What’s In My Flight Bag?
10 Pilot Essentials I Never Fly Without
Because “just winging it” doesn’t work when you forget your kneeboard. When I started flying, I thought a cheap backpack and a pair of sunglasses would do the trick. Fast-forward to today: my flight bag is a curated survival kit disguised as a duffel. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced aviator, here are the tried-and-tested items that earn their keep every flight.
1. Noise-Canceling Headset
I fly with a Bose A30 because my ears (and passengers) deserve peace. It’s pricey, but your hearing is worth it.
Also consider: David Clark H10 or Lightspeed Zulu.
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2. iPad with ForeFlight (and a RAM Mount)
ForeFlight is my co-pilot. I use a iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular, secured with a RAM yoke mount.
Bonus: Don’t forget a sun shield or anti-glare screen protector.
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3. Backup ADS-B Receiver
I carry a Sentry Mini for weather and traffic. It’s compact, reliable, and lives in my bag 24/7.
Sentry Mini at Sporty’s
4. Portable Battery Pack
Don’t rely on panel power. I carry a 20,000 mAh Anker PowerCore and a tangle-free USB-C cable.
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5. Pilot Kneeboard
I’m old-school. I still jot down ATIS and squawk codes. A solid kneeboard = cockpit sanity.
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6. Flashlight (with Red Mode)
Because circuit breakers don’t glow in the dark. I use a Dual-Color LED light clipped inside my bag.
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7. Fuel Tester & Dipstick
Sure, you might remember to sump every tank. But will you remember to bring your fuel tester?
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8. Snacks & Water
Hanger rage is real at 7,500 feet. I pack protein bars, trail mix, and a collapsible water bottle.
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9. Checklists & POH
Yes, digital is great—but batteries die. I keep printed checklists in a Ziploc, laminated if I’m fancy.
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10. Sunglasses (Non-Polarized)
Polarized lenses mess with your avionics. I wear non-polarized, UV-protective aviators.
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Bonus: Flight Bag Itself
My current go-to is the Flight Gear iPad Bag from Sporty’s—compact, padded, and built for abuse.
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Final Thoughts
Everything in this bag has earned its place through trial, error, and one very sweaty emergency landing. If you’re building your own kit, consider this list your runway checklist. Use the affiliate links above to upgrade your cockpit while supporting Canucope Aviation—at no extra cost to you.
Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may receive a small commission that helps fund fuel, flight logs, and furry co-pilots on rescue missions. Thank you!
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