Flight Bag

[Doug]

In all seriousness though, what are you carrying with you? I just cannot imagine needing anything, especially with your time, it's not like you are doing cross-country or anything. I only have about 1.5 hours more flight time than you, and have probably never been more than 5 miles from the airport...

 

[pilotmyf]

Don't make everyone think you're a geek! And don't even think about wearing a flightsuit either!!!!

Other things not to show up with:
Cessna Logo Jacket
Airline Headset
Flight Helmet
Those big @ss aviator sunglasses
Shirt w/ epaulettes (maybe one with five stripes)
Airline pilot melon cover
Wings pinned on your shirt (unless they were given to you by a flight attendant)
And yes: those big square flight cases

 

[qmaster3]

In all seriousness though, what are you carrying with you? I just cannot imagine needing anything, especially with your time, it's not like you are doing cross-country or anything. I only have about 1.5 hours more flight time than you, and have probably never been more than 5 miles from the airport...

Hey bud this will change soon. I remember the feeling of "when will I get to fly to another airport". After the first few hrs it starts going fast. I recommend a back pack, or tote bag. Just big enough to fit books, charts, and head sets, etc.



Funny thing on the flight suits. On the TR the ships company aviators decided to wear flight suits on Fridays. I know on the bridge they got a rash of sh!t from the everyone. I will never forget asking my ANAV if he lost his bird. I think I almost got demoted to third over that one. You know you have a serious case of gayness when you walk around a GA airport with a flight suit on, and I always make it a point to express it when I see it

 

[LearLove]

I was going to start my Private Pilot and instead of getting a flight bag would anyone recommend buying an actual Flight Case that the real airline pilots use?

The standard LL bean, eddy bauer, jannd sport backpack will do. leave the sporty's stuff at home.

 

[VFR on Top]

Cencal is out of business but Sky High Gear makes some great flight bags. Very well thought out designs and much lower prices than Cencal.

http://www.marvgolden.com/flight-bags/skyhigh.htm

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ps/flightbagscases.html

 

[GAcfi]

backpack or bag

I believe these posts have answered your question. A bookbag or a small flight bag will sufice. I'm still carrying a gliem bag that is 10 years old when I do GA flights. it holds a headset, plotter, and numerous books. As another poster advised, what do you need within 25nm of the airport. If your cfi gets lost in that range, give me a call. Seriously, take the lightest bag, and what makes you comfortable. If what makes you comfortable is a 25 pound bag, well make your cfi do a weight and balance! if the they are unwilling, come to ATL.

Cencal is out of business but Sky High Gear makes some great flight bags. Very well thought out designs and much lower prices than Cencal.

http://www.marvgolden.com/flight-bags/skyhigh.htm

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ps/flightbagscases.html

 

[6'0 AGL]

You really need one of those "over the seat" caddy things!!! That would totally look awsome!!!


But seriously go to Office Depot and get a (i think they call it, looks like the expensive bags from jep etc.) sales bag, about $35 and use it to keep all your books and extra crap for ground school all in one place and use the smallest bag you can for the airplane with the basics!!!

 

[SmellsLikeAvGas]

Dude, definitely not. As said above, people will make fun. All you really need to carry around is a headset (if you've got one yet.. if not, use your money towards one.. the sweaty, pukey flight schools ones aren't usually the best..) a pen, maybe a chart or two, and a checklist. Use a bookbag or one of the bags that'll probably come with your Private Pilot book kit. Concentrate on learning to be a pilot.. don't worry about dressing like one. Good luck!

 

[Swede]

I have a dream... that one day I will be able to jettison my titanic kit bag that weighs in at 45 pounds. Schlepping that bag is a nightmare over a long trip. Why anyone would want one is beyond me. Unfortunately, every ounce of crap in that 45 pounds, except maybe a magazine or two, is required by the powers that be for my current position.

With every Jeppeson update, I curse the filthy bean counter who didn't pursue the paperless concept when it became viable.

"Bill, got yer latest Jeppeson DVD? Plug 'er into that slot on the panel so our approaches wil show up on the NAV display, and the arrival airport diagram will be ready." Ahhhhhhh!

 

[akscott60]

I have always used a typical USMC helmet bag that my father gave me. I can fit everything including lesson plans and plates. Plus, its compact, rugged, and cool.

 

[Goose Egg]

I like the Sky High ones as well, as VFR on Top said. When I'm just doing local dual instruction, I usually only bring my headset and a kneeboard (one of those trifold ones where I can stash my all my stuff). But on bad wx days or on XCs (when I bring my plates) and whatever else, I like to have a lot of equipment with me.

-Goose

P.S. Go Cougars!

 

[Tinstaafl]

Best nav bag I ever had is an old, faded yellow canvas satchel. Just big enough for my maps & approach plates, kneeboard, fuel tester & other bits & pieces. It can be slung over my shoulder, stuffed into most places etc. In flight it sits under my legs, resting against the front of my seat. Convenient to access & doesn't interfer with using the pedals. I can attach the shoulder straps to the seat structure if I wish.

As for those stupid bloody pilot cases: A WOFTAM for light aircraft and only suitable for storing the next amendment & unused gear at home.

 

[taloft]

Three years as an instructor and never needed a bag. If you must have a bag, use the one that comes with your headset. Maybe a backpack for your study books, but that should stay on the ground, not come with you in the airplane.

Headset in one hand, tri-fold kneeboard (small kind) in the other.

Tri-fold kneeboard holds:
- Mini-maglight in one pen holder, pen in the other.
- Paper (of course)
- Sectional should just fit behind the metal board.
- AFD (airport facility directory) goes in one of the pockets.
- Little squeeze light, clipped to the top metal bar (optional)
- Little timer, clipped to the other side of the top metal bar

One 2-inch Jepp Binder allowed for instrument training.

Security comes from the knowledge you will gain about flying, not from bags stuffed with Sporty's Pilot Shop goodies. IMHO