What to Keep in Your Flight Bag as a Professional Pilot

Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund. As pilots progress in their training and careers, the items they may need in their flight bags also evolve. Paper charts and E6Bs that are often used for pilots in training are often replaced with more advanced electronic flight bags (EFBs) for the majority of professional pilots. The faster and louder planes require additional items to be carried in a flight bag. The following items are useful for most jet pilots to carry in their flight bags. 1. iPad In-flight training paper sectionals, approach plates, taxi diagrams, operating manuals, etc., are common. As pilots progress in their training and careers, these items can all be found in electronic format on an iPad. Updating paper charts can be time-consuming and expensive; therefore, most professional pilots use electronic flight bags for the ease of keeping charts updated and at their fingertips. The iPad is a staple in professional pilots' flight bags. 2. Battery pack Long days and the sun beating down on your devices can drain the batteries. A heavy-duty battery pack, such as Anker batteries, can come to the rescue. Pilots rely on their phones to talk to their company, dispatchers, maintenance, and hotel personnel. It is important that pilots have a sufficient charge on their cell phones. If not more important, it is crucial that pilot IPads are charged as well. IPads have become critical for most professional pilots. Airport diagrams, approach plates, weather forecasts, quick reference handbooks (QRH), and operating manuals are often digital and only accessed via the pilot's iPad. Some more advanced aircraft may have cockpit outlets; however, many jets do not and outlets have the potential of being deferred for maintenance. A backup battery pack to keep devices charged is important for all professional pilots to have. 3. Sunglasses Sunglasses are an important staple in most pilots' flight bags. Pilots often have to take off or land with the sun beating through the windows. Sunglasses make it easier to see the instruments while and window shades can be insufficient during these critical phases of flight. In addition, pilots are susceptible to UV eye damage due to flying at higher altitudes and the fishbowl-like design of multiple cockpit windows. Sunglasses not only help you operate the aircraft but also have long-term benefits of keeping your eyesight healthy. 4. Window shades Many jet aircraft are equipped with plastic movable sun shades or retractable shades on the side windows. Oftentimes, there are no shades for the front two windows. Many pilots carry collapsible window shades that stick to the windows. A popular brand is Kinder Fluff, which is a window shade often used for automobiles. However, these shades work on aircraft windows as well. 5. Sunscreen It is important for pilots to carry and use sunscreen. Pilots are at a higher risk for skin cancer due to flying at higher altitudes, which is closer to the sun, resulting in higher radiation levels. Sunscreen can prevent sunburns and the chances of developing melanoma. The sunscreen will also help protect you on a preflight walk-around. It is always smart to keep a small bottle in your flight bag for when you need it. 6. Hearing protectionPilots are required to do a preflight inspection prior to every flight. Most jet aircraft have a noise auxiliary power unit (APU) that is loud and can cause hearing damage. In general, the tarmac is a noisy place due to being in close proximity to other aircraft's jet engines and APUs running. Many pilots use the complimentary hearing protection given out by their employers; however, some pilots invest in custom molded earplugs or higher-end earplugs, such as Loop. Protecting your hearing should be a top priority for pilots. Hearing is crucial to maintaining your FAA medical certificate. Keeping earplugs in your flight bag for walk-around is one of the top things a pilot can do to prevent hearing loss. The items carried in a pilot's flight bag change once a pilot gets their first commercial gig. Some items stay the same from flight training to a career flying jets. However, the nature of flying aircraft at higher altitudes, faster speeds, and the loud environment associated with jets requires a few additional items. You cannot go wrong with these items in your flight bag.