Pilot Accessories

After receiving a query regarding headwind or tailwind calculation, Paul of Ask a CFI.com has put together a short and very simple tutorial video showing the step by step process to perform the calculation. In the video tutorial, Paul demonstrates the calculation by using a mechanical flight computer, specifically the E-6B Aluminum Flight Computer which retails for only US$25 from MyPilotStore.com. Although the device looks complicated, it is actually fairly straightforward to use and the video focuses on using the wind side of the device which is used to find both the wind correction angle (WCA) and the aircraft ground speed.

The short tutorial is well worth watching – especially by student pilots just learning how to fly.

Having the right pair of headsets is a must for any pilot – especially for professional pilots who can easily spend several hours a day in an aircraft cockpit. Hence, Paul of Ask A CFI.com has written an extremely detailed review comparing his favorite headset, the Bose X, with the new Lightspeed Zulu headset. Since the late 1980s, Bose has had a patent on active noise canceling (ANC) headsets and hence, they have largely held a lock on the market. However according to Paul, the new Lightspeed Zulu gives Bose a run for its money. He tested the pair in a Beechcraft Premier and his post includes a detailed summary of his evaluation.

Paul’s Verdict? He would choose the Lightspeed Zulus if he had to sit for less than 3 hours in a piston engine airplane while in a jet aircraft he prefers his old Bose X. However, neither pair comes cheap. Paul purchased his Lightspeed Zulu for US$850 from MyPilotStore.com while the Bose X headset is available for US$995 from Amazon.com.

Nevertheless, having the right headset that is comfortable to use with the plane that you will be flying is well worth the price of avoiding a pounding headache after every flight.

Lightspeed Zulu Headset and the Bose X Aviation Headset

Brian of Brian’s Flying Blog has made a detailed entry about using the SPOT Satellite Messenger (a handy portable GPS and Satellite communications device that is meant to be carried into remote locations where emergency assistance may be required) for flying. Brian recently carried the device (with a FSS Aviation Flight Plan) on a flight from Colorado to Disneyland in California. Given that some of the areas he flew over are fairly remote and isolated, having the device with him just in case made sense and added an addition bit of safety for him and his passengers.

As Brian explains, he places the device on top of the dashboard in the cockpit and clicks that he is ok at the beginning and the end of the flight (which is tracked over the internet). Between these periods, the device places him in tracking mode and should something happen during the flight, he can just hit the 911 button prior to attempting an emergency landing.

In addition to explaining how he uses the device on long flights, Brian also provides links to helpful reviews about the device and other similar devices that act as emergency beacons.

The post is well worth reading as all pilots, even those who do not often fly over remote areas, should have such a device on board. Furthermore, such devices are very useful for day to day type of activities such as long car trips and certainly for any type of outdoor activity such as hiking or bicycling. After all, an unexpected emergency can happen at any time or place.

The Chopper Chick (that is, the blogger behind The Adventures of a Chopper Chick) has discovered the Brightline Flight Bag. This compact (12" x 10" x 9") bag contains two main compartments and 25 specialized pockets that can hold everything a pilot can possibly carry. Other features include the ability to zip apart into two separate bags, color coded zipper pulls and an isolated storage area for a fuel tester. The bag can also easily hold two headsets and is just the right height for navigation charts.

For further information, downloadable brochures and even a video, just click on the Brightline Bag website. The bag can be ordered online for US$129 plus shipping and sales tax (for US residents).

Luxury online retailer CoutureLab is offering a bespoke line of pilot trolleys:

This trolley is perfectly designed for modern day travel, holding more than enough for a long weekend. Design details include hidden wheels, royal blue cotton lining and a chrome padlock with the correlating key nestled in its own matching leather cover. Your contents will be further protected by two additional buckled flaps made from the same black granulated leather.

Size: 46 x 37 x 24 cm

The pilot trolley comes in a choice of black, brown, cognac, red or honey and retails for £1,294 (or approximately €1,385 / $1,812)