I’ve been spending the past week looking around on online stores for a decently priced flight bag. The one I have now is too small. It’s a small bag that I got as work swag.
It has no issues holding all of the items I use (or don’t) on a typical flight. I am going to be adding quite a bit more weight to it now that I’m going to be starting my Multi-IFR training soon.
- Headset. To talk to people (especially ATC)
- CFS. Because it’s the law (and it’s nice to know stuff about where you’re landing)
- Maps. See above.
- Handheld GPS. I use it mostly for x-country trips for aircraft that don’t have a GPS unit. It is pre-loaded with most of the navaids, airports, and reporting points in Ontario.
- Calculator. For when my brain fails
- Paper towel. Checking oil, wiping things down, cleaning up passengers lunch.
- Work Gloves. So my hands don’t smell like grease, fuel, etc..
- A broken protractor. I have no idea why that’s there
- E6B. For when my brain and my calculator fail.
- Kneeboard. Makes it easy to write things on paper.
- Extra pencil. In case my main one breaks (I dont like using pen)
- Licenses. Because its the law
- Fuel tester. Make sure the right fuel is in the tanks
- Flashlight. Because it’s the law (especially at night)
- POH. Because it’s the law (not shown)
![flightbagopen.jpg](http://fly.blakecrosby.com/blog/images/flightbagopen.jpg)
I’m curious to know what’s in your flight bag! Feel free to blog about what tools you use for your flights and why.
As well, does anyone have any recommendations for a particular brand/type and a place to buy one?
plus
cellphone
extra batteries
and logbook
I like having a few extra things:
– lip baum, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
– pocket binoculars for checking things out on the ground
– passport for flying to the US
My bag is a real simple cheap one. It is big enough for my headset and has a number of extra pockets for the other stuff I bring. The best thing it was significantly cheaper because it wasn’t a “Flight Bag” No one will think less of you because it isn’t a name brand bag either.
M
Oh yeah, I agree. It doesn’t have to be a “flight bag” per se. Just has to be a bag that can hold all my stuff.
I’d use a grocery bag if they lasted longer ;)
I just bought a bag from Sky High Gear that is great. It holds both of my headsets, has pockets for organizing my charts and pens/pencils. Also has a special pocket for a handheld radio or GPS. Lots of great organization. Check out the websit at http://www.skyhighgear.com. I have the first duffle bag under their products page, and despite the picture it does not have the large red emblem in the middle of the bag.
For a bag, I like to use a backpack as I can loop it over either the front or back of the right seat. Keeps stuff close but secure.
I also have what is known in the military as a “Junior General Kit”. It can hold all the flat and small stuff (maps, flight plan, calculator/e6b) and has clear sleeves for maps, plates, etc., as well as a map sleeve on the outside. Very useful and small enough to use in the cockpit and stow anywhere.
Tom.