Flight Case: What It Is, Common Sizes & Components
Flight cases are compact carriers that are designed with ATA standards to transport equipment during air travel.
These durable cases are important for transport management.
Let’s explore what these cases are made of and the ATA guidelines manufacturers must follow.
What is a flight case?
A flight case is a type of portable container that is used to transport or carry various equipment, including musical instruments, audio and lighting paraphernalia, and the like.
Moreover, large flight cases are often used to transport heavy or fragile equipment in the military and medical sectors.
Key benefits and features of flight cases include the following:
1. Durable.
2. Water and dust resistance.
3. Offers protection and security.
4. With shock absorption capacity.
5. Stackable; can be easily organized.
6. Easily movable; often comes in handles and wheels.
What Are Flight Cases Made Of?
Flight cases are crafted from materials like aluminum, plastic, and plywood, each with unique features:
- An aluminium flight case is lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for protecting delicate equipment like cameras and instruments, though it can be more expensive and prone to scratches or dents.
- A plastic flight case is an affordable, lightweight option with good corrosion resistance, suitable for smaller items, but it may lack durability and crack under heavy impact.
- Plywood flight cases are strong and versatile, perfect for heavy-duty uses like speakers or amplifiers, but they are heavier and susceptible to water damage.
Choosing the right flight case material ensures your equipment is well-protected for specific needs.
Flight Case Parts and Components
Flight cases are sturdy and offer additional protection to your equipment. This section talks about what they are commonly made of.
- Outer shell: Aluminum, plywood, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Accessories: Latches, clasps, locks, wheels, handles, castors
- Hardware: Cage nuts, hinges, screws
- Interior: Foam, dividers, protective layering
Flight Cases Common Sizes
Flight cases typically vary in size depending on the type of usage.
But for your reference, here are the common sizes available in the market:
Common Sizes
For general purposes, these are the standard or common flight case sizes:
- Small (approx. 18″ x 12″ x 6″)
- Medium (approx. 24″ x 18″ x 8″)
- Large (approx. 30″ x 24″ x 12″)
19-inch Rack Mount Sizes
Large or small flight cases with a 19-inch rack mount size are often used to carry audio or lighting gear and other similarly sized equipment.
- 4U (7 inches or 177.8 mm)
- 6U (10.5 inches or 266.7 mm)
- 8U (14 inches or 355.6 mm)
- 10U (17.5 inches or 444.5 mm)
- 12U (21 inches or 533.4 mm)
What Can You Do with a Flight Case?
Flight cases are essential for safely storing and transporting valuable or delicate items. They are widely used in industries like music, broadcasting, medical, and trade shows. Whether it’s a flight case with wheels for easy mobility, a tool flight case for organized storage, or a laptop flight case for electronics, these cases offer excellent protection against impact, shock, and environmental factors.
With durable materials, customizable designs, and secure locking systems, flight cases ensure your equipment remains safe and intact during travel. Their versatility and reliability make them an ideal solution for various professional applications.
If you’re curious about the primary uses of flight cases, check out our guide or request a quote now!
How do we build a flight case?
Building a production flight case requires precise measurements, quality materials, and proper assembly techniques.
Flight Case vs Road Case: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a flight and road case is their construction and usage.
Let’s explore further below:
Flight Case
Flight cases are built for heavy-duty protection and transport of fragile equipment, especially in air travel.
To guarantee optimal security, flight cases are made with robust materials such as layers of wood, aluminum, and internal cushions.
Road Case
Road cases are also used to transport equipment, typically in land travel.
These cases commonly use a combination of the following materials for construction:
- Steel.
- Plastic.
- Aluminum.
- Layers of wood.
- Fiberglass laminate.
What is an ATA standard for flight cases?
The Air Transport Association (ATA) imposes certain standards for flight cases for compliance with safety and protection in the air transport of goods.
To pass the ATA standard, flight cases must undergo tests and evaluation — the 100-round trip shipment.
This aims to test the flight case’s resistance to external factors and hazards, such as impact, stacking, and vibration.
Key Takeaway
- Flight cases are vital in transport management, especially in the military and medical industries.
- Flight cases must be meticulously constructed and manufactured to ensure the optimal safety and protection of equipment.
- Not only are their components crucial, but flight cases must adhere to ATA guidelines to guarantee quality.
FAQs About Flight Case
- What Should You Know Before Buying a Flight Case?
- Consider your equipment type, frequency of use, and travel conditions. Check for durable materials like aluminum or plywood, size compliance, protection features (locks, wheels), and ATA standards. Avoid overly cheap options as they may lack quality.
- How to Clean a Flight Case?
- Empty the case, inspect for damage and vacuum the interior. Use mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean, avoiding excess moisture. Dry thoroughly and polish metal parts. Regular cleaning prevents damage and maintains appearance.
- Are Flight Cases Safe?
- Yes, flight cases are highly safe, and built with durable materials like plywood and aluminum. Their robust design protects equipment during transit, making them ideal for industries like music, entertainment, and medical fields.
- What’s the difference between the EVA case and the ATA case?
- EVA cases are lightweight, customizable, and ideal for everyday protection of delicate gear. ATA cases are heavy-duty, durable, and designed for industrial-grade protection of bulky equipment during rough transit.
Article Sources
The Suncase uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Our commitment to accuracy and reliability ensures that readers receive well-researched information they can trust.
