Originally Posted by
submachXJ
Don't spend more than 60 bucks on a flight case. On my second Sparco case in eight years and its still going strong after being in the Saab for 7 of those years 6 legs a day. Any catalog case that fits works and at the end of a few years the genuine leather looks the same as the genuine vinyl after you, the airplane, ramp and deice fluid take turns kicking the **** out of it. Any catalog case (any office supply store) that fits works although I can vouch for the sparco. Some the handle rips off but the only reason the last one was retired is five years on the saab did it in. This is the one I bought. Sparco Catalog Case, Top Loading, Dual Locks, 18"x8"x13", Black. Haven't tried it on the CRJ but I assume it will fit I'll find out next month.
Submach hit on what I feel is the most important feature of a flight case... the handle, or more specifically, how well it is attached. I went through two cheapo flight cases, both had the handle break off. Sounds like the Sparco is good... the office depot $20 special is not. I agree though, don't go too crazy on the top grain leather blah blah blah's. Flight cases I've seen do not wash the dishes or mow the yard, they hold charts. The goal is to spend as little money (without having to replace them constantly) on them as possible. One good option is to pick up a used case off of one of these pilot forums.