Clothing.
 

I am finally irritated enough to consider buying some sort of jacket for flying. I’m sick and tired of trying to get at the phone, handkerchief, sunglasses, find a biro or a pencil, etc. when trussed up in a seatbelt and shoulder to shoulder with a companion. A jacket with pockets at the front and an “arm office” seems to make sense. In any case windswept airstrips make a jacket necessary, at least here in winter.

I am however concerned about fire risk. Polar fleece and all plastics except nomex are a huge liability in a fire so I’d rather think of leather as a compromise because nomex is too pricey.

Forget the Ace on base squadron patches, Ray bans and dinner plate sized watches, this is about comfort not style.

Any observations and suggestions?

Why not get a flight suit? And a helmet too? Can’t be too careful

Good idea. You won’t need a face mask if you’ve got a helmet.

Gloves would also be a good idea. Not too thick though, as it will be hard to get your pencil out of your pocket and some gloves don’t work when you press on your iPad screen, so maybe fingerless.

So many things to consider for the safe operation of a small aircraft!

In a previous life I had a lot to do with fabric materials flammability characteristics.

Leather is a good start but beware of decorative treatments, some of which are flammable.

Just about all materials you might choose are able to be treated to make them fire resistant. Try a search along the lines of "fabric fire resistant treatment.".

The problem then is the extent to which any given treatment tolerates laundry processes. Some may need to be reapplied after washing, for instance.

From that previous life and the many flame test procedures I did, some of the then treatments were nothing short of miraculous, transforming very hazardous fabric materials into near flameproof products.

Sunfish, do you take this much consideration into what you wear in the car? After all you’re more likely to be involved in an accident going to get the milk

An African Safari jacket should have enough easily reachable pockets to meet your needs. Just put on an extra T shirt on in winter (or move to QLD/NT for the winter!! Seriously, they are a practical jacket for flying.

I suppose I’m lucky, nobody has yet suggested the Ronald McDonalds clown suit. One gentleman who posts here does wear nomex gloves. I’m afraid plastics are not something to be worn if there is a danger of fire, they melt into the skin.

As far as driving cars goes, I can always stop if I drop something, nor do I have to navigate or consult forecasts.

I suppose you could take the fatalistic view, if you hit hard enough for a fire, you are not likely to be in any condition to worry about fire.

Last time I was in Melbourne I went through the major bike shops in Elizabeth St. They had some really good jackets made out of cotton as well as denim. Quality items I briefly considered for dress or flying jackets. Cotton, wool and denim are all reasonably flame retardant.

That's probably the last time you'll see them. If they haven't shut they've moved to cheaper locations...

Give it a rest Morno, everyone knows you don't like Sunfish, we get it. The bloke is trying to be safe and practical, I really don't see the point in mocking someone in doing that tbh.

You'll pay a bit extra for Nomex but they'll do the job fantastically both in terms of fire resistance and having all the pockets and spots you want. Go check out the Sisley range, I used them in a past job and actually really liked them. Perhaps look around and see if there is anyone selling surplus stock or send an email directly to Sisley and ask them if they have any surplus available for purchase that will suit you.

Oh and if anyone is actually wanting gloves, I got a great set from Kathmandu that worked perfectly with touch screens as well so would recommend going and seeing them for a good set. They were their own Fleece Gloves with little pads on the tips of some fingers to allow them to work and were quite warm. Even had little connector on them so you can clip them together when not in use so you don't lose a single.

Do you guys have any safety vest requirements? Maybe keep this in mind? ANSI certification and such.

Cheap Nomex Bomber
 

Found these which look good value and a lot cheaper than many out there.

And this.

Best,

SSS

I usually go for the day-glo spandex mankini with velco patches on the shoulder straps to secure pens, pencils and other cockpit essentials.

Safety meets comfort meets utility.

Leady, do you favor the Airforce fighter pilot spandex mankini or the Qantas rainbow one? Can’t make up my mind. However you have to be very careful not to get hairs in the throttle quadrant.

I stick with the Borat brand. Special reinforcement for the nether regions.

If you plan on getting wet then either a mankini or this fishing vest will do.


Mind you, wearing the above could probably land you a job in FNQ as a tour bus driver, provided you can escape the Victorian border.

I go for $20 jeans and a $5 T shirt as I'm more fatalistic (but less fashion conscious) than some here..

Sounds like you haven't bought your own clothes since about 1990!