Safety

If you fly overwater frequently, constant wear vests are the best choice. We tried products from both the marine and aviation markets.

Thats where Diamond would like to move the debate in selling its Twin Star against the Cirrus SR22. But does the argument stand up?

Even for a modest single, the bidding starts at $40,000 or 20 years worth of premiums. Insurers always pay but so will you in higher rates, betterment and for hidden damage.

For single-pilot ops, we like Precise Flights PreciseFlow. The Mountain High EDS O2D2 is a good choice for a two-person cockpit.

For single-pilot ops, we like Precise Flights PreciseFlow. The Mountain High EDS O2D2 is a good choice for a two-person cockpit.

If IFR certification is a must, the Symphony 160 is our second choice. But both Symphony and Liberty must prove what Diamond already has: staying power.

But plug and play it isn’t. Youll need a high-end system, patience and expertise to get the most out of it. Tyros and technophobes should shop elsewhere.

Survival kits are a compromise between cost, weight and size. The Fox Icarus and ASTs overwater are top values. AeroMedix Ultimate is the spare-no-expense option.

Flight Sim has graduated from gamer status to serious IFR trainer. Its a bargain at $29.99 but requires a high-end machine to run well

Flight Sim has graduated from gamer status to serious IFR trainer. Its a bargain at $29.99 but requires a high-end machine to run well

If presbyopia has set in, progressives are the lenses of choice for pilots. Younger, Signet and Varilux are among the top choices for pilots.

If presbyopia has set in, progressives are the lenses of choice for pilots. Younger, Signet and Varilux are among the top choices for pilots.