Captain and woman copilot getting ready to fly airplane and takeoff with dashboard navigation in cockpit command. Airline crew fixing altitude level and with control panel buttons, flying plane.
Getting into flight school puts you one step closer to becoming an airline pilot, but the journey to earning your commercial pilot license is a long and arduous one. Aside from taking different aviation courses, you’ll also spend hundreds of hours learning how to fly a plane. Through extensive flight training, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to operate the aircraft properly. However, if you come to your training sessions unprepared, you may have difficulty retaining the things learned during the session. Your instructor may also be disappointed in you and might think that you aren’t taking your flight training seriously.
If it’s your dream to become a licensed commercial pilot, then passing your flight training is crucial to start your career and you are going to need some basic personal equipment or tools. Fortunately, there are flight schools that provide you with everything right at the start of training.
Uniform
There’s a high level of responsibility when it comes to flying an airplane, and in a way, a pilot’s uniform is symbolic of that. When you wear your student pilot uniform, you convey a sense of professionalism wherever you go. Your flight school uniform also prepares you for the high standards commercial airlines expect their pilots to adhere to. As a pilot-in-training, you’re required to look sharp and respectable while wearing your uniform. This also provides an opportunity for you to get used to taking care of your clothes and being conscious of the way you present yourself to others.
Aviation Books
Having aviation books on hand is an excellent way to help you remember your SOPs, as well as the other important things you’ll need to be aware of when flying a plane. The pilot’s handbook, airplane flying handbook, and books on aviation weather are just some examples of the quintessential aviation books that will teach you the necessary skills to safely fly a plane. You can get these books in their paperback, hardcover, or digital versions, so they’re readily accessible.
Headset
Communication is crucial when flying a plane. That’s why you need to get a good headset, so you and your instructor can hear each other clearly. Even when you’re inside the cockpit, the noise of the plane’s engine can still be heard. However, if you’re wearing a noise-canceling headset that has a good mic, you’ll be able to hear your flight instructor and relay information with no problem.
It’s important to invest in a headset that’s built for aviation purposes. Aviation headsets are designed to protect the pilots’ hearing, as well as provide them with a crisp and clear channel to communicate more easily. High-quality aviation headsets are also lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect audio equipment for long-haul flights.
Flight Bag
When you become a commercial pilot, you’ll need to carry your flight equipment (e.g. flight computer, headset, flashlight, and operating manuals) around with you at all times. As a student pilot, however, you won’t need to bring as many things with you during your flight training. Nevertheless, getting a basic flight bag will prepare you for the real deal. With this bag, you’ll have an easier time remembering the items you need to bring, so you’ll have the necessary tools to help you tackle the challenges you’ll face during your training.
Pilot Kneeboard
It’s difficult to take down and look at your notes while operating a plane, so having a pilot kneeboard will help make things easier. This accessory straps onto your upper leg, providing you with a stable surface to jot down your notes. It’s also often designed with a notepad, as well as pockets and holders for your pen or pencil, flight computer phone, tablet, chart, and checklist. Thanks to the design and function of this accessory, you’ll feel less stressed and flustered during your flight training because everything is neatly organized on the kneeboard.
Aeronautical Charts
Being able to read and navigate using aeronautical charts is a crucial skill every pilot must learn. It helps you be aware of your surroundings, familiarize yourself with the different types of airspaces, and recognize where you are even when you’re up in the air. These charts can be downloaded to your iPad or tablet, so you can easily view them during your flight training sessions.
Pilot Logbook
You’re required to keep a detailed record of all your flying experience as it’ll serve as proof that you have completed enough flight hours to get your license. To ensure that you’re documenting your flights properly, it helps to have a pilot logbook. Unlike other logbooks, a pilot logbook is designed to keep track of important flight information such as flight time, number of landings, and types of instrument approaches you’ve made. You can also use the pilot logbook to record your progress, so you can see how much you’ve improved throughout your flight training.
As a student pilot, you don’t have to get a professional logbook right away. Starting with a student pilot logbook is enough to help you build a habit of filling it out after every session. A student pilot logbook often has fewer columns and pages compared to a professional pilot’s logbook, so it won’t look too intimidating to fill up.
Going through many hours of flight training will prepare you for the responsibilities that are expected of a commercial pilot. That’s why it’s important to take your flight training seriously. To help you progress with your training, you’ll need to bring the aforementioned items listed above during your session. This way, you’re proving to your instructor that you’re ready to start your career in the aviation industry.