high-quality headsets, sim hardware, and collectible models, it’s worth a closer look.

I’ve sifted through current sales to bring you five deals that actually stand out. These are all live now and offer strong value, big discounts, or both. Whether you're a full-time pilot, flight sim fan, or just shopping for a great aviation gift, there’s something here for you.

Let’s dive in.

🥇 Top Pick: Bose A30 Aviation Headset — Best in Class, Built to Last

Price: $1,299 at Sporty’s

This isn’t just another headset. It’s Bose’s latest flagship, and it’s getting excellent reviews from pilots logging 100 or more hours in loud cockpits. The updated digital ANR system is quieter, clearer, and lighter. Even in piston twins, pilots are seeing excellent noise reduction and about 45 hours of battery life.

Yes, it’s a premium price. But for frequent flyers, this is a long-term investment. It reduces fatigue, improves communication, and comes with free expedited shipping from Sporty’s.

Best for: Pro pilots, frequent flyers, or anyone looking to splurge on the best aviation headset available.

🛫 Flight Sim Upgrade: Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant

Price: $299.99 at Honeycomb

If you’re building a home cockpit or shopping for someone who is, this is one of the most realistic upgrades available under $350. The Bravo throttle quadrant delivers pro-level feel with solid construction, great ergonomics, and controls that work across a range of aircraft types.

The price hits a sweet spot. It’s affordable enough to give as a standalone gift, yet high-quality enough to feel like a serious piece of gear.

Best for: Sim pilots who want better realism without paying headset-level prices.

✈️ Collector’s Pick: PACMIN Boeing 787‑9 Model

Price: $393.75 at The Boeing Store

PACMIN models are known for museum-quality detail, and this one is a standout. At 24.5 inches long and built from Boeing's actual drawings, this is more than decor. It’s a precision-made collectible built in the U.S. and currently 25 percent off through Boeing’s official store.

It’s still a higher-end gift, but for collectors or anyone who wants a true showpiece, this is worth a look.

Best for: Aviation enthusiasts, collectors, or corporate gifting when you want to give something impressive.

🧳 Keepsake With a Story: Aviationtag A330 Skin Tags

Price: €49.95 at Aviationtag

These tags are cut from the actual fuselage of a retired Airbus A330 that once flew for British Airways and Thomas Cook. Each tag includes the aircraft’s ID and a short backstory. This is a one-of-a-kind keepsake for fans of aviation history.

The discount is steep, close to 47 percent off, and the listing shows limited stock. It’s priced in euros, so keep exchange rates in mind.

Best for: Gift-givers looking for something meaningful and aviation-related under $60.

👕 Easy Gift Idea: Airportag Aviation T-Shirts

Price: $31.99 at Airportag

Sometimes a great aviation gift is as simple as a well-designed tee. These shirts are readable, aviation-themed without being overly niche, and available in a wide range of sizes and colors. They’re currently marked down for Black Friday, making them an easy pick for casual pilots or aviation fans.

Best for: Stocking stuffers, pilot families, or anyone who wants to wear their love of flight.

💰 Quick Price Comparison Table

Product	Price	Deal Summary	Notes
Bose A30 (Sporty’s)	$1,299	Latest digital ANR, top-tier performance	Free expedited shipping
Honeycomb Bravo Throttle	$299.99	Sim realism at a budget-friendly price	Ships EU; U.S. buyers should check resellers
PACMIN 787-9 (Boeing Store)	$393.75	25 percent off premium collectible	Made in USA, large display model
A330 Aviationtag	€49.95	About 47 percent off, authentic aircraft skin	Limited stock, euro pricing
Airportag T-Shirt	$31.99	Black Friday markdown, giftable apparel	Size and color availability may vary

Final Thoughts

Aviation gear isn’t usually the kind of thing that shows up in bargain bins. But these five deals hit a rare mix of performance, value, and story. Whether you're investing in a flagship headset, upgrading your flight sim, or shopping for a meaningful keepsake, this year’s list offers something for every kind of flyer.

My personal pick is the Bose A30, especially if you fly often or want the best of the best. But the Bravo sim hardware and PACMIN model are hard to beat in their categories. For smaller gifts, the A330 skin tag and Airportag tee both hit that sweet spot of unique and affordable.

Happy flying, and happy saving.

— The Thrifty Pilot