Ultimate Pilot Flight Bag List

Here’s a useful list for when you’re making sure you have everything you need as you head out to to your aircraft.  This comprehensive list contains essential items and tools required for flight planning, navigation, and communication. We hope you find it helpful.

Documentation:

• Pilot’s License.
• Medical Certificate.
• Logbook: Be sure to bring Extra pens.
• Passport: If you’re traveling abroad.

Navigation & Planning Tools:

• Sectional Charts and Maps: Either paper or digital, depending on preference or regulations.
• Flight Computer.
• Plotter.
• Kneeboard.

Communication & Electronics:

• Headset: Ear plugs are nice to have, too.
• Backup Handheld Radio.
• GPS: Either a dedicated aviation GPS unit or an app on a tablet or smartphone.
• Tablet or iPad: Loaded with aviation apps like ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or others for charts, weather, and planning. Be sure to bring the chargers and a charging bank.
• Backup Batteries / Chargers: Especially if relying heavily on electronic devices.
• Flashlight with Red Lens: Headlamps are wonderful. Hands-free!

Safety & Emergency:

• Fuel Tester.
• First-Aid Kit.
• Sunglasses.
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) / Satellite Messenger / Satellite Phone.

Miscellaneous:

• Watch: Preferably with a timer or stopwatch function.
• Checklists: Aircraft-specific pre-flight, in-flight, and emergency checklists.
• Pens & Notepad: For jotting down ATIS / AWOS info, clearances, or other notes.
• Spare Batteries: For headset, flashlights and other gear.
• Gloves: Useful for pre-flight inspections, especially in cold weather.
• Earplugs: Backup for the headset or for passengers.
• Chewing Gum or Mints: Helpful for ear pressure changes during ascent / descent.
• Lip Balm: Life can get pretty miserable mid-flight without it!
• Tissues: Ditto.
• Aircraft keys: If applicable…You won’t get far without those!
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: Always handy to have but check regulations if crossing borders.

The exact contents can vary depending on the pilot’s preferences, type of aircraft, type of flying (VFR vs. IFR), and the regions or countries where they are flying. Regularly updating and auditing the contents of the flight bag ensures that everything is current and functional.

Did we miss anything? Please comment below so all your fellow flyers can benefit! Thanks in advance!

Photo Credit: Felipe 95C