Not sure about some of the figures quoted on here but understand prices may have changed recently. From my own experience a few years ago, the girl/woman I spoke to at Aviation Leathercraft was not too helpful. The price on the website was the price full stop with no discount for being currently serving aircrew. I also needed a headed letter to prove who I was, just to get the official RAF version (which I don't think you can navigate to on their website - albeit as some have already commented, it's pretty similar to the RN Harrier version).

So for real man size, that was 310.64 x 1.175 (VAT) = 365 + 12 (minimum delivery charge) = 377 QUID.

Pops version = $360 with no VAT or import tax and no delivery cost. Using the currency converter on Pops website today = 250 QUID.

I think most people agree, the British version is probably slightly better but, as always, it's the buyers decision at the end of the day. In my case, the exchange rate at the time was a lot better than today and so I went for the Pops version. Fit, quality and service are/were all good and despite a fair amount of wear, it still looks like new (not necessarily a good thing). Nice touch with the custom made for (name) patch sewn inside too.

QWIN - on a separate note, I doubt if we have ever met but purely from your last note, I know that it would have been a pleasure to work and fly with you!

Partyanimal,

Thank you for your complimentary observation. If your callsign/nom de plume fits, you may well be correct.

QWIN

Well here is the official jacket supplier's price:

Pricing
38" - 44" £220 +VAT
46" - 50" £240 +VAT

See here: MoD Approved Pattern Jacket

So I'm discriminated against if I become pregnant and am forced to buy the larger version?

Does anyone know if there is a lightweight summer leather flying jacket that I could wear in TGI Fridays on the boardwalk?

Runaway Gun said:

So I'm discriminated against if I become pregnant and am forced to buy the larger version?

I'm guessing that if you became pregnant that money would be the least of your problems:}.

Compared mine to an Aviation LC jacket today..little difference, but the ALC one is better put together...but enough for over £120..hmmmmmmmm jury's out...:cool::E:ok::}

Do the imitations ALJs have the same rather tacky nylon lining as most of Pop's jackets - or the much comfier heavyweight cotton lining used by Aviation Leathercraft?

Tacky...hmmm, not so much, but not cotton...I'm not saying it's as good as, but close..I couldn't stretch to a ALC jacket and Pop's came highly recommended!:E

I don't know what type of leather Pop's uses - the earlier models seemed to be made of recycled Etruscan goat scrotums or similar and were nothing like as tough as the genuine Aviation Leathercraft articles. But they were considerably lighter in weight.

The only criticism I would have of the Aviation Leathercraft version is that it is rather long in the back - rather like those awful old 1970-ish No.2HD Thunderbirds jackets....:yuk:

QWIN, just to put the record straight, the jackets we had at Chivenor were all freebies. It was the first year that aeros guys could get 'sponsorship', Madness got the jackets courtesy of Flight; I've still got mine, a bit tatty after all this time but fine to wear in the car with the hood down.

So, a bit like your PIs, an element of truth but beware the final outcome!!

Eurofighter Typhoon display jacket
 

Went to the last Duxford airshow of the year yesterday, and wondered by the Aviation Leathercraft store. I saw the latest addition to their collection and MoD approved...........the Eurofighter Typhoon display leather jacket.

Has the following specs:

1) Sde entry pockets with no zips or snap closure and two inside pockets.

2) Knitted cuffs and waistband similar to the A2 jacket and the Tornado jacket.

3) No left hand sleeve pocket for pens.

4) Diamond blue lining on the inside.

5) Velcro epaulettes

The guy from A L told me that the input was from Typhoon crews as well as the MoD. I was mildly surprised at this design which is in effect an USAF A2 jacket without the deep snap entry pockets but side entry pockets similar to any other bog standard leather jacket in store.

He also mentioned the Tornado aircrew jacket is still being produced but wont be long before they stop production and supply.

Anyhow was attracted by the official BBMF leather aircrew jacket (zipped side pockets, velcro secured flap for the sleeve pen pocket and two deep snap closure inside pockets) and therefore I bought it :ok:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....b49015b795.jpg

PLAAF leather aircrew jacket design looks familiar
 

http://i.imgur.com/LxIaZ.jpg

This surprisingly resembles the blue leather aircrew jacket sold by Aviation Leathercraft :)

Any thoughts please?

Well, it's blue and it's leather - but at that point the similarity ends from what I can see...

RCAF leather jacket resembles RAF aircrew?
 

Think the CoS of the RCAF has a similar one to the RAF leather aircrew jacket?

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ps0802a194.jpg

Photo BN2013-0376-175 | Multi-Media - Imagery Gallery | RCAF | DND/CF

Anyone in the DnD know who supplies this or do they ask across here to Aviation Leathercraft to supply?

Cheers

At least Aviation Leathercraft produce jackets that fit- unlike the one being modelled by Gen Blondin!

Check the stitching though. Take it back later and they will charge a reasonable price to rectify their defect.

My Aviation Leathercraft jacket is starting to look a little worn in places, so I was thinking I ought to take care of it better.

Can anyone recommend a decent leather cleaner/conditioner? I've used saddle soap and the suchlike on equestrian equipment, and I have some generic conditioner for leather footwear, but am unsure if there's something better for a jacket.

25 Sqn Jacket
 

When 25 Sqn reformed at Leeming as an F3 Sqn, their Boss, Mick Martin, wanted the Sqn to have an 'identity'. Aviation Leathercraft supplied the 25 Sqn Tornado Jacket to those guys on the Sqn at a discounted rate and the 'identity' was born.....

The Staish at Valley got to hear about said jackets being worn with uniform and banned them for the Sqn MPC at STCAAME roundabout 1990. He didn't want his impressionable young students being misled. Well those cheeky chappies of 25 Sqn did take their jackets to Valley but never wore them. The Det photo though was just of jackets on hangers, hooked over the 'Winder' rail with each owners name on the photo but with the title 'No Jacket Allowed' (required, gettit?). Don't know if the photo ever got to STCAAMEs corridor wall but it certainly didn't hurt anyones career-the Qwip achieved Air Rank and is now a Director Of Something Important with the CAA!

I use Navy Blue boot polish and it comes up a treat. I also had it relined by Aviation Leathercraft after the first 20 years of wear - it's now like new. If I recall correctly it was about £80 + VAT to do, but was worth every penny. :ok:

LJ