Orange equipment box
One NATO-specification orange equipment box is the normal storage container for loose aircraft items. It should have a durable contents label and be secured so that it cannot move, open or become a hazard during turbulence, an abrupt stop or an accident. Bulky items such as the cover or chocks may need to be secured immediately alongside it rather than forced into the box, but remain part of this portable manifest.
The owner has confirmed the listed items as the baseline portable kit. That does not prove that each item is present on a particular flight, serviceable, in date or suitable for the intended operation. Record exact tool sizes, consumable specifications and equipment models as they are checked.
Weight summary
- Orange box: 2.300 kg measured.
- Two lifejackets: 0.8875 kg each; 1.775 kg total measured.
- Known measured subtotal: 4.075 kg.
- All other contents: not yet weighed.
- Fully packed box and any separately secured manifest items: weight unknown; weigh before using the figure for flight planning.
The former 12-15 kg planning estimate is withdrawn because the expanded confirmed kit may materially exceed it. G-SCOP's baggage-compartment limit is 40 kg / 88 lb under the current EASA type-certificate sheet for TB9 aircraft up to S/N 399, including G-SCOP S/N 158. Use the actual combined weight of the packed box, cover, chocks and any other items carried at that station.
Confirmed baseline contents
| Ref | Item | Qty | Weight | Normal status | Purpose and check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOX-001 | NATO-spec orange equipment box | 1 | 2.300 kg measured | Secured in approved baggage/stowage position | Mark with registration and contents list. Record final loaded weight. Check closure and restraint. |
| SAF-001 | Lifejacket | 2 | 0.8875 kg each; 1.775 kg total measured | Stored in box only when not required for immediate use | Before relevant overwater flight, remove, inspect and make immediately accessible or wear as the operation requires. Check condition, servicing/expiry and inflation fittings. |
| SAF-002 | First-aid kit | 1 | To be weighed | In box; clearly marked and readily retrievable before flight | Present but requires replenishment. Replace missing/expired contents, seal, date the inspection and record the next review. |
| SAF-003 | Personal locator beacon (PLB) | 1 or more; exact quantity/model to record | To be weighed | Stored securely between flights; carried immediately accessible in operation | Record owner/registration details as applicable, battery expiry and self-test procedure. A PLB buried in baggage is not immediately usable. |
| GND-001 | Wheel chocks | 1 set | To be weighed | In box or secured alongside it | Use a conspicuous removal streamer or positive before-start check. Account for both/all pieces before departure. |
| GND-002 | Aircraft cover | 1 | To be weighed | Folded dry in box or secured alongside it | Confirm it is the correct cover, dry before long storage, and account for every fastening before flight. |
| GND-003 | Rope | 1 length/set; specification to record | To be weighed | Coiled and secured | Record intended use, length, material, condition and safe working strength. Do not assume an unidentified rope is approved tie-down equipment. |
| TOOL-001 | Useful aircraft spanner | 2 | To be weighed | In a retained tool roll or pouch | Record exact sizes selected for legitimate routine needs. Tools do not extend owner-maintenance privileges. |
| TOOL-002 | Useful screwdriver | 2 | To be weighed | In the retained tool roll or pouch | Record head types and sizes. Account for both after use to prevent FOD. |
| TOOL-003 | Pliers | 1 | To be weighed | In the retained tool roll or pouch | Record type and intended use. Clean and account for after use. |
| TOOL-004 | Tape | 1 roll | To be weighed | Bagged in tool pouch | Record tape type and replace when degraded. Do not use general tape as an undocumented aircraft repair. |
| TOOL-005 | Spark-plug torque wrench | 1 | To be weighed | Protected in tool pouch or case | Record drive, range, units and calibration status. Use only with applicable approved data and within maintenance privileges. |
| ENG-001 | Spare spark plug | Quantity and exact approved part number to record | To be weighed | Individually protected, clean and dry | Verify applicability, condition and electrode protection. Carriage does not authorise installation or release to service. |
| ENG-002 | Aircraft-compatible oil | Quantity, grade and container size to record | To be weighed | Sealed upright and protected against leakage | Verify the approved grade, seal and expiry/condition. Include the actual carried quantity in weight and balance. |
| FUEL-001 | Fuel drain/sample tester | 1 | To be weighed | Clean and dry in a sealed internal bag | Inspect fuel samples for water, contamination and correct fuel. Do not return contaminated samples to the tank. Avoid storing a fuel-wet tester in the cabin. |
| FUEL-002 | Tank level dipstick/gauge | 1 | To be weighed | Clean and dry in a protective sleeve | Provides a repeatable direct tank-level indication. Identify the exact device and confirm its calibration/applicability to the TB9 tanks. |
| FUEL-003 | Pipette/syringe-style fine fuel measuring device | 1 | To be weighed | Clean and dry in a protective sleeve | Intended to improve quantity estimation below the tabs or between coarse markings. Record exact device and method; verify against a known fuel uplift before relying on it. |
| CARE-001 | Drinking water | Quantity/container to record | To be weighed at actual carried quantity | Sealed and secured upright | Rotate regularly and prevent leakage. Do not use the drinking supply for aircraft servicing. |
| CARE-002 | Microfibre cloth | 1 or more | To be weighed | Clean and bagged | Keep separate from fuel/oil-contaminated materials. Confirm suitable products and technique before cleaning transparencies. |
| CARE-003 | Small towel | 1 | To be weighed | Clean and dry in a bag | General clean-up use; remove or isolate if contaminated with fuel or oil. |
| CARE-004 | Hand wipes and tissues | 1 supply | To be weighed | Sealed against drying or contamination | Check stock and expiry/condition; carry used material out in a suitable waste bag. |
Before-flight use
- Decide which portable equipment is required by the route, conditions and intended operation.
- Check the box against the manifest and record missing, expired or unserviceable items.
- Remove any equipment that must be available in flight; do not leave it buried in baggage.
- Confirm the box and all loose articles are restrained and within baggage and centre-of-gravity limits.
- After using tools or fuel equipment, account for every item and return it clean and dry.
- Reweigh the complete portable kit whenever its normal contents or carried consumable quantities materially change.
Lifejacket handling
The two lifejackets are route-dependent safety equipment, not ordinary tools. Keeping them in the orange box is suitable between flights, but a closed box in the baggage area may not provide adequate access during an emergency. Their flight position should be decided during pre-flight planning, including passenger briefing and whether they should be worn.
Tool limitations
The small tool selection is for sensible practical use within the privileges and competence of the person using it. It is not authority to dismantle, adjust or repair aircraft systems. Any intervention must remain within approved owner-maintenance rules and be recorded or released where required.
Items to consider separately
The following remain candidates rather than confirmed baseline contents:
- compact torch/headtorch and spare batteries;
- high-visibility vest(s) where aerodrome use calls for them;
- nitrile gloves, wipes and sealable waste bags for fuel sampling;
- sick bags and a small passenger-comfort kit;
- a clean oil funnel or pouring spout compatible with the carried container;
- purpose-rated tie-down straps or ropes once the required specification is established.
Add an item only when its use, storage position, weight and inspection method are clear. Avoid allowing the box to become an unrecorded collection of heavy loose objects.