PPG Essentials: Don't Leave the Field Without Them
Helmet - You only have one head. Use and care for it wisely. You won't regret wearing a helmet if you need it as I did. I openly admit, a helmet saved my life when I had a hard landing several years ago. I walked away with only a few scratches, and my helmet had a 1/4" branch embeded 1 1/2" into it. I use several different open-face helmets including a Scooter helment and a Kiwi Flight Helmet/Headset combo.
Gloves - I use Mountain biking full finger gloves. Riser burns hurt like you wouldn't believe... and they take weeks to heal. These thin gloves are supple enough to be dexterous, but strong enough to give you adequate protection.
Ear Protection - Say what? At 1' away from our motors, this is essential. I use in ear foam protectors, a Peltor noise reduction headset, or the Kiwi Flight Helmet/Headset combo.
Ground wind indicator - A windsock or streamers are always useful, but especially in no wind take-off's and landings.
Cell Phone - For that unexpected emergency call.
Pocket Knife - I take my Swiss Army everywhere.
Someone that knows you're flying - Just imagine getting stranded with a broken bone (or worse) in the middle of nowhere and then waiting for days for someone to hopefully find you. Yuk.
Water - Dehydration sucks.
Not Essentials: But, Good to Have When You PPG
Shoes with ankle protection and good soles - Hiking boots are my choice of take-off and landing gear. These are a must for beginner pilots or when flying near rugged terrain.
Jeans or Knee Pads - These can help for those fast or bad landings. Also a must have for beginner pilots.
Eye Protection - Seeing is one of those required necessities of flying.
Reserve - Could save your life, but can be more of an inconvenience due to the added weight, the additional set-up time, and the possibility of an unplanned openning.
Hook Knife - Also could save your life. Beware: these cut through lines like butter.
Small Digital or Video Camera - Be sure to attach it on a fairly short leash: dropping it would not be fun. And worse, getting it sucked into your turning prop could be disaterous. I use a Sony DCR-TRV20 Digital Camcorder.
Small Portable Wind Meter - I use the Hall Brothers 0-30 Wind Meter. Rugged, inexpensive, doesn't need batteries, and is water and washing machine resistant.
Altimeter/Variometer - Useful to see how high you are or how fast you climb or sink. I have a Brauniger IQ-Basis.
Compact Snacks - Hard boiled eggs, apples, bananas, rasins, cold hamburger, etc.
Sun Glasses - Great for when it's too bright out.
Hat - Nice for when the sun on the ground is strong.
Extra Gas and Oil - For when some great flying and an empty tank is not enough.
Oil and Gas measuring and mixing can - I use my son's baby bottle to make accurate oil measurements. An even better solution is a Measure Mate from Mojo's gear.
Rags or Paper Towels - Nicely cleans up unwanted gas, oil, or bug vomit.
Basic Tools - Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers: last minute fix or tightening.
Dental Floss - Makes quick rope or a first-aid device.
Bandaids - Makes quick repairs or a first-aid device.ccf
Glow Stick - Makes safely walking or working in the dark possible.
PPG Essentials: Don't Leave the Field Without Them