Simple Guide to Flight Gear: 3 Flight Essentials Every Pilot Needs

Apart from the right knowledge and training, every pilot needs quality flight equipment. This type of gear helps him fly successfully from point A to point B while ensuring the safety of his passengers. Some devices are also essential for maintaining uninterrupted communication with the air traffic controllers. Below are three important flight essentials that every pilot needs for a successful flight.

HD Flight Camera

One of the essentials that a pilot can’t live without is an HD camera and mounting kit. Flight cameras are much more compact than traditional digital cameras, and they’re useful for communication. The special mounting kits contain a suction cup that safely attaches to any smooth surface, which allows for many mounting options in the cockpit.

Having an HD video camera in the cockpit helps to save data from the voice recorders and provides more insight for investigators in case of an accident. Was the cockpit filled with smoke? Was there a forced entry by a violent passenger? Was the pilot unconscious? Such queries may be addressed using video.

Why is it Beneficial to Have Cameras on a Plane?

Cameras are often placed in cabins and both inside and outside of the cockpit. There are many ways in which an HD camera system benefits the plane and its passengers:

• Cameras are useful in solving problems between the crew members and passengers.
• By enabling pilots to view beyond the cockpit door without opening it, which would compromise the security of the flight deck, cameras also aid in maintaining cockpit security.
• Flight attendants often use them to keep an eye on passengers while working.
• Pilots often use an HD action video camera placed on the exterior of the plane to help them navigate through airports.
• Exterior cameras aid pilots in correctly navigating taxiways, particularly while manoeuvring a bigger aircraft.

High-Quality Aviation Headset

A pilot needs a good headset that will feel comfortable while helping them concentrate on flying. In this short guide, I’ll walk you through the most important factors and explain how you should choose the best headset for you.

Aviation headsets are essential pieces of safety equipment for pilots. They help them focus on flying and reduce the noise that pilots are exposed to during flights which can cause mental stress. Headphones are also great for communicating with others both inside and outside the cockpit.

What to Consider When Buying an Aviation Headset?

There are four main factors when choosing an aviation headset:

• Noise cancellation: There are two types of noise-reduction headsets on the market – active noise reduction and passive noise reduction. ANR headsets use electronics within the headset to actively reduce and cancel unwanted outside noises. PNR headsets use a special type of foam in the ear cups to reduce outside noise, essentially creating a seal around your ear that keeps unwanted noises out. When it comes to which one you should pick, the questions to ask yourself are, how much do you want to block the outside world out and how much you’re willing to pay.
• Weight and comfort: Pilots wear the headsets for long periods, so weight and comfort are important factors. The comfort of your ears mostly depends on the cushions of your headset. You’ll probably want to make sure your sunglasses or spectacles fit comfortably under the cushions too.
• Impedance: All speakers and headphones have an impedance rating, which describes how easy it is to produce sound. Impedance is measured in ohms and it’s important that the load and output ohm ratings match. Civilian aircraft radios require high-impedance headsets that have a range of 300-500 Ohms.
• In-ear, on-ear or over-ear: Aviation headsets come in three basic forms. In-ear types are small speakers inserted into the ear. Over-ear or on-ear headsets completely cover the ears. But when it comes down to choosing which one you need it’s mostly based on personal preference.

Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Apart from an HD camera and aviation headset, the third most important piece of flight gear is the sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses have filters that reduce horizontal reflection, enabling only vertical light to pass through to the eye. Horizontal light produces glare by bouncing off objects, resulting in horizontal reflection. This is why many pilots prefer getting non-polarized sunglasses.

What to Consider When Choosing Aviator Sunglasses for Pilots?

• Polarisation: Polarized glasses might not be the best option for pilots because polarization causes rainbow swirls, black squares, and other distortions in windscreens and digital displays. The reason for this is that the device screens and windscreens already have anti-glare features. Non-polarized glasses don’t cause any distortions and are much more ideal for flying.
• Tint: The level of tint is important because it impacts how much visible light reaches the eye. Too little tint results in excessive brightness, while too much tint makes it difficult to see well in the cockpit without taking off your glasses. Choosing glasses that allow you to view things in their natural colour improves your visual performance and decreases colour distortion.
• Lens Material: Lenses are usually made from glass, polycarbonate, and plastic. Scratch resistance, optics quality, weight, and impact resistance are all affected by the kind of material used. Consider whether it’s more important for you to have a lightweight attachment or one that will not break easily. A glass lens is an ideal choice if the optical quality is your top priority.