Bad Ass Kneeboards grew from pilot Sean’s need for an iPad-ready kneeboard on a cross-country flight into a handmade U.S. operation making custom flight kneeboards and bags. Its designs have since been used in everything from Cessnas and Pipers to military rotorcraft, EMS aircraft, and a privately owned Sea Harrier. The company continues refining its kneeboards with input from pilots.
Direct TailwindsDirect Tailwinds makes study aids for pilots, including patent-pending flags that organize Federal Aviation Regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual material for checkride preparation. Its portable review cards and repositionable, color-coded flags are designed and manufactured in the United States, with options tailored to pilot ratings and aircraft dispatchers.
Kent Custom CasesFounded in 2006 by Brian Kent in his garage, Kent Custom Cases builds handmade, custom road and flight cases for touring professionals and the music industry. The Buffalo manufacturer has grown to process thousands of orders annually while keeping craftsmen involved in constructing each case to the customer’s specifications. Its ATA-300-approved cases are made for equipment that has to withstand frequent travel, from guitar vaults to specialized TV cases.BUFFALO, NY
Pro-LiteBorn from two airline-working surfers’ need to protect their boards, Pro-Lite has made surfboard travel bags since 1982. The Ventura-based, 100% employee-owned company is known for being the first U.S. maker of travel-grade surfboard bags and now develops protection and gear for surfers who travel by air or head out for the day.GREENSBURG, PA
KORE Headset LLCKORE Headset LLC makes aviation headsets and pilot gear aimed at putting professional-grade communication within reach of student pilots. Launched in 2015 from a family business with more than 30 years in aviation and communications-equipment manufacturing, the American company is best known for value-focused passive-noise-reduction headsets such as the KA-1, which is used by more than 50,000 pilots and recommended by flight schools. KORE also supports its headsets with replacement parts and a five-year warranty on the KA-1.BRIDGEPORT, WV