8 Things to Have in the Cockpit this Summer

Each season brings its challenges to flying. It can be challenging to navigate summer weather as a pilot; uninvited thunderstorms, haze, and fast-moving cold fronts bring unique challenges to flights. We wanted to help take the stress out of flying and give you a few things you shouldn’t forget when flying in the summer. Here are the top 8 things you should keep in your cockpit during the summer!

1. Water: Hydration, hydration, hydration. Don’t forget to drink loads of water. Always keep a water bottle in the cockpit and extra jugs of water in your aircraft. If you get super-hot, or just want some quenching cold water, bring a frozen water bottle with you; it will melt over time and will help cool you off. If you keep it in the ‘FLY’ thermal bottle, it will stay cold longer than your typical non-reusable plastic water bottle.
2. Sunglasses: Those sun rays are BLINDING in the summer. You may think they are bad when you are driving in your car, but nothing compares to the sun in your eyes when you are flying. Therefore, it is a MUST to have 2 pairs of sunglasses in your cockpit. This will prevent those frustrating moments of getting up in the air and realizing you left your favorite pair of sunnies on the ground.
3. Sunscreen: The sun is harsh in the summer. We know this. You know this. You need to make sure that you are keeping your skin protected to avoid those gnarly and irritating sunburns. Always keep sunscreen in your cockpit and flight bag. Oh we can’t forget about the lips! Be sure to grab a lip balm with SPF, too. Whether you are flying to the beach or flying to a local dinner, sunscreen is a must.
4. Face wipes & deodorant: This might not be an obvious thing to keep on hand during summer, but it is important. We all get a little sweaty and stinky when flying in the heat, so to make sure you don’t look too rough and smell ripe when you land at your destination, have some face wipes and deodorant ready for a quick clean up.
5. A Cooler filled with cold snacks: Snacks. We love ‘em. We need ‘em. Nothing goes better with flying than some yummy food, right? You should always have snacks stashed in your aircraft. But once summer rolls around, consider bringing a cooler that has chilled treats with on every flight. Our personal favorite, frozen grapes. They are like mini popsicles that won’t make a mess if they melt.
6. Sanitary wipes & air freshener: You aren’t the only one who may get dirty and stinky when flying in the heat. Your aircraft does too. Keep your controls clean with some sanitary wipes. Grab a small pack of antibacterial wipes and wipe everything down after use—don’t forget your headset, too! It will collect all the lovely droplets of sweat the roll down your forehead. Throw in an air freshener while you are at it, it can make getting into the cockpit more pleasant.
7. Cooling towel: For the overeaters, or the I-don’t-do-well-in-heat-ers, get a cooling towel. You’ll thank us later.
8. Extra change of clothes: This one goes hand-in-hand with number four. We’ve mentioned sweat A LOT. That’s because sweat, while you are flying in the summer, is no joke. Impromptu trips are great, but if you arrive smelly and drenched, it can turn your destination, such as a nearby national park or baseball game, from an awesome day trip to an uncomfortable situation. Avoid this by keeping a change of clothes on hand. You never know when the temperatures might rise suddenly, causing you to be the one drenched when you step out of your aircraft.