Flying Boots...
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Flying Boots...
Sorry if this has been asked already, happy for a redirect.
Has anyone tried the new (old) version Haynes & Cann boots from France? I will gladly pay £120 if they are the same as my current worn out old pattern flying boot. I just can’t tolerate the new stuff.
Has anyone tried the new (old) version Haynes & Cann boots from France? I will gladly pay £120 if they are the same as my current worn out old pattern flying boot. I just can’t tolerate the new stuff.
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£129 brand new, £110 on lower link with zip one size.
https://transair.co.uk/pilots-clothi...-black-leather
http://www.nationalpensionrescue.co....74-p-4595.html
https://transair.co.uk/pilots-clothi...-black-leather
http://www.nationalpensionrescue.co....74-p-4595.html
Last edited by NutLoose; 10th Dec 2018 at 11:46.
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I still have my mint condition boots from the 70s. Did anyone use the issued tin of preservative? It might have been called Radium brand. It used to turn the leather dull grey. Kiwi and Cherry Blossom did the job.
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Nutty, the second link is for jet pilots' boots. They have zips because these days RAF gets them so young they still don't know how to do up their own laces..... 
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Sounds about right
It reminds me of the aircraft tugs with the tortoise rabbit logos on the speedo that harked back to the times when farmers were illiterate and couldn't read the numbers.
I'd love to know what constitutes an "anti FOD pattern sole".
A mere anti FOD sole might well be one that doesn't fall off, but how can the pattern combat FOD? Does it have a sticky layer to collect loose bits and bobs? A vacuum attachment?
Interesting too to note that these are for use on aircraft platforms. Do the maintenance crews have to take them off if they step on the tarmac or enter the aircraft itself? It all sounds very inconvenient.
Ah! The twaddle people write in product descriptions.
A mere anti FOD sole might well be one that doesn't fall off, but how can the pattern combat FOD? Does it have a sticky layer to collect loose bits and bobs? A vacuum attachment?
Interesting too to note that these are for use on aircraft platforms. Do the maintenance crews have to take them off if they step on the tarmac or enter the aircraft itself? It all sounds very inconvenient.
Ah! The twaddle people write in product descriptions.
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The "anti-FOD" description applies to the design of the sole tread pattern, as you say. It doesn't have narrow gaps in the tread that could bring small objects such as pebbles or other debris into the cockpit.
Trouble is, after a relatively short time the sole becomes worn smooth and has very little remaining grip.
Trouble is, after a relatively short time the sole becomes worn smooth and has very little remaining grip.
So why did the MOD decide to stop procuring the Mk1 boots from Haynes & Cann? I know the sizing was more complex than the pattern 65, but the latest issue flying boots are dreadfully clumpy. Does anyone actually think they're an improvement over their predecessors? How does one finely apply a squeeze of pedal with such clumpy footwear!!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I did, silicon or some such. It was never provided for individual use, we were expected to use the one provided in Flying Clothing. I managed to acquire one. Can't remember how old the boots were when i used them on the Moors but they were waterproof.
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How does one finely apply a squeeze of pedal with such clumpy footwear!!
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So why did the MOD decide to stop procuring the Mk1 boots from Haynes & Cann? I know the sizing was more complex than the pattern 65, but the latest issue flying boots are dreadfully clumpy. Does anyone actually think they're an improvement over their predecessors? How does one finely apply a squeeze of pedal with such clumpy footwear!!
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The MOD stopped buying the Haynes and Cann boot because they could procure a cheaper one in the form of the Swift boot. It is much clumpier, not available in such an accommodating range of sizes, and has more difficulty fitting in small cockpit footwells. Haynes and Cann went bust after losing the MOD contract, the design was bought by someone in France who had no idea who to run a quality system, nor adhere to design standards/configuration control: boots changed spec without notice which would have made formal release for aircraft use interesting. This is why there are moves towards an Alt Berg aircrew boot, which is smaller in volume and available in a wider range of sizes, and can still do the usual Alt Berg bespoke fitting if you go to the factory.
I think MBA bought up H&K redundant stock after the MoD played silly bu**ers with the company. (Allegedly)