When I first heard the words “Flight Case”, I must admit I questioned why it wasn’t just called a “suitcase”, I mean, it is a case that goes on airplanes, right? Well! After waking up and paying attention to Flight Cases’ many roles, I am in awe how this case that was originally designed by airline packaging engineers has made storing and shipping either by air or road such a breeze.
On the technical side, all Flight Cases are approved by the ATA (Air Transport Association) and range from ATA 300 Category I to Category III, basically classifying the minimum number of round trips the case can withstand, specifically they are:
- ATA 300 Category I = 100 round trips
- ATA 300 Category II = 10 round trips
- ATA 300 Category III = 1 round trip
What are Flight Cases made of?
Throughout the construction of all our Flight Cases, the majority are made using birch plywood, plastic or composite from renewable sources. Exterior covering includes coloured High Pressure Laminates (HPL), aluminium stucco panels and extruded vinyl sheets, all of which are bonded in-house using water-based adhesives and a heated press system.
Can they be custom-made?
Flight Cases are extremely versatile, so that the customer can ask for any dimensions to fit their specific needs, including any padding to further protect delicate equipment. High Performance Cases offers this service and are proud to be very experienced in customising Flight Cases for many customers from rock bands to the military.
Here’s why Roadies love Flight Cases
Speaking of rock bands, I remember seeing at my past rock concerts, plenty of these black boxes with the bands’ name printed in white across them, with the typical roadie hovering around them, probably finishing setting up or working directly from the case which stored conveniently their sound or lighting system.
Typical uses for Flight Cases on tour are wardrobe, hair and make-up, catering, rigging, video, production and even carpentry. Any experienced Roadie would tell you that without Flight Cases, their job would be a nightmare, as going on tour is very logistical, involving unpacking, setting-up and packing-up every 2 to 3 days at a different venue and in most cases, different countries that involve either road or air travel.
Flight Cases reduces the stress by being tailored made for each application, not only in protecting the contents, but with the addition of Rackmount cases, they are ready-to-use by simply removing the panels or opening the case to reveal either a sound system or stage lighting. Additionally, there is no risk of equipment overheating due to the airflow design of Rackmount cases.
Apart from Roadies using Flight Cases, Singers and band members have been known to appreciate them by “hiding” in them either from over-eager fans and photographers or for easy access to the stage as Adele did regularly during her 2017 Stadium tour. Unbeknown to the crowd, she was wheeled past them in a Flight Case towards the stage, which was set-up in the middle of the stadium. Apparently, this was the safest way to get her to the stage as there was no trap door or back stage entrance. She found the Flight Case reasonably comfortable, although she did admit feeling hot and sweaty after an hour or so.
So any celebrities out there that need a “hiding box”, please contact us with your measurements for a comfortable fit. Air-conditioning not included!
Check out the entire lineup of Flight cases at www.highperformancecases.com
Phone: +43 (0)664 73149608 (International)
Phone: +43 (0)664 1662843 (Austria)
Phone: +49 (0)1522 4076878 (Germany and Switzerland)
Email: [email protected]
