Everything A-10 Fighter Pilots Have In Their Bags

Captain Lindsay Johnson, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, shares the essential gear she takes when flying the A-10 Warthog.

Standard Helmet

– Used for normal cross-country flights or instrument sorties.

– Equipped with black visors and standard masks that connect to the CRU-60, which links the oxygen hose to the aircraft.

– Includes “ACCESS” headphones molded to fit inside her ears.

– Secured with a “nape strap” at the back of the neck.

At night, pilots use a “lip light” that activates with their tongues, enabling them to write on kneeboards without affecting night vision.

Harness

– A full-body harness with three contact points: one chest strap and two leg straps.

– The seats, called “ACES II,” are rated for zero-zero (zero feet and zero knots).

Kneeboards

– Two kneeboards store data cards or important papers during flight.

Some pilots use a pencil tab holder to quickly write on the kneeboard while flying.

Pubs Bag (Publications Bag)

– Previously used for storing additional information, now replaced by iPads.

– iPads store emergency procedures and in-flight guides for quick reference.

G-Suits

– Prevents pilots from blacking out or experiencing g-LOC.

– Required for flights pulling more than 4 Gs, though typically worn for every flight.

– Contains air bladders in the stomach and legs to help muscles counteract G-forces.

– Features a pocket for a hook knife to cut line-overs if needed during ejection.

– Pilots who wear contacts must keep their glasses on their G-suits.