During the summer, I enjoyed some flights in N21020. Hot, humid, sticky flights. Flights when normal people decide not to go to the airport, and instead head to the pool. I also started to dig through the contents of the plane’s cargo area. I wanted to get the plane organized, and ensure that all necessary items were in the plane in the event someone wanted to take a jaunt to, say, Ocean City (thereby combining both flying and water. . .).
On a bright day in September, off I drove to HEF with my new co-pilot (aka, Glen Charles) to dig through the aircraft’s contents.

First, let’s think through what an aircraft needs to operate. The basics go without saying, and you use the mnemonic device ARROW to remember:
A – Airworthiness certificate
R – Registration
R – Radio license (only need for international travel)
O – Pilots operating handbook (POH)
W – Weight and balance
Got all of that. Now, the extras that you need for the pre-flight inspection and operation: (1) An extra headset, (2) step stool for visual inspection of fuel levels, (3) fuel testing cup to ensure nothing’s gotten into your AvGas. And it doesn’t hurt to have some cleaner for the windshield, as well as a sun shield, some wipes for your hands (after messing with the fuel), sunglasses, and water.
Got all of that. So what is this mess in the back of the plane?

My co-pilot seemed unimpressed. (“What kind of an operation is my mother running??”). You can pretty much see the disgust and boredom all over that 5 month old face. 
All items were removed, and here’s what I found.
• Collapsible step stool (you have to climb up to check the fuel in a C-182)
• Tow Bar (Dulles Aviation has these on the ramp, but this one is small/collapsible, and useful for when you fly elsewhere).
• Windshield Washer/scrapers (probably if you need these, you’re certified to fly IFR)
• Water container and salt (I guess this is useful?)
•Rope(always good to have on hand)
• Urinals (self-explanatory)
• Utility knife (see “rope”)
• Jumper cables (you can’t just use what’s in your car, so this is pretty critical tonsure you don’t end up stranded)
• Garbage
• Bungees (to strap done your stuff)
• Oil (especially good to have on hand for long flights).
• Duct tape (see “rope”)
• Tie downs (these operate like the tie-downs on a tent – complete with pegs)
• Hammer (for the tie down pegs)
Check it out ————> Plane contents 9.2011
I need to divide items into three groups: discard, keep in plane, keep at plane tie-down. Most of what’s in the plane needs to stay in the plane. A few items to purchase
• WD40
• Small Shovel
Obviously, you don’t have to keep all of this in the plane at all times. A storage box is always a good idea.

If a metal box with padlock seems a touch too extreme, you could always go for a simpler, sturdy plastic box. Just make sure it’s securely tied down, as it gets gusty out on the ramp. Another item to purchase to keep items in the plane to a minimum.




















