Pilot Chart Case

[PilotRon]

I am in training with a commuter airline and need to buy a good chart case.

I could use some good imput on where online to look for bags, and what is a good bag to buy..

Any and all help would be appreciated.

 

[Dash8]

lunchboxes

just go to officemax/depot or staples, and look at their various catalog cases, to find one that has features you want at a reasonable price, rather than shelling out a couple three hundred for a 'chart case' that isn't much different than the 50-60 dollar ones at office supply stores

 

[bubba7]

Office depot has a good one for 30 bucks that's lasted me for 2 years and counting.

 

[beechdriver]

The bags at Office Max, etc. are OK, but I have worn out two inexpensive bags since starting my stint at the regionals. If you treat them gently, they will last you OK, but I personally haven't found the life of a commuter pilot to be too kind on any equipment - headsets, suitcases, uniforms, etc. all seem to take quite a beating. Then again, maybe I'm just a heavy handed ape.

A few years ago I inherited a Scott flight bag (or chart case, if you prefer) from my pop when he retired from UAL. It had over 10 years and a bazillion miles on it when I got it, and I have beat the crap out of it tromping around the country in the 1900. It works fantastic in the Beech, as it is soft-sided and fits perfectly in the cockpit behind my seat - and this plane has VERY little room in it for much of anything. A Scott bag will set you back a couple bills, but are WAY worth it, IMHO.

Best of luck to you!

 

[cl-65link]

I've had mine for 10+ years. Airline pilot discount available.http://www.scottleather.com

 

[LearLove]

By chart case I assume you mean flight bag. Just go to staples or office max and pick up the canvas one by Heritage. It will last and they will replace it FREE when it goes in about 1.5 to 2 years. Just give them a call and they send you a new one no questions asked. After a few years get a Scott. I've got one bought in 1978 and its still goin strong.

 

[Cardinal]

Staples/OfficeMax also has a nice Cordura nylon option, it seems to have bulletproof zippers and doesn't care if it gets wet. No "clickety-clack" closure, instead two big plastic buckles on top. The nylon matches the suitcase, fwiw.

 

[CRJ puppy]

I'll cast my vote for either the $30 "pleather" case at Office Depot or the $50 "virgin vinyl" case at Staples for $50. I got the one at Staples and after a year, it's still going strong...my suitcase on the other hand is a whole 'nother story...

 

[boeingav8r]

Chart Cases or Catalog cases....most pilots call 'em kitbags.

Anyway, by the 3rd or 4th time you get your office depot one wet, it will start to weaken because it's cardboard. I have a scottsleather and I think they are the best in my opinion. $$ a little more, but it will last for 20+ years.... the only problem is that sometimes the black dye that they use to color the leather rubs off...you can dye it back to make it look original.

 

[CRJ puppy]

well, my $50 Staples model has been dragged all through the snow of Dulles and O'Hare and no ill efffects...never mind that 1 mile treck dragging it through that feb. blizzard in the NE this year...

so $50 while being a poor FO still gets my vote! rather spend my money on a good headset...my hearing I can't replace, the bag I can...

 

[sf260pilot]

Scotty bags in Milsap

If you are in the DFW area drive out to Mineral Wells/Millsap. Scott saddle makes excellent flight cases and he has some scatched ones deeply discounted, These are the same bags sold at Sporty's for $300. If your time is not worth that much go out and save some money.

 

[LearLove]

"Cordura nylon option" yeah thats the one i'm talking about - let me repeat my self - FREE REPLACEMENT (just make sure its HERITAGE) and your DC H10-30 headset will work fine, headsets are for pussies anyway.

 

[Airpiraterob]

go the other route perhaps?

freight pilot durability all the way,

i chose the Platt cases...

www.plattcases.com
http://www.plattcases.com/Products-A-New.asp?ProductID=86

found it to be quite durable so far. nice industrial touches. good platform for your stickers. extra long sizes as well...19" and 21"

looks sharp but im not sure how itll do in the regional environment.

 

[RUhiring?]

Ron,
After 3 crappy bags from various places (office supply store, aircrew, sporty's), I finally bought a scott leather bag. It's by far the best made. All of the Scott bags are hand made and top of the line. I love it.

 

[Vinman]

I know this is about bags, and I'm not trying to push a sale, but I saw it get into headsets. For those who want to help their hearing and don't want to spend the big money on DC or Bose's noise cancelling headsets, try anr-headsets.com . You can add this kit to I think just about any headset out there. I added it to my already owned DC and then got to try someone elses Bose. The sound quality was so small of a difference that I almost couldn't tell. Plus, it runs on one nine volt instead of 4 AA's. Battery lasts about 2 weeks. All you need is a medium amount of electrical ability and an afternoon off. Much, much cheaper than the factory stock anr headsets.

 

[CRJ puppy]

Re: go the other route perhaps?

freight pilot durability all the way,

i chose the Platt cases...

www.plattcases.com
http://www.plattcases.com/Products-A-New.asp?ProductID=86

found it to be quite durable so far. nice industrial touches. good platform for your stickers. extra long sizes as well...19" and 21"

looks sharp but im not sure how itll do in the regional environment.

The chart case bin in the CRJ is a scant 8.5" x 19" so the largest bag you can have is 8" x 18" with no outside pockets. And you'll still have to be careful not to rip out the spare fuses as you remove and insert your bag.

Hope that helps. I still vote for the "el cheapo" bag until you start bringing in a little scratch. The el cheapo definitely isn't going to last much more than 2-3 yrs., but by then you'll be able to afford a good one and you will know what you want by observing what your fellow pilots are using.

 

[sayagain?]

LearLove-

Do you have the contact information for Heritage. Would like to have my bag replaced. Thanks.

Sayagain?
ex-ALG

 

[Looking4Traffic]

Cordura Nylon Heritage Case?

Learlove:

I've been searching the internet for Heritage cases with the "Cordura nylon" option without success. I've only found the traditional vinyl Heritage cases. Please advise.

Thanks.