Helicopter pilots need the right gear for the job. There are certain items that experienced pilots have learned to carry along on a flight. These items can provide an additional level of comfort, convenience and safety.
1. Sunglasses
They seem ordinary enough, but sunglasses are absolutely critical to a helicopter pilot's job. Landing and taking off require a high degree of awareness of your immediate surroundings. Cruising between waypoints, pilots need to actively scan the horizon for other traffic. If the sun is in your eyes, it can be very difficult to see in these situations.
2. Headset
Being able to hear air traffic controllers and other aircraft in the area is necessary for helicopter pilots to fly safely. This means you need a headset that provides both quality audio and also effective blocking of the engine and rotor noise. Today's aviation headsets feature two types of noise canceling: passive and active. Active is more expensive, but far better. I use and recommend the Lightspeed Zulu headset.
3. Aviation Charts
The FAA requires pilots to carry up-to-date aviation charts on all flights. Sectional and WAC charts are the most common, and are now widely available in digital format. Many companies make portable units that display the current charts. For long cross-country flights, this can be more convenient than carrying bags full of charts.
4. Life Vest
If you will be flying over any sizable body of water, you must wear a life jacket or suit that provides buoyancy. Helicopters glide straight down, so if you lose power over water, you will most likely get wet. A life vest could be the thing that keeps you alive until help arrives.
5. Handheld Radio
As we said before, communication is critical. If the radio in your helicopter fails, having a backup should allow you to continue exchanging information with controllers and other aircraft. Also, the handheld radio can serve as a helpful way to get pre-flight weather and airport information before you get in your craft for takeoff.
6. Logbook
The logbook is a pilot's most prized possession (aside from owning an aircraft itself, should one be so fortunate). Besides recording necessary flight data for insurance and employment purposes, (employers check your logbooks before hiring you for a helicopter pilot job) the logbook serves as a history of one's journey in aviation.
7. Flight Bag
It goes without saying that if you have all this gear, you need a place to put it. A flight bag is very helpful for the professional helicopter pilot. This is especially true for pilots who move from one helicopter to another frequently.
8. Personal Locator Beacon
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) can be a life-saving device. Unless you are flying strictly over metropolitan areas, there is a risk that you could have an off-field landing in a remote area. All helicopters are equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), but if you are separated from your craft this will not help the search and rescue teams find you. A PLB is a device that is worn on your person and transmits on an emergency frequency. Some devices include a GPS to help pinpoint your location with more accuracy.
9. Watch
Aviators have always been fans of a good watch. A watch with a big dial, multiple time zones, zulu time and chronograph can come in extremely handy. Some watches include an altimeter or barometer as well.
10. Flight Suit
Besides looking really cool, flight suits are very practical. The temperature drops as you climb in altitude - even on hot days - so it's helpful to stay warm. Also, many flight suits provide a degree of flame resistance and buoyancy in the event of an unexpected off-field landing.
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