Nothing beats the need for speed and the thrill of letting go like flying. The sound of the wind whizzing by the wings and the propellers buzzing, the feel of the sensitive plane respond to your every slight movement, and the euphoria that accompanies every turn is truly a unique experience. Flying is an incredible release like no other, but it comes with risks. Whether you are a pilot-to-be, an amateur, or an expert, proper instruction on the ground and safety precautions in the air are crucial to ensuring that you will be able to fly for years to come. Here's a checklist of a few safety must-haves for every pilot:



" Proper Instruction - the most crucial and basic prelude to your foray into flight. You simply cannot fly without taking instruction and getting a license. It is as simple as that. Period. Memorize the state and national requirements for flying in your area, and please, research the program from which you plan to get your license. Planes are not toys. You should also be able to fly a simulator perfectly before attempting the real thing.

" Basic References - always have a diagram of your plane's cockpit handy. Although it should be memorized, you should have one at home and one on the plane itself for a quick reference guide. Also have an entire section of your bookcase devoted to references like books and instructional flight movies.

" The Basics - Keep a package on the plane that contains sunglasses, extra batteries, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, ear plugs, and a carbon monoxide detector. By keeping items organized in one spot, they will always be handy in case of an emergency.

" Important Documents - near your bag of basics, keep your documents in a folder or some sort of easy-to-access organizer. It should include your flight plan, a safety checklist, airport directory, aviation checklist, aeronautical charts, and aviation maps. Do not skimp on these papers; they could really save your tail one day.

" Safety Kits - be sure to include a first aid kit and a survival kit. These have a wide price range, but if you can afford the top kits, they are worth the extra dough. They are often for use with more than one person, but that only improves the odds if you are by yourself. Either way, the very basic first aid kit and survival kit are excellent and contain everything you need to fix or patch injuries and sustain yourself through hard times, if necessary. You may never use it, but if the time comes when you need it, you will be happy to have it.

" GPS System - this invaluable tool will help you navigate the skies with ease. These maps give you confidence while flying and many even offer current weather updates, cautions about the terrain, topographical data, and ETA. Although any GPS made specifically for aviation is important to keep on board, a Garmin is the very best. It is user friendly, cost effective, and often has the best and most state-of-the-art features.

" Headset - your headset should be comfortable and have clear reception. Communicating with other pilots or people on the ground is extremely important so you are always aware. A comfortable headset ensures that you will keep it on and resist taking it off for adjustment, potentially missing crucial information. Make sure your headset has crystal clear sound from noise-cancelling headphones and a microphone that clearly captures your voice and minimizes feedback.

These are just the very basic necessities every pilot should have on board to ensure a safe flight. Keep in mind that regular maintenance checks on your plane and updating old parts and equipment is just as important as what you keep inside the cockpit. You will enjoy flying much more if you are comfortable and secure in your personal safety.