What's in my Flight Bag?
Every pilot strives to carry everything they need, but nothing more.
Here's exactly what was in my flight bag today.
Headset
I use a Bose A20 headset, which retails for $999. When I started flying, I decided to buy a high-end headset right away, knowing I'd kick myself if I bought a cheap one and had to replace it. The A20 has great echo cancellation and has served me well for 6+ years.
iPad
Few tools are more important in the cockpit. Most pilots use ForeFlight to replace the maps and manuals pilots used to carry. It's critical to buy a iPad with (a) at least 128GB storage, and (b) a cellular connection (ask me why). Also shown is a strap that holds the iPad on my knee.
Kneeboard
I use a kneeboard to organize my checklists, my flight plan, and to jot notes. I also carry an extra pen and pencil.
Power Bank and Cords
I carry all the cords required to charge all my devices at my destination, a power bank so I can charge along the way, and spare batteries. A 4 hour flight will drain my iPad completely, since it is using GPS and a bright screen the whole time.
Flashlights and Headlamps
Pilots use red-light flashlights to preserve night vision in flight. Why do I have 3? It's smart to have two for redundancy, and I forgot I had the 3rd one until I emptied my bag for this photo shoot.
Pulse Oximeter and CO Monitor
When flying above 10,000', I check my blood oxygen level every 20 minutes, and if it's too low, I start using my portable oxygen tank. And the CO monitor makes sure engine exhaust isn't leaking into the cabin.
Backup Radio
This is just a precaution. I've never actually had the airplane's radio fail on me. But redundancy is wise. And it also lets me check the airport weather broadcast without starting the airplane's engine.
Logbook and Assorted Papers
I use a paper logbook as well as an electronic one to log each flight, and I like to carry it with me. I also have a small set of papers I need to carry, like my medical certificate and some checklists. I organize them all in a plastic folder.
Glasses
Yup, 3 pairs. I have sunglasses for daytime and clear glasses for night flying. Plus I carry a pair of reading glasses for backup.
Paper Maps
My iPad has all the maps I'll ever need, for the entire US. And the airplane's avionics have all those same maps as well. But out of habit (or nostalgia?) I carry this set, even though they're old and out of date.
Hat and Water Bottle
I love this travel hat because it packs flat and takes no space in my bag. But when I'm flying into the sun, I'm really thankful to pull it out. I like reusing Voss water bottles because they're slim and durable. And that tube is used to check the stall horn on a Cessna 172 (I'll explain in person).
Keys
I happen to co-own a Cessna 182T, so I carry the keys in my bag. But you don't need to own a plane to learn to fly. The club has plenty you can rent.
My Flight Bag Itself
Sporty's calls this their "iPad Flight Bag". Like all things in life, I wish it was 10% bigger. But in general it has served me well, and everything else on this page fits inside it.
