No 1 Airline Pilot Bag.

[RMC]

I have tried a search but mainly came up with GA responses.
Anyone got any advice/ links which might point me in the right direction

[Ropey Pilot]

As Mike Jenvey said: how long is a piece of string?

Do you have a headset on the aircraft or do you have to cart around a pair of David Clarks?

How big is the space on your aircraft - a lot of smaller jets won't fit a bag the size of the link above - laptop cases are popular in this event.

Does your company specify anything? I remember toying with the idea of an aluminium case - but my company says they have to be black.

Do you overnight/4 days away/go tech very often? You may have a seperate case for long trips or just have to keep a spare shirt/t-shirt/Underwear and toothbrush if you frequently find yourself stranded.

Depending what is on the aircraft you might find that all you need is your licence, passport and a pair of shades - so you can fit it all in your jacket.

Your folks may get you a bag for a few hundred £££ as a well done present - or personally I have never paid more than £20 - initially on a laptop case and now on a cheap flight case in WH Smith!

[maxdrypower]

you can buy and almost exact replica of those sold by most flight stores in argos for 20 quid

[RMC]

Well spotted Mike. My ex initially set up this ID (CC) but I have kept it in memory of some good times.:{

Anyway it's a 737 and it looks like Argos have it thanks guys.

[AerocatS2A]

I'd suggest getting one with wheels and a handle if you ever have to walk for more than 5 minutes!

[A2QFI]

I am picking one up tomorrow, just to use as legal size hand luggage. I will report on quality and construction + empty weight, when I get it home. My currently used one is semi-rigid with handle and wheels and weighs over 3kg empty.

[Rainboe]

Good choice! It is identical to the one I paid over double for at a specialist aviation supplier. The quest for the perfect briefcase! I am now on a wheelie, but it's empty weight is high, and loaded with my normal payload, it's a real backbreaker getting it behind the seat and around the supernumery cup holder so strategically placed to obstruct me.

[lastmanstanding]

Staples do a natty one too. I had an old argos one but its given up the ghost after 6 sterling years service(only cost £16!)
Been using a work freeby til I can be bothered to go to town.Don't I look cool.................................no:8

[extreme P]

www.scottleather.com

You're going to pay for it but it is an outstanding piece.

[GlueBall]

Most baggage isn't designed for every day usage, that's why expensive leather bags' threads come undone after 3 years. And the Polos, Samsonites, Pierre Cardins, and Delseys, said to be for frequent travelers, are in fact for travellers who travel rather infrequently; nylon, imitation nylon, and denim computer attaches included. They all get worn out quickly: Ragged, shredded, . . . zippers get jammed, wheels squeak, handles come off. Name brand, stylish, fashion forward luggage is nothing more than an overpriced compendium of horsesh!t. Dependable airline crew luggage has yet to be invented. :eek:

[Dan Winterland]

First of all. you have to ask what you need to take with you. I'f you're with Air Atlanta and have to carry your own Jepps around with you, then buy a big one. But some airlines don't require you to carry anything. My last one actually banned you using anything but compny literature which was all on the flight deck anyway. One guy I used to fly with turned up with his license in one shirt pocket and his passport in the other - and no bag.

Me, I carry my licence, passport, my hat, an A4 folder with my roster and telephone numbers, a couple of pens and the torch required by the local operating authority - and that's about it. I use a Samsonite shoulder bag 'borrowed' from Mrs Winterland, it's lasted about 4 years now and will do me for some time more.

[javafox]

I'm not a pilot, however, most pilots (and many flight attendants) in many US carriers use Purdy Neat roller bags -- here's a link (caveat: I could not see on the site if they ship outside of the US, but it seems likely that they do not):

http://www.stopoverstore.com/product/nav.cfm/pnid/1/nid/2

I've had the 22" metal frame roller bag since October 1997 and it has needed repairs... twice? And I was not precious with it. I've had the outer frame replaced (unusual, as the metal is quite strong; it somehow got bent after I checked it nonrevving), the main zipper replaced, the handle replaced, and new wheels put on. Very normal repairs for 10 years of service IMO. I would recommend this bag over any other bags. V v sturdy and worth the money.

[Rahim Binnur]

Did you explore about the "NORAL" Flight Bag? I think this is the bag what you may like.

http://www.noralenterprises.com

[A2QFI]

This is fine! Meets legal size requirements. Has boards which can be fitted internally with supplied Velcro patches to make it either hard or squashy. One small zipped side pocket, not A4 size, and a big one which closes with velcro and there is also a useful little dog lead clip inside for attaching your car/house keys. Strong black cloth or nylon material, well stitched and should last some time. Good value at the price I'd say.

[DB6]

Argos pilot bag; bought one last week and noticed this morning that the stitching along one side of the top has parted already. Will exchange it of course but my old one (Flightstore?), although it cost about £40, lasted 3 1/2 years. Maybe you get what you pay for.

[Rainboe]

It's a good bag- stitching can come off anything. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the double price Flitestore bag- I strongly think they are from one and the same manufacturer. I have gone onto a wheelie- makes life far easier, but it's so heavy, and a bit large for a dinky 737. On the hunt again! Somewhere there exists the perfect flight bag........

[16down2togo]

what a big deal is this bag???
Years of flying around and the amount of space avail filled up with sh.. that you don't need.
It's just about the space you really need and not the aircraft you fly.
Cut the c..., max the 2 binder jepp does it, if not less and then you don't even need a 'roller'!!!
If you can't carry your necessesities anymore - quit the job!
Most of it is avail in hotels anyway, don't tell me you need all that pilot stuff!

[Yankee Air Pirate]

Purdy Neat 106NG. Pretty much bulletproof. $300. Has a computer pocket built in for your laptop. Quite tidy. I ordered from this site in the states:

www.peripatetictravel.com

Not sure if they ship across the pond. Probably work something out if you are a transatlantic flier. Free shipping in the states & free embroidered handle (where most US pilots put their name or "not yours", etc). Saves about $30 from the manufacturers site & that stopover somebody else mentioned.

Owner is a pilot with one of the US majors. Hope that helps.

Cheers

YAP

[low n' slow]

"Most baggage isn't designed for every day usage, that's why expensive leather bags' threads come undone after 3 years. And the Polos, Samsonites, Pierre Cardins, and Delseys, said to be for frequent travelers, are in fact for travellers who travel rather infrequently; nylon, imitation nylon, and denim computer attaches included. They all get worn out quickly: Ragged, shredded, . . . zippers get jammed, wheels squeak, handles come off. Name brand, stylish, fashion forward luggage is nothing more than an overpriced compendium of horsesh!t. Dependable airline crew luggage has yet to be invented."

Try these: http://peli.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1780T
Can't see how these would ever give up service like a leather bag. This one though I was more thinking of as luggage and not a cockpit bag :} (although I think I saw one in their range that would fit for that use as well...)

LNS

[merlinxx]

Cricky, they're still good value with VAT, still got me three from KHI from th 70s & 90s, Heavy like heck, now use me Jepp brown fabric one, got it free.

[cavortingcheetah]

:hmm:

Whatever the bag, although nothing beats the Jeppesen four binder in black leather, it must be clean and in reasonable condition. All that an old bag does is to reflect upon the carrier's filth tolerance level and/or his impecuniosity. Above all, no silly stickers please, unless you have to plaster your valise with pictures of 757s or whatever in order to aid you in remembering what you might be flying or would like to fly once you have progressed from the blue fluff on the car dashboard stage.
Furthermore and yet again, there seems to be a certain trend, quite noticeable among captains of amateur intellect, to wear gold bars that are well soiled, even grimy in appearance, as though this indicates vast experience of the left hand seat. Epaulettes should be just off brilliant and two pairs, alternated, will soon achieve this professional and devil may care aspect of sartorial elegance.:cool:

[ABUKABOY]

My Company has had 8 pilots have major back-ops in the last 18 years. Nothing wrong with the ergonomics of the a/c (146) IMHO, so reckon it's the heaving of a flight bag and a week-away bag into on-board stowages and physically across your seat and back again (especially) that did for them. All awkward lifts, so keep it light, and be very careful!

[A Very Civil Pilot]

I used to have the greta big leather bag, but after a few years the stitching started to go - more due to the weight of the bag than anything else.
I now use a marine 'navigators bag' from Transmarine (http://www.transmarine.co.uk/product4.asp?SID=4&Product_ID=3833). Much lighter and lots of nifty pockets.

[DB6]

Replacement £19.99 Argos flight bag (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2858542.htm)doing just fine after 3 weeks. Evo-stik a name tag (http://www.terrane.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?Cat1=2&Cat2=&Cat3=&CodeSearch=&Cat1Sub=4&Cat2Sub=&Cat3Sub=&ProductID=2749) on (to pick it out from all the others) and stride boldly towards the horizon with chest out.

[Luke SkyToddler]

Dakine Heli Pro (http://www.snowandrock.com/shop/department/packs_and_luggage/backpacks/products/BSHMP.htm) in plain black :ok:

I don't care how much pricey hand stitched quality goes into your traditional pilot case, at the end of the day it's still a big black heavy leather box with one big poxy handle that cuts off the circulation to your fingers when you have to walk half a mile from the car park to the crew room carrying the damn thing.

It may indeed be smart looking and traditional ... but then again so is a leather flying helmet and goggles. (Although DB6 would make those compulsory as well given half a chance!). The world has moved on in the meantime you know, they have discovered this thing called 'ergonomics'.

[redsnail]

How about a kreiga (http://www.kriega.com/pages/r25/R25-topframeset.html) back pack. It even has some high viz panels for the hi viz nazis prowling around the airfields.

[Juud]

I have had this (http://www.essentials4travel.com/mall/productpage.cfm/e4t/vct0049/56987/Victorinox%20Parthenon%20Laptop%20Trolley) Victorinox for the past 4 years.
It's the most practical, strongest, handiest,most versatile and smoothest rolling bag I have ever owned. (and I've had a few :rolleyes: )

Its construction means that its centre of gravity pulls the handle up rather than weighing your hand down. It is so smartly organised inside that you always know where everything is, and all your stuff is easily accessible.
Apart from 2 front compartments and 2 clever small ones at the back, it has an expandable compartment for the laptop and all the paperwork/books, plus a large compartment big enough for a tax-free botttle plus toiletbag and whatever other bulky stuff you tend to carry.

I have had the local cobblers sow on a company logo (from a hat) and am forever getting questions from colleagues (both cockpit and cabin) about where to buy one like it.

It's one of the best things I have ever bought.

Errmm.... can you tell that I really really like it? ;)