In short
A pilot bag is chosen based on three questions: one or two headsets?, which tablet / which laptop?, and do I commute by commercial airline? To start, a simple bag (Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0) is enough. For two headsets and organization, the Bush Pilot Flight Bag or the modular Brightline B7. For pro/airline use, the self-standing MyGoFlight PLC Pro. None is "the best": I rank by use, not by score.
Choosing a bag is partly subjective (taste, body shape, habits). This comparison is based on manufacturer specs and price; it does not invent any rating. A good universal habit: keep liquids in an outside pocket, away from documents and electronics.
The comparison
| Criteria | FO Lift 2.0 | FO Bush Pilot Flight Bag | Brightline B7 | MyGoFlight PLC Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Compact vertical bag | Horizontal "Chart bag" | Modular (FLEX System) | Semi-rigid self-standing |
| Headsets | 1 | 2 | 2 (4″ section) | 2 |
| Tablet / laptop | Padded iPad pocket | Ext. iPad + ADS-B pocket | Laptop ≤13″ + tablet | Laptop ≤16″ + iPad |
| Liquids | Ext. water bottle pocket | Ext. bottle holder | Ext. "Echo" insulated pocket | Full length ext. pocket |
| Empty weight | n/a | ~1.13 kg | ~2.7 kg | ~1.53 kg |
| Modularity | No | No | Yes | No |
| Cabin format | Compact | Medium | Yes (often) | Yes |
| Indicative price | ~€139 | ~€150 to €190 | ~€355 | ~$329 (€ n/a) |
Other options: Lift Mini 2.0 (~$70, UL/light), Aviator Backpack (backpack, laptop ≤16″), Brightline B4 Swift (small modular) and B18 Hangar (large travel bag). Specs: manufacturers + retailers; € prices (pilotshop.lu, pilotshop.nl) indicative, several prices remaining in US$ (to be confirmed in €).
The pilot's point
After years, what really matters to me is not the number of pockets, it's three things: that the bag protects the headsets (the most fragile and expensive item), that it stands upright on its own when placed at the foot of the seat, and that it goes into the cabin without discussion when commuting. The rest is just comfort.
And a silly piece of advice that saves gear: the water bottle and liquids in an outside pocket, never in contact with the tablet, documents or a radio. A leak in a closed bag, and the day is ruined.
For whom?
- Student / PPL: Lift 2.0 one headset, a tablet, accessories. Light and cheap, no need to do more at the beginning.
- Two headsets / instructor: Bush Pilot Flight Bag (2 dedicated pockets) or Brightline B7 if you want modular organization.
- Travel / cross-country: Brightline B7 (compact, modular) or B18 Hangar for large capacity.
- Pro / airline: MyGoFlight PLC Pro self-standing, 16″ laptop, retractable straps, cabin format.
- UL / light, hands-free: Lift Mini 2.0 or the Aviator Backpack.
Good to know
- • Modular = heavier and more expensive. The Brightline reconfigures (school ↔ travel) but weighs more empty than a classic bag. A Lift/Bush Pilot is simpler and lighter, but fixed.
- • Liquids outside. All these bags place the water bottle in an external pocket, keep this habit.
- • Cabin = depending on the airline. "Hand luggage compatible" does not guarantee admission: check your airline's allowed dimensions.
Where to buy
In French-speaking Europe: pilotshop.lu and pilotshop.nl; also check with major specialized retailers (Bayo, boutique.aero, Aircraft Spruce).
On Amazon. Brightline and MyGoFlight are not distributed there, you have to go through a specialized retailer. However, you can find the Flight Outfitters Lift Pro 2.0, the reinforced version of the Lift.
Affiliate links, see the disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
For Brightline and MyGoFlight, no links: they are not sold on Amazon. A partnership with a specialized retailer is in preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Which bag for a student pilot?
What does the Brightline modular system offer?
Can I take it in the cabin on a commercial flight?
In the same section
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