If not wearing a G-suit, what must a pilot carry?

When a pilot is not wearing a G-suit, it is essential for them to have a hook blade knife on hand. This tool can be critical in emergency situations, particularly if a pilot needs to extricate themselves from a harness or other restraints quickly. The design of a hook blade allows for effective cutting, especially when fine control or rapid action is required, making it a vital piece of equipment in flight for ensuring safety during emergencies.

While the other items, such as an emergency oxygen mask, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher, are important for different scenarios in aviation safety, they do not specifically address the immediate need for rapid egress or self-rescue that a hook blade knife provides in case of experiencing high G forces without the protective benefits of a G-suit.