Siloesid
I'm well aware of the principle behind the layer system if fire protection of which the nomex suit is a part. I'll be going on EE, and, bearing in mind that it's Scotland in October, I'll be wearing CS95 with long johns underneath and the standard CS95 t-shirt/shirt combination when on the ground, replacing the top half with a roll-neck (and maybe even a Norwegian army shirt) then placing a flying suit over the top when flying.
The whole point of allowing flight with non-protective flying clothing is a part of a risk management strategy allowing assessment of whether aircrew should be able to be more effective on E&E should the need arise or blend in with troops at FOBs etc against the possibility of fire in the aircraft - hence the lack of complaints on TELIC etc (although some provision of desert flying suits to therefore have had the option would have been nice).
Eagle's Eye is intended to be as realistic as possible so, as per ops in the early days of TELIC last year, we are operating from an FOB at, on or close to the border or beyond. The threat from snipers etc in such a situation is real and the idea is to blend in where possible. I know it won't be 100% effective but it's better than sticking out
all of the time.
That said, it is an exercise and, as such, safety of crew and aircraft is the primary responsibility of the captain and, as such, I will play by exercise rules and exercise risks when on the ground. However, when we are flying and the risks are real, I will take the appropriate precautions to minimise them by wearing flying clothing. In this exercise no-one is going to die if you take 2 minutes to get changed before going flying, but you might if you don't.
And, should anyone decide that such action is outside the desires of exercise play, it's my aircraft, I'm captain, and I'll do what I need to in order to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers iaw JSP550. So long as I get the job done no-one can have any complaints, can they?
PTT