Flight Case (ugh)

thevideographer

thevideographer

Well-Known Member
Yeah, it's one of those topics. I just started a new job that requires me to carry ~3 binders of Jepp charts and a 4" thick FOM. All paper. Are you kidding? It's 2016.

Anyway I need a flight case but most importantly I need it to be cheap. Any ideas/suggestions?

Also, so this isn't just a 'which luggage' topic, I'll also go ahead and ask those of you who do have to carry a flight case full of paper how you manage it. Do you also stuff your headset/snacks/flashlight in there? Do you carry a 3rd bag? Does my Cigna insurance cover the chiropractor I'll probably need?
 
Against everyone's recommendations I went with the "cheap" $79 luggage works vinyl one. At the end it was mostly being held together by stickers, but it lasted my entire 7 years, 10 months at my regional.

I kept all my work stuff in there, extra pens, flashlight, hotel note pads, etc and there was usually room for some snacks and a newspaper.

I did carry a third bag for my laptop. Nothing huge, just one that was big enough for my computer and a few other odds and ends. It'll take you a while to figure out what you need to bring and what you don't.
 
Screaming_Emu said:
Against everyone's recommendations I went with the "cheap" $79 luggage works vinyl one. At the end it was mostly being held together by stickers, but it lasted my entire 7 years, 10 months at my regional.

I kept all my work stuff in there, extra pens, flashlight, hotel note pads, etc and there was usually room for some snacks and a newspaper.

I did carry a third bag for my laptop. Nothing huge, just one that was big enough for my computer and a few other odds and ends. It'll take you a while to figure out what you need to bring and what you don't.
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+1 for the vinyl case. Most everywhere will have EFBs in the next 12 months so it doesn't have to last long. Save your money
 
I commuted. My cheapo vinyl case lasted about a year before the handle broke off in the middle of the trip. The side pockets were worthless and the top flaps were starting to rip in each corner. I guess I abused the heck out of it.

Hopefully you will get an iPad soon. Nothing like hitting the "Update" icon to do your revisions. I swore I would walk away from any job that still had paper jepps.
 
I have a used Scott Leather flight kit. Works great, full leather including the straps. I don't use it and it just collects dust. PM if interested.
 
dbrault17 said:
I commuted. My cheapo vinyl case lasted about a year before the handle broke off in the middle of the trip. The side pockets were worthless and the top flaps were starting to rip in each corner. I guess I abused the heck out of it.

Hopefully you will get an iPad soon. Nothing like hitting the "Update" icon to do your revisions. I swore I would walk away from any job that still had paper jepps.
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Oh trust me, I know how much better the ipad is. This is actually the first time I've ever had to use paper. I'm not optimistic that we're switching soon though.
 
Keep an eye out for airlines converting over to EFB. Probably a lot of used flight bags needing to be offloaded.
 
Hell, I got one that could be used. You may need to remove a few stickers from it if, but if you need it I don't mind sending it your way. Used it for ~2 years. Not in perfect condition, but it isn't in bad condition either.
 
All the cool kids:


image.jpg
 
What I'm looking for is a cooler/flight bag that will fit perfectly in the flight kit slot since they removed all the airside kits at my company and we went to EFBs.
 
Zondaracer said:
What I'm looking for is a cooler/flight bag that will fit perfectly in the flight kit slot since they removed all the airside kits at my company and we went to EFBs.
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I'm looking too.
 
I'm keeping mine for nostalgia. 40 years from now it will be something cool to remember back. Who knows what technology will exist by then. Pilots will say back in my day we carried paper charts. I bet peoples reactions will be priceless.
 
I actually bought a fairly non-expensive leather one when I started at Henson. Lasted a LONG time, beyond the DHC-9, through the 727, Airbus and several years on the DC-9.

It was aided by a local place that did leather work. They sewed, and resewed, and sewed some more. Cost effective alterative to throw-away items.

Richman
 
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I've got a cheap nylon one that's worked in everything from DC-9's to blimps. It takes a beating and keeps on ticking. And I'll probably keep it when (more like if) we ever get EFB's.
 
Commuting is very hard on flight cases, if possible, don't ever gate check it. My flight case always fit in the overhead, even on EMB145s. Buy a cheap one, and take care of it. It'll last a long time.

If you know any XJT pilots, they dumped their flight cases within the last few months, might be able to find something.
 
Zondaracer said:
What I'm looking for is a cooler/flight bag that will fit perfectly in the flight kit slot since they removed all the airside kits at my company and we went to EFBs.
Click to expand...

ComplexHiAv8r said:
I'm looking too.
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I went with the Strongbags Summit. I have an eBags cooler I put in it and I'm able to fit 2 iPads and all other goodies for a trip. It's about the size of a flight kit, still balances a rollerboard and is durable. Although the netting on one side has torn with use.

http://www.strongbags.com/the-summit.html

Edit: looks like they've removed the netting on one side and opted for another zip pocket.
 
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