What do you carry in your flight bag?
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: West Sussex, UK
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What do you carry in your flight bag?
Hi,Just wondering what all you guys keep in your flightbag??
Would be interesting to see what everyone carries / any tips?
ETOPS
Would be interesting to see what everyone carries / any tips?
ETOPS
High Flying Bird
Join Date: Dec 2000
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We had this one a few months ago: link
To update though, I've now removed all but 2 of my airsick bags, my out of date maps, the chocolate bar wrapper, and the marker pens that didn't work
To update though, I've now removed all but 2 of my airsick bags, my out of date maps, the chocolate bar wrapper, and the marker pens that didn't work
The Original Whirly
Join Date: Feb 1999
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I've added a couple of small blow-up cushions (available at camping shops) for the times I hire an aircraft on impulse in a new place and can't reach the pedals. 
In Florida I flew an R44 for the first time, leaning against my flight bag. Not wonderfully comfortable, but I survived to tell the tale.
In Florida I flew an R44 for the first time, leaning against my flight bag. Not wonderfully comfortable, but I survived to tell the tale.
Join Date: Apr 2001
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LASORS is very good - however I'm already wordering if I should include my flight bag in the weight & balance checks so my copy is sitting at home. I figure I can probably survive circuits without needing to know the requirements for a CPL(B) flight test... 
However, it did make me wonder how much heavier my flight bag can get. Ever since I started the weight seems to have been going up and up as I add Pooleys, LASORS (ditched again), a PA-28 guide, kneeboards, assorted Nav kit, pencils and plogs. I've already outgrown a headset case and then Transair's Cockpit bag, and I've moved on to their 'Traveller'. I'm gonna be packing a suitcase if this goes on.... 
However, it did make me wonder how much heavier my flight bag can get. Ever since I started the weight seems to have been going up and up as I add Pooleys, LASORS (ditched again), a PA-28 guide, kneeboards, assorted Nav kit, pencils and plogs. I've already outgrown a headset case and then Transair's Cockpit bag, and I've moved on to their 'Traveller'. I'm gonna be packing a suitcase if this goes on....
Join Date: Jan 2001
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A packet of fags (Cigarettes to the Americans ) and two lighters. Its a nightmare if you lose one.......
It's said that you are more likely to survive a accidental night out in the open when backcountry skiing if you are a smoker. You always carry the means to light a fire and keep warmer.
It's said that you are more likely to survive a accidental night out in the open when backcountry skiing if you are a smoker. You always carry the means to light a fire and keep warmer.
PPruNaholic!
Join Date: Aug 2000
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One good reason to carry LASORS is that you don't need to remember to have a whole set of differnt AIC's and Safety Sense leaflets with you, many of which are a good idea to have handy e.g. when trying to remember all the factors you should use when calculating take-off/landing performance, etc. etc.
Another good reason is that it includes the interception procedures - the French (and others?) require that you carry a copy of these with you at all times! I bet many don't, and by carrying this one book there's no need to remember
Another good reason is that it includes the interception procedures - the French (and others?) require that you carry a copy of these with you at all times! I bet many don't, and by carrying this one book there's no need to remember
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Evo, I'm willing to be that your bag isn't as heavy as mine - maybe we should compare next time we meet up?
I still haven't been able to figure out why my bag is so much heavier than anyone else's, because I still have very little in there that's not essential:
All of this goes everywhere with me (except when I'm doing aerobatics which, sadly, doesn't happen very often). Even if I'm just doing circuits. I know people who will happily fly in the circuit with just a headset and (maybe!) a chart. As I said on the previous thread, if someone lands gear-up and closes the airfield, I want to have all the information to hand so that I can find my way to another airfield.
I don't have a sick-bag, but probably should, although there is one that lives in the aircraft.
FFF
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I still haven't been able to figure out why my bag is so much heavier than anyone else's, because I still have very little in there that's not essential:
- Headset
- CRP1 and non-permanent marker pen
- Chart with permanent marker pens of various colours
- Kneeboard, with pens/pencils
- Blank flight planning/logging sheets
- License, passport and logbook
- Operating notes for the Europa
- Checklist for the PA28, which I can probably remove since I don't fly PA28s very often any more
- Notebook and pen
- Pooleys
All of this goes everywhere with me (except when I'm doing aerobatics which, sadly, doesn't happen very often). Even if I'm just doing circuits. I know people who will happily fly in the circuit with just a headset and (maybe!) a chart. As I said on the previous thread, if someone lands gear-up and closes the airfield, I want to have all the information to hand so that I can find my way to another airfield.
I don't have a sick-bag, but probably should, although there is one that lives in the aircraft.
FFF
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK Work: London. Home: East Anglia
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AerBabe -
What on earth do you use the small bottle of AVGAS for? If I ever want a drop to help wipe the oil off something, that's what the fuel tester's for...
Having said that, small bottles of volative substances are no stranger to my own flight bag. Apart from the same things as everyone else, I carry: spare glasses, spare spare glasses (as my AME said, I _really_ need them when I'm flying!), and a little all-in-one glasses cleaner kit which includes a pump-action alcohol-based cleaning spray and a small non-scratchy cloth.
Last year's chart has now moved from my flight bag to the briefcase I take to work, where it features in the occasional coffee-break daydream. Though this is not always understood by the uninitiated. e.g. last evening at the dinner table: "Where are you going, dear?" asks the missus, seeing dinner table bedecked with half-mil. "Just working out how I'm going to get to Wroughton." "And do you think you'll have worked it out by October, when you're going?"
What on earth do you use the small bottle of AVGAS for? If I ever want a drop to help wipe the oil off something, that's what the fuel tester's for...
Having said that, small bottles of volative substances are no stranger to my own flight bag. Apart from the same things as everyone else, I carry: spare glasses, spare spare glasses (as my AME said, I _really_ need them when I'm flying!), and a little all-in-one glasses cleaner kit which includes a pump-action alcohol-based cleaning spray and a small non-scratchy cloth.
Last year's chart has now moved from my flight bag to the briefcase I take to work, where it features in the occasional coffee-break daydream. Though this is not always understood by the uninitiated. e.g. last evening at the dinner table: "Where are you going, dear?" asks the missus, seeing dinner table bedecked with half-mil. "Just working out how I'm going to get to Wroughton." "And do you think you'll have worked it out by October, when you're going?"
Join Date: Mar 2001
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I have the problem (and social stigma) of flying for my job and for a hobby.
Flying for job:
1. Map - Has most of the info you need on it. If not you can write on it.
2. Chinagraph (for writing on map).
3. Watch - Russian wind up so no batteries to run out. To be used in conjunction with compass (usually already fitted to aircraft).
4. Wallet - Contains ID card, credit card and a bit of cash.
Flying for fun:
As above + Licence.
Flying for job:
1. Map - Has most of the info you need on it. If not you can write on it.
2. Chinagraph (for writing on map).
3. Watch - Russian wind up so no batteries to run out. To be used in conjunction with compass (usually already fitted to aircraft).
4. Wallet - Contains ID card, credit card and a bit of cash.
Flying for fun:
As above + Licence.
Join Date: Oct 2001
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I don't know what I've got in my Flight Bag, but I'm willing to bet its heavier than anyone elses.
The problem is that there is nothing in there that I don't need, headsets, kneeboard, etc, etc. I've even started taking another bag with sunglasses, wallet, GPS, & mobile phone in it.
Remind me to weigh it & post the result.
The problem is that there is nothing in there that I don't need, headsets, kneeboard, etc, etc. I've even started taking another bag with sunglasses, wallet, GPS, & mobile phone in it.
Remind me to weigh it & post the result.
Join Date: Jul 2001
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As well as the Leatherman (mine's a cheapo copy), I've decided I'm going to add a crisp £20 note to my flightbag. I seem to have a problem with the concept of landing fees - everytime I land away, I have heartstopping moment while I wonder whether or not I have remembered to bring any cash for the landing fee.
High Flying Bird
Join Date: Dec 2000
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Lowtimer, the bottle of Avgas is to clean my maps off. And sniff. Lovely stuff... mmmmm 
Romeo Romeo has a good point though. If I like the smell so much, maybe nice men in growbags will too
Romeo Romeo has a good point though. If I like the smell so much, maybe nice men in growbags will too
I'm sure I answered it before, but my nav-bag is sat here, so let's see...
GPS
Spare strap
Calculator
Control force gauge & tape measure (I live an interesting life)
Kneeboard
gash trip logbook
type data cards
RAF Flight Information Handbook
RAF Minor airfields guide
Pooleys
Torch
Pens and pencils
Spare batteries
Stick-on compass roses
Flying Gloves
Baseball cap
Loo roll
Assorted charts
Dalton computer
Blank ASI Calibration charts
Scale map rule
(where the hell has my protractor gone, it should be in here)
Couple of old flying magazines.
Swiss army knife.
There's usually a cockpit voice recorder as well.
G
GPS
Spare strap
Calculator
Control force gauge & tape measure (I live an interesting life)
Kneeboard
gash trip logbook
type data cards
RAF Flight Information Handbook
RAF Minor airfields guide
Pooleys
Torch
Pens and pencils
Spare batteries
Stick-on compass roses
Flying Gloves
Baseball cap
Loo roll
Assorted charts
Dalton computer
Blank ASI Calibration charts
Scale map rule
(where the hell has my protractor gone, it should be in here)
Couple of old flying magazines.
Swiss army knife.
There's usually a cockpit voice recorder as well.
G
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
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Genghis,
I know you lead an interesting flying life but "A LOO ROLL" in the flight bag?
I hope I never get that scared....
I know you lead an interesting flying life but "A LOO ROLL" in the flight bag?
I hope I never get that scared....