Direct 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.
Bad Ass KneeboardsBad 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.HOLLYWOOD, MD
Cockpit USASince 1975, Cockpit USA has made American aviation clothing, including flight jackets and other outerwear drawn from its archive of military apparel. The New York company says its jackets are hand-sewn and manufactured in the USA, and it has supplied the U.S. government since 1980 while serving as the official U.S. Air Force supplier of the A-2 leather pilot jacket. Founder Jeff Clyman also developed Cockpit USA’s signature distressed treatment, giving its leather garments a deliberately lived-in character.NEW YORK, NY
FlagZone LLCFlagZone is an American-owned manufacturer whose flags are made in the United States for dealers and retail customers. Its custom flag work uses digitally dyed, UV-resistant nylon, and the company also supplies flagpoles to the businesses it supports.GILBERTSVILLE, 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