Fighter Pilot's Kneeboard

The cockpit of fighter plane is very small and congested. Also fighter pilot has to carry extra accessories like helmet,G-suit, Guns etc. So their hands are generally very buisy . Only thing that is available is the knee area where they attach their all required documents , while walking towards their Aircarft. The area which holds the paper is called 'Kneeboard'.

The kneeboard held their maps, local airfield approach charts and radio frequencies, and miscellaneous information about that particular mission. That's probably all integrated into the heads up display, HUD, now, but guys probably still carry back up charts in case of HUD failure.

There are generally two types of check list

1. CCL : also called cockpit check list , for normal operation of the aircraft.

2. ECL: emergency check list: which is used while emergency.Along with this some other important documents are attached to their kneeboard.

 Cockpit of a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter

A kneeboard is an accessory (usually made from cloth, plastic or metal) with various types of clips or mounts to hold objects for pilots during flight.

A metal plate, approximately 4 to 6 inches in width, 8 to 11 inches in length.

An elastic strap, attached to the plate, to hold fast to the pilot's upper thigh.

A binder clip, mounted to the plate, for holding items.

In case, if pilot ejects from the aircraft,  he can still acess those papers ,which contains maps or emergency frequency.