Whether you're a new pilot or a seasoned vet with thousands of hours, you know the old saying "hope for the best, but plan for the worst." That's the basic theory behind this list of items you don't want to leave the ground without.

For most pilots, 99.9% of your flights are going to be uneventful and not require any type of emergency procedure, but, as you know, you must be prepared for any number of problems in the air. The best way to get out of a dangerous situation in the air is to have planned for it while you were still on the ground.

With that in mind, and regardless of what flight schools require, here are a few of the items I wouldn't leave the ground without.

So many items you rely on during a normal flight will depend on having fresh batteries in your flight bag.  Unless you're putting in a new fresh set of batteries before each flight (and even then), you'll want to make sure you're covered when they die out.

Even if you've just put a new set of batteries in, one bump and they could be popping out and ending up someone on the floor.  It's much safer to reach back to your flight bag and grab a brand new battery than fish around for the last one you had before leaving.

Electronic E6B, you ANR headset, a flashlight or two, your backup GPS and NAV/COM.  These are just a few of the items you may need batteries for during your next flight.

Right after your backup batteries, you'll want to make sure you have a good quality handheld NAV/COM in the event your radio stack gives you fits.  It does happen and it's a lot easier to just flip on the backup than trying to figure out what those strobe signals mean again.

As a matter of fact, one of the first things you buy (maybe even before your headset since you can rent that) is a handheld radio.  I've found a very good quality handheld for just over $200.  It's a fantastic investment you won't regret.

Another advantage you'll have is the ability to listen in to your local airport and stay fresh on your radio work.  Of course, it's illegal for you to actually transmit just for practise, but you can hear the other pilots in the area.

You'll quickly learn an electronic E6B is a wonderful tool, but make sure you're staying sharp with the old handheld methods. Beyond died batteries, just about anything can happen to put your electronic tool out of commission and you'll be stuck trying to figure out how to use this beast.

If you've not used your since ground school, take a quick refresher and rest assured you're covered in the event you need to use this again.

You can find a very good quality flight computer at one of the pilot shops located below.  Under $30.