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What things / tools / travel tool bag to carry when traveling?

"Cross country" tool bag..

I'm putting together a tool bag to keep in the plane incase I need something along the way.

I just added an extra fuel cap and all O-rings necessary to make one work.

Just curious what you guys might carry with you.
 
Tram said:
I'm putting together a tool bag to keep in the plane incase I need something along the way.

I just added an extra fuel cap and all O-rings necessary to make one work.

Just curious what you guys might carry with you.
Click to expand...

I too, carry an extra fuel cap, among other things. Spare innertubes, wouldn't hurt either.

L.Adamson --- RV6A
 
I bring a sampling of tools & sockets you always use for your routine maintenance.

I add:
leatherman
2 brake puck O-rings
assortment of wire, term ends & connecters, nuts & bolts, electrical tape
cheapo crimper & wire stripper
duct tape
nose gear & main tubes
epoxy cement(can't remember the name)
gel super glue
extra led flashlight
 
travel bag

Don't forget about you and your passenger(s). You never know where you'll end up without food or water! Water, granola bars, other things to eat. I bring a soft sided cooler with ice, water, snacks etc in it.
Landed in Hornepayne Ontario (northern Canada), trying to fly as far into a front as possible (pouring rain) so it would pass us overnight, still VFR barely but the terminal building was locked up when we got there, pay phone only took calling cards and 800 numbers, no cell phone reception etc. Be prepared!

Definitely a leatherman tool, "100MPH tape" (the good foil stuff and duct tape if you have room) electrical tape, safety wire.
 
A spare spark plug, tools to install any spares you carry, and maybe wrenches that fit every hose connection in the plane.

And this sounds weird, but some tapered plugs that collectively fit all the fuel drains, and some duct tape to hold them in.

I drained some fuel during a preflight down in Punto Chivato, on the Baja peninsula and one of the fuel drains wouldn't close. After some time, a friend noticed that I was standing there with my finger on the drain and whittled me a plug from some scrap wood - scrap wood is rare there, we got lucky. A bit of duct tape got me back to Colorado. Without the plug I wouldn't have been able to take off.

Dave
 
David Paule said:
A spare spark plug, tools to install any spares you carry, and maybe wrenches that fit every hose connection in the plane.

And this sounds weird, but some tapered plugs that collectively fit all the fuel drains, and some duct tape to hold them in.

I drained some fuel during a preflight down in Punto Chivato, on the Baja peninsula and one of the fuel drains wouldn't close. After some time, a friend noticed that I was standing there with my finger on the drain and whittled me a plug from some scrap wood - scrap wood is rare there, we got lucky. A bit of duct tape got me back to Colorado. Without the plug I wouldn't have been able to take off.

Dave
Click to expand...

Hi Dave,

I carry a bag of the fuel drain orings in my tool kit, can change one out in a couple of minutes. PM your addy and I'll mail you some. :)
 
Possible stupid question

I have never had one fail on me but aren't spark plugs redundant?

I mean that is why we have two plugs in each cyclinder, and two mags.

I know you run rough but it is supposed to work just fine.

Is that not the case?

Or is all that redundancy just BS and in fact you can't really fly a plane with one dead spark.
 
GusBiz said:
I have never had one fail on me but aren't spark plugs redundant?

I mean that is why we have two plugs in each cyclinder, and two mags.

I know you run rough but it is supposed to work just fine.

Is that not the case?

Or is all that redundancy just BS and in fact you can't really fly a plane with one dead spark.
Click to expand...

You can. It's just that you lose power and efficiency in that cylinder. Also if you foul the remaining plug in the cylinder, or the mag on the remaining plug fails, or....
 
David Paule said:
And this sounds weird, but some tapered plugs that collectively fit all the fuel drains, and some duct tape to hold them in.
Click to expand...

Better yet replacement drains or plugs from your neighborhood aviation department.

Having replacement O-rings would be good too. What size are they?

I bought a fishing tackle box for much of my collection.
 
Ron Lee said:
Better yet replacement drains or plugs from your neighborhood aviation department.

Having replacement O-rings would be good too. What size are they?

I bought a fishing tackle box for much of my collection.
Click to expand...

Industry # 006

I.D. 1/8"
O.D. 1/4"
Width 1/16"
 
Just want to say thanks for the offer of o-rings and the suggestion to carry a spare drain. I now carry spare drains, and in the time since that one incident, have replaced another one.

Thanks, everyone,
Dave
 
Bob Kaufmann said:
The absolute best tool kit is in your wallet, a large limit credit card, with room to grow. Actually, in the RV-10 a tool kit should be big enough to weigh about 40 lbs. That solves the weight and balance problems with a nose heavy aircraft.
Click to expand...

I recommend a wrench to tighten the bolt that attaches the stick to the elevator pushrod.
 
What's In YOUR Travel Toolbox?

I am beginning to put together a travel toolkit and am wondering what other people carry for emergency use while traveling? Safety Wire and pliers, Screw drivers, etc.... So what's in your travel toolbox?
 
2 Exhaust gaskets, several Camloc studs, RTV silicone, mag gasket and timing pin, ignition wrench set, 1/4" drive sockets and ratchet, 7/16 and 1/2 combination wrenches, paper funnel for oil, Pledge for the canopy, microfiber towels, tie wraps, safety wire, needle nose pliers, dike cutters, SIG 226 .40 S&W, a few Adel clamps, AN960/970 -3 & -4 washers, a small VOM, Bear Grylls Ultimate knife, a few ring and spade connectors, small roll of duct tape, first aid kit, combo screwdriver set, NG and MG tubes, some MS21042-3 and 4 nuts, 1 REM37BY and 1 Denso spark plug, 3' of 16 and 22 AWG wire, 1 set of brake linings and rivets, 5 min epoxy and some popsicle sticks.
 
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deek said:
2 Exhaust gaskets, several Camloc studs, RTV silicone, mag gasket and timing pin, ignition wrench set, 1/4" drive sockets and ratchet, 7/16 and 1/2 combination wrenches, paper funnel for oil, Pledge for the canopy, microfiber towels, tie wraps, safety wire, needle nose pliers, dike cutters, SIG 226 .40 S&W, a few Adel clamps, AN960/970 -3 & -4 washers, a small VOM, Bear Grylls Ultimate knife, a few ring and spade connectors, small roll of duct tape, first aid kit, combo screwdriver set, NG and MG tubes, 1 REM37BY and 1 Denso spark plug, 3' of 16 and 22 AWG wire, 1 set of brake linings and rivets, 5 min epoxy and some popsicle sticks.
Click to expand...

Do you do your condition inspection while traveling? :D
 
Tool bag light - for minor problems only

This is based on my memory so I must have missed a few. I don't intend to carry enough for anything major. I did have once have a flat nose tire on a Sunday afternoon at an unattended airport. What I carried allowed me to continue to trip.

1. inner tubes for main and nose and talcum powder.
2. Screw drive with Phillips and slotted bits.
3. Spark plug socket (so I can replace the plug)
4. Commonly used sockets (1/4" drive): 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2"
5. Wrench set: 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 3/4"
6. 12V air compressor from Harbor Freight
7. Pliers
8. Hex key for nose wheel pant
9. 3/32 hex key for avionics
10. tire valve tool
11. assorted nuts, locking nuts, washers, screws, and bolts (a few each).
12. gear leg jack point with wing jack point (set purchased from ?)
13. assorted fuses
14. Duct tape
15. Electric tape
16. Ratcheting Screwdriver, Included Bit Styles 1/4 and 3/8 Inch Straight (this is very small for hard reach areas)
17. Flash light
 
Walt said:
Do you do your condition inspection while traveling? :D
Click to expand...

Funny! i did have a dead mag at Pine Cay in Turks and Caicos and was able to locate a Slick coil in Trinidad and repair the EZ on the (deserted) ramp.
 
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O Rings

Charlie,
The threads are awesome, I built my travel kit from reading them.

Two schools of thought on this: 1) 'carry enough to get cowling and fairings off, change spark plug and tire.' or 2) Paul Dye's new philosophy of 'carry a device with internet connection in order to CALL THE CALVARY....' (READ: VAF.com)

One thing that saved a snowboarding trip this winter was:

U-00015 Brake Caliper 1.228" 'O' Ring

I keep two of them in my kit.
 
deek said:
2 Exhaust gaskets, several Camloc studs, RTV silicone, mag gasket and timing pin, ignition wrench set, 1/4" drive sockets and ratchet, 7/16 and 1/2 combination wrenches, paper funnel for oil, Pledge for the canopy, microfiber towels, tie wraps, safety wire, needle nose pliers, dike cutters, SIG 226 .40 S&W, a few Adel clamps, AN960/970 -3 & -4 washers, a small VOM, Bear Grylls Ultimate knife, a few ring and spade connectors, small roll of duct tape, first aid kit, combo screwdriver set, NG and MG tubes, 1 REM37BY and 1 Denso spark plug, 3' of 16 and 22 AWG wire, 1 set of brake linings and rivets, 5 min epoxy and some popsicle sticks.
Walt said:
Do you do your condition inspection while traveling? :D
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
With a P226 it's not the condition inspection I'd be worried about... :eek::o
 
Component Specs List

Guys,

Excellent ideas for tool kits. In case it hasn't been said, carry along all of the specs for every component on the airplane. If you need to order an alternator belt or a trim relay, it's easier to do it from your "Maintenance Manual" then by disassembling the plane to squint at the parts.

Rob Erdos
Ottawa
RV--6....in progress.
 
Cash, $200, and a Visa/MasterCard (accepted everywhere) for an account you don't have to shut down because you or pax lost your wallet.

Enough money will fetch any weird part in 24 hours, even in the Idaho backcountry; your biggest problem may be communicating your plight. Put that up against the weight of taking sufficient tools to rebuild the airplane. I do carry basics, and not much is needed to completely open and service an RV. What is lacking and would require help is the ability to lift heavy objects - like a wing so you can use that spare tube.

John Siebold
 
Some ideas to consider,

Tradesman's style work gloves and/or disposable medical type gloves. Plastic baggie to keep them from getting everything else dirty.

Garbage bag.

Tooth brush for cleaning stuff.

Small towel (someday to be a rag).

Spare alternator belt secured to the engine case so it can be installed without pulling the prop.

Old pair of reading glasses (if you need them).

If the tool bag is getting too big, consider two tools bags. One for onboard all the time. Another one with more comprehensive contents for back country flying. Don't forget first aid items and a backpack full of survival /overnight items suitable for the terrain you plan to fly over.

Small baggie with some cash (for everything else) and picture ID (in case wallet is lost/stolen)

Bevan
 
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This first aid toolbox was carried by a Piper Cub driver who made it from CONUS to Dutch Harbor and back.


 
Don't forget your trusty iPad (or dreaded "other" platform) has the capability of storing any PDF in iBooks (reader). I keep lots of reading material on mine.

Installation Manuals, wiring diagram of my plane, my POH, etc. You get the idea. Not that you need a manual to fix a flat tire but an exploded view of the brake system might help.

Also, Something to read while you are waiting for the VAF Rescue Team to appear...:D

vfuvwy.png



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I used to do a lot of backcountry skiing and camping. One of the old time instructors has some words of wisdom:
" if you carry everything you need for every emergency you will be perfectly safe. You will never be able to leave the house because of the weight!"
Just some thing to keep in mind.;)
 
Things to carry?

I'm curious of what tools you normally carry on flights over an hour or two?
Thanks G. P.
 
Info

Couple things..
i always carry bottles of water and trail mix or snickers bars or something to just kind of keep the energy going and not let the pilot and copilot get uncomfortable. Been a real help...nothing worse than hungry, thirsty on top of a long flight.

Also, i always carry a basic tool kit that can let me remove wheel pants, cowl, inspection plates and other fairings as well as funnel and a quart or two of oil. Also, I carry tie down and control surface locks and light canopy covers always. You never know where you might get stuck, have what you need to properly secure plane.

Lastly for long trips I have a spare gas cap, spare fuel drain and nose and main tube packed away. I also carry one mag plug and one lightspeed spark plug, a few fuses and a small bag of misc bolts, nuts, tinnerman washers and cotter pins.

Last...I also carry a handheld com with the headset adapter attached incase com goes t/u on flights, and a spare headset. To be honest none of this really takes up much room. I have a couple of the RV bison bags, behind the seats. One of them carries all the stuff i deem necessary.
 
Tools and parts

So much has been covered in this thread. All good information. For local trips I carry a basic tool kit, can of flat fixer, a spark plug, a small parts box with various screws washers nuts etc.., extra fuel cap and some cleaning supplies. Cleaning supplies include a bottle of denatured alcohol, hand wipes etc..

For extended trips I carry all of the above plus additional tools, extra starter, spare tube and survival kit.

Can't be too careful. I hate the thought of getting stranded. FYI, all of the above stuff weighed 22 pounds. Not bad for the piece of mind.
 
I've been looking back at a previous XC trip where I felt I didn't have everything I needed because the trip didn't go to plan and I ended up needing to spend the night at an unfamiliar airport. This thread popped up and there is a ton of great information, so I decided to see if I could summarize/come up with a comprehensive list. This is not prescriptive and I'm sure there are always things that can be added. Hopefully it can save some people time reading through this long great thread

Aviation Cross-Country Packing List (Experimental Aircraft)

This list is compiled and summarized from a discussion from this thread regarding what tools and spares to carry on cross-country trips.

🛠️ Tools
Focus on carrying tools that allow you to gain access (remove cowls/fairings), change a tire, and service spark plugs. More specialized tools can often be borrowed at your destination.

  • Screwdrivers & Sockets:
    • [ ] Multi-bit screwdriver (Phillips, Flat, and Torx if used on your plane)
    • [ ] Stubby screwdrivers (Phillips & Flat) for tight spaces
    • [ ] 1/4" drive ratchet and socket set (1/4" to 9/16"; deep 9/16" for nosewheel)
    • [ ] 3/8" drive ratchet with spark plug socket and extension
    • [ ] Prop bolt socket (e.g., 5/8" - if applicable)
  • Wrenches:
    • [ ] Combination wrenches (Open/Box end): 3/16" to 3/4" (GearWrench ratcheting style recommended)
    • [ ] Ignition wrench set (small, thin wrenches)
    • [ ] 6" Adjustable wrench (Crescent wrench)
  • Pliers & Cutters:
    • [ ] Needle-nose pliers
    • [ ] Diagonal cutters (dikes) for safety wire
    • [ ] Vise-Grip pliers (6" or similar)
    • [ ] Safety wire twisting pliers
  • Specialized & Diagnostic:
    • [ ] Hex keys (Allen wrenches) for wheel pants and avionics (3/32")
    • [ ] Tire pressure gauge (digital or high quality)
    • [ ] Tire valve stem tool (and core remover)
    • [ ] Small digital Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM) / Multimeter
    • [ ] Tool for pulling cowl hinge pins (if applicable)
  • Miscellaneous Tools:
    • [ ] Small jack fitting/point (and a method to lift the aircraft/wheel)
    • [ ] Magnet on a telescoping stick
    • [ ] Small inspection mirror (dental mirror)
    • [ ] Work gloves and disposable nitrile gloves (stored in a baggie)


⚙️ Spare Parts & Hardware
Priority should be given to parts unique to your aircraft type that a standard FBO is unlikely to stock.

  • Landing Gear & Brakes:
    • [ ] Inner tubes for Main and Nose wheels (Nosewheel tube is critical for tricycle gear RVs, as FBOs rarely stock small nosewheel sizes)
    • [ ] Brake caliper O-rings (e.g., Industry #006 / Caliper 1.228" O-ring)
    • [ ] Brake linings and rivets
  • Engine & Fuel System:
    • [ ] Spare spark plugs (at least one of each type used: magneto/electronic)
    • [ ] Spare fuel cap (or fuel cap repair kit with pins and O-rings)
    • [ ] Spare fuel quick-drain valve (or spare O-rings for it)
    • [ ] Exhaust gaskets and hangers
    • [ ] Rocker box cover gasket (if not using reusable silicone ones)
    • [ ] Magneto gasket and timing pin
  • Electrical:
    • [ ] Assorted fuses (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, etc.)
    • [ ] Master/Starter solenoid
    • [ ] Nav light bulbs (clear/white)
    • [ ] Alternator belt (pre-positioned on the engine case if it requires prop removal to install)
  • General Hardware:
    • [ ] Small box/bag of assorted hardware: AN3/AN4 bolts, nuts, locknuts, washers (AN960/970), cotter pins, Camloc studs, and screws (#6, #8)


🧪 Consumables & Materials
For temporary fixes to get you safely to a location with better maintenance facilities.

  • Tapes:
    • [ ] Duct tape / "100MPH tape"
    • [ ] Aluminum "speed" tape (great for fairing repairs or temporary fuel cap seals)
    • [ ] Electrical tape
    • [ ] Self-vulcanizing silicone tape
  • Chemicals, Lubricants & Cleaners:
    • [ ] Quart of engine oil (at least one)
    • [ ] Collapsible or paper oil funnel
    • [ ] Brake fluid (small container, e.g., contact lens solution bottle)
    • [ ] WD-40 or similar light lubricant
    • [ ] Thread anti-seize (for spark plugs)
    • [ ] RTV silicone sealant
    • [ ] Plexus or Pledge for canopy cleaning
  • Adhesives & Fixes:
    • [ ] 5-minute epoxy or JB Weld (with mixing sticks/popsicle sticks)
    • [ ] Super glue gel
    • [ ] Safety wire (various lengths, pre-cut and labeled)
  • Clean-up:
    • [ ] Microfiber towels / shop rags
    • [ ] Gojo hand cleaner (small tube) or hand wipes
    • [ ] Talcum powder (for installing new inner tubes)
    • [ ] Emery cloth / sandpaper (small piece)


⚓ Ground & Securing Gear
  • [ ] Tiedown rings and high-quality ropes/straps
  • [ ] Lightweight wheel chocks (e.g., collapsible aluminum)
  • [ ] Control surface locks (gust locks)
  • [ ] Lightweight canopy cover


🩹 Personal, Survival & Documentation
  • Financial Backup: Credit cards (high limit) and cash ($200 in small bills, kept separate from wallet)
  • Documentation: iPad/Tablet loaded with PDF manuals for all avionics, engine, wiring diagrams, POH, and parts catalog.
  • Illumination: Headlamp (with red lens option for night flying/preflight) and/or a wind-up LED flashlight (no battery leakage worries).
  • [ ] First aid kit
  • [ ] Survival kit (tailored to the terrain you are flying over: water, mountains, desert)
  • [ ] Emergency food and water (granola bars, trail mix, water bottles)
  • [ ] Spare glasses/reading glasses (if required)
  • [ ] Handheld backup COM radio (with headset adapter) and/or spare headset.


💡 Key Takeaways & Advice from the Thread
  1. The Credit Card is the Ultimate Tool: Many experienced pilots note that a high-limit credit card and some cash can solve almost any problem by fetching parts/help within 24 hours.
  2. Carry Parts, Borrow Tools: You can almost always find tools to borrow at an airport, but finding a specific RV-nosewheel tube or brake lining is much harder. Prioritize carrying unique parts.
  3. Weight & Balance: A comprehensive tool kit can weigh 15-25 lbs. Use this weight strategically to manage your center of gravity (e.g., baggage area when solo, forward cabin when loaded).
  4. Digitize Your Documentation: Keep all schematics, manuals, and airplane logs as PDFs on your iPad or phone.
  5. Secure the Plane: Never assume an airport will have tiedowns, chocks, or shelter. Always carry your own tiedowns and covers.
 
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