A knife is a useful tool for pilots, whether for tightening a loose screw on a cowling, opening a bottle of oil, or for use in an emergency. For pilots who fly their own aircraft, carrying a knife is not under the jurisdiction of the TSA, making it a key piece of equipment to have in a flight kit.
Why Pilots Need a Knife
A knife, particularly a multi-tool, should be part of a pilot’s standard flight gear. Its utility ranges from simple, everyday tasks to critical functions in an emergency. The type of knife a pilot chooses often depends on the kind of flying they do. For local flights in and out of the pattern, a multi-tool might suffice, while pilots who engage in backcountry flying may find a rescue or survival knife more appropriate.
Types of Knives for Your Flight Bag
Several designs are available, each catering to different needs, from general utility to dedicated emergency escape functions.
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Quick Look: Best Pilot Knives
- Extra gadgets: The Multi-tool
- Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife
- Being prepared for the worst: The Rescue Knife
- Survival/rescue: The Survival Knife
- Dedicated escape tool: Multi-function Survival Hammer
The Multi-Tool
This option is designed for pilots who need access to extra tools without carrying separate pliers or screwdrivers. Multi-tools are typically made from stainless steel with a folding blade that varies from two to four inches. They often include sturdy pliers, a built-in ruler, and some models come with extra screwdriver bits.
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The Swiss Army Knife
Known for versatility, the Swiss Army knife can function as a pocket-sized tool kit. The Victorinox Swiss Champ, for example, is made of stainless steel with ABS scales, weighs 6.5 ounces, and has a 3.6-inch folding blade. Its features include a flathead, Phillips, and miniature flathead screwdriver, along with a saw, file, and magnifying glass.
The Rescue Knife
Rescue knives are specifically designed to aid in emergency egress from an aircraft. They feature tools like a seatbelt cutter and a glass breaker. This type of knife often has a fixed 3.5-inch steel blade, includes a sharpening stone, and weighs about 10.4 ounces. The base of the handle is hardened to be used as a window breaker.
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The Survival Knife
This option is a more feature-rich version of a rescue knife. It is made from high-quality, wear-resistant steel with a black finish. A typical survival knife has a spring-assisted folding blade of approximately 3.5 inches and weighs around 6 ounces. It includes a seatbelt cutter, window breaker, an LED flashlight, and a magnesium alloy fire starter. It usually comes with a belt clip and sheath.
The Multi-function Survival Hammer
For pilots flying in remote areas, a multi-function survival hammer is a dedicated escape tool. Constructed from alloy steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, it is the heaviest option at 15.4 ounces and has a 3-inch folding blade. It is equipped with two hammers, a safety belt cutter, multiple screwdrivers (slotted, Phillips), an allen wrench, wire cutter, steel file, nail puller, and needle-nose pliers.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Knife
When choosing a tool for your flight bag, several factors should be considered to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
Blade Type: Fixed vs. Folding
Folding knives are more compact and easier to carry, often including additional features like screwdrivers or saws. Fixed-blade knives, because they lack a hinge mechanism, are stronger and can provide more cutting power.
Blade Material
Knife blades are commonly made from one of three types of steel.
- Stainless steel requires little maintenance.
- Non-stainless steel can offer better edge stability and sharpening response.
- Carbon steel is the easiest to sharpen and can be used with a hard rock to generate a spark for starting a fire.
Critical Features for Egress
Certain features are designed specifically for emergency situations. A seatbelt cutter can slice through a seatbelt more efficiently than a standard blade. A window breaker, sometimes called a “hammer of urgency,” uses a hard point to break Plexiglas windows. An integrated LED flashlight combines two essential pilot tools into one, freeing up a hand when using the knife in the dark.
Physical Characteristics
The size and weight of a knife can be important considerations. Fixed-blade knives are generally larger and heavier. A heavier knife will have more force when cutting. Blade length can also be a factor, as some states have laws making blades over five inches illegal.
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