Start here.

You need less than the internet says. Bring these, borrow the rest until you know what you like.

• Kneeboard and a pen. You'll copy weather, frequencies and your instructor's notes from day one.Kneeboard →
• A logbook. Your instructor signs every lesson in it.Your school will recommend one
• Sunglasses. Many instructors recommend non-polarized lenses, because polarization can hide glare off other aircraft and dim some glass-cockpit screens.What you own
• Headset. Most schools lend or rent one. Fly a few lessons before you spend money.Can wait
• Flight bag. Any small bag with pockets works to start.Can wait

Before your first solo you'll be tested on what to do if the radio dies. These two tables live on the face of our kneeboard for that reason.

Memory aid: "75 taken alive, 76 radio fix, 77 going to heaven."

Now the plotter earns its place. Plan on the ground, carry the numbers on your kneeboard.

1. Draw and measure. Course line on the sectional, distance on the 1:500,000 scale.
2. True course. Align the plotter's grid with the chart and read the course at the index.
3. Magnetic course. East is least, west is best: subtract easterly variation, add westerly.
4. Cruising altitude. Above 3,000 ft AGL on a magnetic course of 0–179°, fly odd thousands plus 500 ft. On 180–359°, even thousands plus 500 ft (14 CFR 91.159).

Memory aid for the middle row: "3-152", meaning 3 miles, 1,000 above, 500 below, 2,000 horizontal. Night and higher Class G rules differ, so learn the full table from your instructor.

Every US private pilot logs at least 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments (14 CFR 61.109). You'll log them wearing foggles or a hood.

• Who sits next to you. For simulated instrument flight you need a safety pilot with at least a private certificate for the category and class, a clear view forward and to each side, and dual controls (14 CFR 91.109). In training, that's your CFI.
• What you'll practise. Straight-and-level, climbs, descents, turns to headings and recovery from unusual attitudes, all on the gauges.
• Going for the instrument rating? You'll need 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (14 CFR 61.65). Get foggles that fit well and travel well.

Pack the night before. Lay it all out on the table and check it off.

• Photo ID, pilot certificate and medicalRequired
• Logbook with endorsements, and your completed applicationRequired
• Current charts and your planned cross-countryRequired
• Kneeboard with a fresh notepad and two pensKneeboard →
• Plotter and flight computerPlotter →
• Foggles, adjusted to fit your headsetFoggles →
• Aircraft documents and maintenance recordsYour school has these

Your examiner and school will give you the definitive list. Confirm it with your CFI a week out.