subject: Aviation Goodies [print this page] The UK has just received its first stealth fighter jet, known as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Described by Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond as the best warplane money can buy, each single plane costs over 100 million. Pilots have said that the new plane will be worth its weight in gold and certainly such a sky high price tag means that most aviation enthusiasts will have to make do without one of these spectacular pieces of engineering on their front drives. This is a shame, really, since The F35s vertical take-off and 1,200mph top speed would make the school run an absolute doddle.
Thankfully not all aviation goodies are so expensive and there are pilot gifts out there that will turn the head of your own Top Gun without you breaking the bank. They can be the proud owner of such iconic planes as the Tiger Moth, the Spitfire, the Vulcan, the Eurofighter Typhoon or even a monster like the Boeing 474 or Concorde, because all of these classic aircraft are available as finely crafted cufflink settings, beautifully set in hallmarked silver. The Clivedon Collection from DJH engineering specialises in aviation and pilot gifts and offers everything from aeroplane-themed desk clocks and paperweights cast in high quality pewter to personal jewellery and memorabilia so that the wearer can cut a dash whether their taking to the skies or enjoying some time back on solid ground.
Whilst these refined gifts suit the elegance and glamour of flight, there are more technical and quirky ranges of pilot gifts available for the hardcore enthusiasts who like to bring something of that extreme engineering into the home. Trintec Industries Inc have taken the altitude meters and fuel gauges that youd expect to find in the cockpit of a jet fighter and brought them to a range of more down-to-earth household gifts from fridge magnets and coasters to uniquely designed wall clocks. The instantly recognisable dials are authentically created from durable High Impact Polystyrene and scratch resistant glass to echo the technology that is their inspiration. The clocks employ highly accurate Quartz movement, as youd expect from a company whose Zulu Chronograph watches are designed and made for professional pilots.
All these great bits of design have a wonderful vintage feel to them and with their distinctive Top Gun style they would make inspired pilot gifts that will prove to be a sure-fire hit with even the trickiest maverick.
