There are reasons to use the Squippers and their 'approved' thread.
1. The thread is supposed to be flame retardent and so it makes the bits inside a growbag easier to identify after an accident! Seriously, I have heard of aircraft accidents where body parts had to be identified by DNA and what items of clothing they were wrapped in.
2. If the badge falls off due to poor stitching quality and causes a control restriction and it was done by the Squippers then it is the RAF's fault. If it is done by an individual then it is theirs.
3. Aircrew Equipment Assemblies (AEA) are part of the airworthiness system for the aircraft (for reasons like the ones above). Any use of non-approved materials is a modification and so needs the authority to grant the approval for its use.
4. Gashly tacked on badges look rubbish!
The B Word
