Originally Posted by FangsF15 (Post 3696292)

Congrats on the CJO. As a fellow prior mil guy, I'll offer a few 'extra' things. First, this will be a very different, and surprisingly challenging upgrade. Not because anything is difficult, but because there is so much 'new' to learn. Not just a new airplane (which they will not teach much systems knowledge at all, which is another thing...), but new acronyms in a whole new system. It's absolutely a gentlemen's course, but will demand more effort than you expect because there is so much 'new'.

To your questions, the vast vast majority of pilots get luggage from "Luggage works", sold though their website or Crew Outfitters (they have a store near the GO campus in ATL). By far, most folks have a version of the "stealth" series, but you do see others around. They are built like a tank, and ain't inexpensive at ~350 Some folks cheap out and get a Costco roller, which they replace every couple years under warranty. Just find what works for you, and go with it.

You will also want a smaller accessory bag for things like a headset, tablet, charging cords, sunshades, knick-knacks, ets. These are as varied as it gets, and really comes down to how you like to organize, do you want to bing food (and need a 'cooler' section), how big do you need it to be. Again, Crew outfitters has some options, but there are also brighline bags, and others. Do some looking around for what you want on this piece.

Headseats are also a more personal decision. Just spend the money on something good. Budget a little over a grand. it's a professional piece of equipment. On Airbus fleets and (I think) the 737, intercom works well. Personally, I highly, highly recommend the Bose ProFlight2. it's super lightweight, all-day comfortable, and has a 5-year warranty. I'm super happy with mine, but there are others folks also like. You won't need to make a decision until you get 2 weeks into the sims, so go to Crew Outfitters in ATL during training, and check out what they have. The great thing about buying from them, is they have a 30-day tryout, where you can get your money back within 30 days. That way, you aren't locking yourself into a set. If you ge the 7ER (757/767-300), they don't have intercom, so many folks will go "hat's off" above FL180, or go one ear off. In that case, don't necessarily spend the big bucks. Some folks will get a Bose QC35, and add a UFlyMike or similar, so they don't have to carry an extra headset for deadheading, but I find that setup substandard, IMO.

Hope that helps, in the end, ask 10 pilots, and you will get 11 opinions. So find what YOU like, and take your time doing it. Good Luck.

Originally Posted by elalets (Post 3696307)

Thank you! This is actually very helpful. I had no idea there were physical stores to checkout during training. I will make some time to attend those. So, regardless of the airplane it sounds like a headset is not required for simulators?

Originally Posted by elalets (Post 3696304)

I’ve heard about briggs and riley from one person. Any model you personally recommend? Just researching now to pass time.

Originally Posted by PilotBases (Post 3696349)

The Essential 22 inch. They have an expandable model, and a garment bag model. Comes down to personal preference, but I think the expandable/compressible model is more useful.

Originally Posted by tennisguru (Post 3696305)

Just to add, there is a discount code on Deltanet where we can get the Bose ProFlight2 for ~$750. So if you want to go that route definitely use that deal.

And I'll add to the chorus that Luggageworks bags are overkill. Lots of other quality bags out there that are waaaaaay lighter and easier to drag around. One thing to factor into your bag decision is if you commute or not. If you are commuting on mostly RJ's where your bag will be thrown in and out of the plane via valet tagging then maybe the luggage works would be necessary. If you're just driving to work and throwing it in and out of your trunk plus some overhead bins on deadheads you'll be thankful for the lighter weight bag options.

Originally Posted by elalets (Post 3696212)

I am starting Indoc next month, trying to figure out how to budget/begin purchasing items I may require for this new venture. Prior mil guy so no lugagge, no civilian headset, no nothing really. Any recommendations? Ideas? What to budget for? When to begin buying items?

Originally Posted by tennisguru (Post 3696305)

Just to add, there is a discount code on Deltanet where we can get the Bose ProFlight2 for ~$750. So if you want to go that route definitely use that deal.

And I'll add to the chorus that Luggageworks bags are overkill. Lots of other quality bags out there that are waaaaaay lighter and easier to drag around. One thing to factor into your bag decision is if you commute or not. If you are commuting on mostly RJ's where your bag will be thrown in and out of the plane via valet tagging then maybe the luggage works would be necessary. If you're just driving to work and throwing it in and out of your trunk plus some overhead bins on deadheads you'll be thankful for the lighter weight bag options.

Originally Posted by slowyourroll (Post 3696884)

Where’s the code on deltanet? Perks?