The Pilot's Flight Bag

Every pilot has a dedicated bag for carrying their flight equipment, but what does it typically contain? Let’s explore the items used to prepare for and execute a flight!

I start with the essential documents: pilot’s license, aeronautical medical certificate, identification card, and flight logbook. Some of these documents may be requested by customs officials when accessing the aircraft parking area.

In my document holder, I also have: the weather guide (useful for understanding the symbols on TEMSI charts), the FFA VFR memo, a navigation log, the ICAO chart, and the traditional pencils, BIC pens, and sheets of A4 paper.

Let’s move on to the flight equipment! The item I find most useful is the wind correction circle. It’s a transparent plastic circle with a compass rose. A string attached to the center of the circle allows you to quickly determine the heading to follow. On one side, there’s a graduated scale in nautical miles. On the other three sides, there are scales graduated in minutes, which is useful for calculating the time needed to reach a specific point.

For writing in your navigation log during flight, there’s nothing more practical than a flight kneeboard. It attaches to your thigh with a strap. Mine also has a mini binder where I keep my VAC charts.

For clear communication on the radio, a good headset is essential. Mine is equipped with an ANR (Active Noise Reduction) unit, which reduces background noise and therefore reduces auditory fatigue. I also have a pair of sunglasses (non-polarized) to protect my eyes, and of course, my favorite cap, a classic among pilots! ;-)

Next, I’ll introduce you to my most unusual item: the flight computer! It’s a circular slide rule with a rotating disk in the center and numbers all around. It allows you to perform various calculations, such as fuel consumption, the time it takes to travel a certain distance, multiplication, and conversion. You can also calculate drift and ground speed on its other side. The flight computer is a very useful tool for preparing for and executing a flight.

I also include a small bottle of water, a collared shirt for the weather briefing, a high-visibility vest, a flashlight for the pre-flight inspection, spare batteries, and a charging cable for my phone.

I use a backpack to organize my belongings. The various pockets allow for efficient and organized storage.

By the way, I used to have a travel bag where I kept my flight equipment. During a flight from Granville to Rennes, a warm front prevented me from returning to Rennes. I had to turn back to Granville. I can tell you that carrying your bag for about forty minutes to get to the hotel is not very practical. So, when I got home, I switched to a backpack, which is more suitable for a private pilot!

So, now you know what I put in my bag (backpack!). Of course, the contents vary from pilot to pilot. For example, a commercial airline pilot must carry many more essential documents (23 versus 8 for a private pilot).