For what it is worth, having been involved with the trials, testing and evaluation of military aircrew equipment over the past 10 years, the following are some of the basic concepts/observations I have worked too:
- At least 2 layers.
- Cotton or nomex undergarments.
- Fire Retardent (FR) outer garment/ protective shell
- Hands and faces are the most vulnerable.
- Clothing is tested to give 4-8 secs protection from a fire at a specific temp; this includes footwear.
One suggestion that I would put to the airlines, is that FR gloves are made more available i.e. with every portable oxy set there are a pair, or they are issued to all crews for the use in an emergency as standard. (Cape leather will shrink wrap your hands unless worn with a pair of silk inners)
As an aside, when I travel as pax on civ air, I always wear clothing that will at least give me a chance of getting out when things go wrong. However, next time you fly, look around the cabin and see how many are dressed to survive??
Last edited by Could be the last?; 7th Nov 2011 at 11:21.