Flying Suits

[wrecker]

Can any one help with information on a source of supply of RAF type flying suits (other than Aunty Betty of Course)

[Al Titude]

You can probably get hold of some second hand ones at airshows - there are always loads of bearded guys in tents selling everthing from badges to Russian officers hats. God know where they get them from though, supply always wants to keep old suits for pax flying and spares etc.

[Cahlibahn]

Try Flying Suits (http://www.martaviation.com/flying_suits%20info.htm)

[Tricky Woo]

Cahlibahn,

Lots of flying suits Mart Aviation, but hard to tell which ones will look cool, and which ones make you look like a large bag of spanners. Wouldn't want my suit to be pointed and laughed at by all the other flying suits.

You or anyone else any thoughts on the matter?

TW

[Cahlibahn]

:D Difficult one, Tricky Woo. Just make sure the shoulder pads are big enough to support the epaulettes, shouldn't go too far wrong :cool:

[poetpilot]

Problem is, my suit is always filled with spanners. So I always look like a bag of spanners. Flying is, after all, 7 hours maintenance for one hours flying.

Just be careful which pocket you put the screwdriver in.

[apruneuk]

Wrecker,

Speak to S.E.S at Kemble airfield - they stock most RAF clothing, including brand new flying suits (expect to pay £100 ish). Contact Del on 01285771171 or email at [email protected]

[foxmoth]

If you need a BIG one (size 9 - 5'11" - 6'2")
I have one I picked up from a job lot and will let go for £40 - post your email or phone no.

[wrecker]

Many thanks every one for all the suggestions

FOXMOTH Sounds as if it might be the correct size if the girth is large enough. My email is [email protected]

[Reichman]

As someone who wears both RAF flying suits (professionally) and US Spec Flying suits (er other flying) I would say that the RAF ones are lighter and have pockets to put your hands in (Yanks don't walk around with hands in pockets like us) but the US spec ones look and fit better. I got mine from Mart Aviation. V pleased with it and the service provided. There is a website www.martaviation.com (http://www.martaviation.com)

[M14P]

The best one's I have seen are at www.flightsuits.com (http://www.flightsuits.com) - They are based in California. Also do helmets, gloves all sorts of stuff. My experience of them is absolutely first class.

[URL=http://www.flightsuits.com]

[Tiger_ Moth]

I know just the fellow for you. He's called Stuart Case and he sold me my RAF flying suit ( they're better than the american ones as they have kneeboards and more pockets than anyone could ever use) It was only about £55 or something because its second hand but its in good condition. He should be able to do you a good price and he seemed to have lots of flying suits when I went there.
His website is : www.flightcaseinternational.co.uk (http://www.flightcaseinternational.co.uk) but it wont have all his stuff there so I recommend you phone him, the number should be somewhere on the site, or e mail him.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Plenty of good advice up there, but just in case it's useful...

RAF suits come in 9 sizes, numbered 1-9

1-3 are for shortarses, 1 is thin shortarses, 3 is fat shortarses
7-9 are for tall blighters, 7 is for a beanpole, 9 for a tall fat blighter.

There are two flavours of RAF suit, the fast-jet suit has no thigh pockets making it more comfortable but less useful in a light aircraft, the truck / helicopter suit has thigh pockets you can put your checks, map, etc in for visibility in flight.

I also prefer RAF suits, but ex-Luftwaffe suits (in grey) aren't bad and are usually available cheaply second hand from the normal places, you just have to unpick the thread to remove the little German flags on the shoulders.

G

[Vfrpilotpb]

Do any have the odd Bullet hole in them , to look really authentic? :D

[foxmoth]

No reply from my email to Wrecker re the size 9 suit - so open to anyone else!
I also have a very LARGE pair of (slightly used) white cape leather flying gloves spare.