It takes a lot of energy to cover an airshow or a fly-in. Over the years I have experimented with different ways to boost my energy levels. These methods include physically training for a show (running several miles a day or climbing stairs with a 20-pound pack on my back) and during the show ingesting lots of caffeine in the form of coffee, soda, and the dreaded energy drinks. At the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, earlier this year, an acquaintance who knows of my caffeine habit suggested that I give a new product, Pilot Chews, a try.
“I took them and within minutes the mental fog lifted — and they taste good,” he said in wonder, leading me over to the exhibitor who was offering free samples.
An energy boost that tastes good? This was welcome news, since I equate the chugging of foul-tasting energy drinks to Rocky drinking eggs.
“Pilot Chews taste like candy,” said promoter Eli Weingarden as he handed out samples at the show. “Pilot Chews are also different in its makeup, providing better energy and providing many other benefits besides that energy.
“Energy drinks basically just contain caffeine as an active ingredient and a lot of it,” he continued. “Lots of caffeine is not good for you as it slows down one’s response time and could have side effects like the shakes and that crash when it goes away. Pilot Chews does have caffeine in it, but only one cup of coffee’s worth, which works in combination with the other ingredients to have a maximum effect. Pilot Chews also helps with alertness, mental sharpness, memory, reflex, night vision, and oxygen absorption.”
What provides these benefits are natural supplements, including Ginkgo Biloba, Huperzine A, Choline, and ginger, as well as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, he said.
I decided to save the sample Chews until 2 p.m., about the time when the effects of running around at an airshow take their toll on me. He was right about the taste. They taste like Sweet Tarts. True to Weingarden’s claims, within a few minutes I felt more alert. I also didn’t have breath that could kill a Rhino at 10 feet (another side effect of energy drinks). I estimated the effects of the Pilot Chews tablets to be about three to four hours.
Recommended dosage is two tablets before a flight. Cost-wise, they are less expensive than most energy drinks, which often cost $3 or more per serving.
Pilot Chews can be purchased at PilotChews.com as well as at Aircraft Spruce, Pilotshop.com, and at various smaller pilot shops, FBOs, and flight schools.
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