View Poll Results: My attitude towards aviation apparel
Ashamed to wear in the GA community
19
13.87%
Ashamed to wear in public
16
11.68%
Ashamed to wear anywhere
35
25.55%
Not ashamed at all, in fact i'm proud to do so
40
29.20%
I wear 4 bars on my pyjamas
27
19.71%
Voters: 137. This poll is closed
Ashamed of aviation clothing?
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: London
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As regards what aviators are wearing, the ones that I've met through this site tend to wear a slightly confused expression and spit on their chins. That might be because the gold bars they use all serve Stella Artois and Aftershocks 
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Niknak
I cannot deny that a manoeuvring area is a potentially dangerous place, but aeroplanes have right of way airside, so surely it's incumbent upon all boot-borne traffic simply to keep to the edges. There is potential here for pedestrians to equate visibility with invulnerability.
Don't mistake me. I am the proud owner of just such a garment, and I wear it too, but I also keep a wary eye over both shoulders, and I certainly don't take it for granted that a busy pilot has seen me simply because I look a prat.
I cannot deny that a manoeuvring area is a potentially dangerous place, but aeroplanes have right of way airside, so surely it's incumbent upon all boot-borne traffic simply to keep to the edges. There is potential here for pedestrians to equate visibility with invulnerability.
Don't mistake me. I am the proud owner of just such a garment, and I wear it too, but I also keep a wary eye over both shoulders, and I certainly don't take it for granted that a busy pilot has seen me simply because I look a prat.
Join Date: Dec 2001
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It was only when I started learning that I found out about the folklore and opinions regarding helicopter clothing...
Apparently, real heli pilots don't wear sunglasses because they distort depth perception. I'm not in a position to argue except to say that I've flown into enough confined spaces now to feel safe in me RBs. Real heli pilots apparently wear baseball caps instead. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather not have the peak of a cap in my field of vision and stick with the shades instead...
I could never work out why so many heli pilots wore gloves, until I started flying circuits and autorotations in the summer in the R22 - my hands seem to spring a leak and the only way to stop them and keep some kind of grip (because you CANNOT take your hand off the cyclic in the '22) was to buy some of those fetching white gloves. OK, I look like a snooker referee, but I don't slide off the stick!
DBChopper (sweaty bloke)
Apparently, real heli pilots don't wear sunglasses because they distort depth perception. I'm not in a position to argue except to say that I've flown into enough confined spaces now to feel safe in me RBs. Real heli pilots apparently wear baseball caps instead. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather not have the peak of a cap in my field of vision and stick with the shades instead...
I could never work out why so many heli pilots wore gloves, until I started flying circuits and autorotations in the summer in the R22 - my hands seem to spring a leak and the only way to stop them and keep some kind of grip (because you CANNOT take your hand off the cyclic in the '22) was to buy some of those fetching white gloves. OK, I look like a snooker referee, but I don't slide off the stick!
DBChopper (sweaty bloke)
Join Date: May 2001
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Can anyone help me? I am very keen to buy some bars that light up after dark. I found some in a catalogue that flash on and off - but that seems a bit over the top, rather pretentious. I am after some that just light up continuously. I suppose one could cobble something together with a photoelectric cell but I would prefer something more 'professional', preferably slowing increasing to full intensity and then fading away with the dawn.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be most grateful.
As for those white gloves, has anyone tried just spraying their hand with antiperspirant? Works a treat and you don't look a plonker!
If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be most grateful.
As for those white gloves, has anyone tried just spraying their hand with antiperspirant? Works a treat and you don't look a plonker!
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Unlike other parts of the world, many airline pilots in the US "commute" to work on the airlines. Wearing their uniform is also required by some carriers to jumpseat, even if they end up getting a seat in the cabin. It also makes it much easier to deal with security while in uniform, since employees do not have boarding passes to get through security, but jumpseat forms that are issued at the gate.
However, with that is mind, I know too many idiots who refuse to wear their uniform when in the airport enviroment. This same group is trying to relax the dress code by wanting hats to be optional, polo shirts, etc....
When I was commuting several years ago, I jumpseated on a large regional airline on the west coast and was absolutely shocked to see the pilots wearing hideous polo shirts and baseball caps. Apparently it was managements' idea to keep everyone happy during a union drive that lasted a month or two.
I think it relfects poorly on the profession when one cannot wear a uniform proudly. It commands respect!
However, with that is mind, I know too many idiots who refuse to wear their uniform when in the airport enviroment. This same group is trying to relax the dress code by wanting hats to be optional, polo shirts, etc....
When I was commuting several years ago, I jumpseated on a large regional airline on the west coast and was absolutely shocked to see the pilots wearing hideous polo shirts and baseball caps. Apparently it was managements' idea to keep everyone happy during a union drive that lasted a month or two.
I think it relfects poorly on the profession when one cannot wear a uniform proudly. It commands respect!
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Gerund,
You should try the place Southwest Airlines pilots get the flashing lights they drape around their hats at Christmas. Nothing like being greeted at the 737 door by a guy wearing four stripes, a red nose, ridiculous false beard and lit up like a christmas tree. All good fun, nobody thinks they cannot fly the plane. Together with bad jokes and off tune sing-songs over the PA, it's all part of the Southwest experience, and only Southwest could get away with it.
You should try the place Southwest Airlines pilots get the flashing lights they drape around their hats at Christmas. Nothing like being greeted at the 737 door by a guy wearing four stripes, a red nose, ridiculous false beard and lit up like a christmas tree. All good fun, nobody thinks they cannot fly the plane. Together with bad jokes and off tune sing-songs over the PA, it's all part of the Southwest experience, and only Southwest could get away with it.
Join Date: Oct 2002
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Have just read the item in this month's Pilot about the French young fliers' rally last summer.
Contrast seems to be that they (the French) seem proud to be Pilots, the tone I pick up from this thread suggests we (Brits) seem half ashamed to admit it.
Maybe this accounts for some of the differences between the health of French and UK GA. (No, I'm Brit through & through; no, I've not had the pleasure of flying in France; yes, I am pig ignorant).
sd
Contrast seems to be that they (the French) seem proud to be Pilots, the tone I pick up from this thread suggests we (Brits) seem half ashamed to admit it.
Maybe this accounts for some of the differences between the health of French and UK GA. (No, I'm Brit through & through; no, I've not had the pleasure of flying in France; yes, I am pig ignorant).
sd
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From what I have seen, GA guys can have all the fancy pants toys and equipment but have to dress either in the corporate management standard GAP uniform or look like they have personally suffered severe wake turbulence - no inbetweens. I have not quite discovered my avaiation image yet, so for ease of use I have elected for the latter for the time being.
Join Date: Dec 2002
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I avoid wearing any manmade fibres.I have a rather paranoid attitude to fires in a small plane, but haven't yet started wearing a parachute. Did once meet an ex-RAF instructor who wouldn't fly a light plane without one ( I presume he gave his passenger a parachute also) - do not know what he flew though.
I do own a nomex jacket ( no badges or wings 'cos I dont think I've earned the right to wear any) bought from here -
http://www.flightsuits.com/
If you look at their clearance sale you can get a bargain.They also sell the USAF type nomex leather gloves and the white RAF ones.I tried gloves but other than on the coldest days didn't really like them.
I do own a nomex jacket ( no badges or wings 'cos I dont think I've earned the right to wear any) bought from here -
http://www.flightsuits.com/
If you look at their clearance sale you can get a bargain.They also sell the USAF type nomex leather gloves and the white RAF ones.I tried gloves but other than on the coldest days didn't really like them.
Join Date: Feb 2002
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There's no colder place than an airfield in winter so personally I use a boiler suit, with a heavy impregnation of winch oil and emulsion paint - and it kept me warm in an unheated glider at 21000 feet.
Which proves that the principle behind the old Sidcot suit still works.
The only time I've ever seen a white shirt with epaulettes worn at a gliding club was when the owner had just come from work (B747 - 400) and he still had the piss taken!
Which proves that the principle behind the old Sidcot suit still works.
The only time I've ever seen a white shirt with epaulettes worn at a gliding club was when the owner had just come from work (B747 - 400) and he still had the piss taken!
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I think that the full kit like all the jackets ties hats and shining shoes etc should be the uniform of commercial airline pilots or pilots working for a living because I think its important to keep the image of a pilot. I think the BA pilots for example look really smart!!
As far as im concerned as a tyro nearly finished on my PPL, I go to the flyin club in what I am wearing. I think maybe I would buy a jumper with something on it but thats about it. Im only 22 and im proud to be a pilot, but I dont need a full suit to prove that.
Andrew
As far as im concerned as a tyro nearly finished on my PPL, I go to the flyin club in what I am wearing. I think maybe I would buy a jumper with something on it but thats about it. Im only 22 and im proud to be a pilot, but I dont need a full suit to prove that.
Andrew
Join Date: Feb 2003
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I only learned to fly so I could wear the "gear" to attract the girls.
Wearing the helmet and goggles in the nightclub works every time but I find the starched silk scarf can cause some upset when it smacks people round the face.
Wearing the helmet and goggles in the nightclub works every time but I find the starched silk scarf can cause some upset when it smacks people round the face.
PINKS WORLD THROUGH ROSE COLOURED SPECS
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Happy and content again back in the house on the beach ,baking on the AGA and flying around my highland home . emmmmmmmm
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Pinkster dropping in for a miniut
Golly gum drops
You just wouldn't believe what I fly in.
I know i'm slightly excentric,,and don't always wear,"run of the mill apprell, but from reading this thread I must be a complete laughing stock.
STILL
TO late to change now.
But, can you imagine ,what extras i could wear ,when I qualify ?
PINK-AVIATOR
You just wouldn't believe what I fly in.
I know i'm slightly excentric,,and don't always wear,"run of the mill apprell, but from reading this thread I must be a complete laughing stock.
STILL
TO late to change now.
But, can you imagine ,what extras i could wear ,when I qualify ?
PINK-AVIATOR
Join Date: Mar 2000
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PPL's wearing the Transair stuff is laughable, along the lines of alot of students who 'forget' to take their flying text books off the rear parcel shelf!
I would prefer it if they read them personally....
These same cars usually have bumper stickers saying things like "pilots do it inverted" and other such hilarious comments.
To be honest wear what you like for safety, but nobody likes a show-off.
I made the mistake once of going to a pub for lunch in my uniform with a couple of guy's from work and we were all mistaken for security guards!
But as others say, who cares........
I would prefer it if they read them personally....These same cars usually have bumper stickers saying things like "pilots do it inverted" and other such hilarious comments.
To be honest wear what you like for safety, but nobody likes a show-off.
I made the mistake once of going to a pub for lunch in my uniform with a couple of guy's from work and we were all mistaken for security guards!
But as others say, who cares........
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Given the age and state of most of the Warriors that I hire, I reckon one of those long "Arfur Dailey" sheepskin coats, and a felt hat are in order - just to give it that "Dodgy Secondhand Used Car" look
Just one careful owner sir.... nice lady driver...... engine warmed nicely during PFLs..... Only 200 quid to fill up
Just one careful owner sir.... nice lady driver...... engine warmed nicely during PFLs..... Only 200 quid to fill up
Join Date: Oct 2000
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I will get a flight suit (thanks for the link, Genghis!)...
...only...
...I'll cut the legs and make them "zipoffable". Heavy boots. Always heavy boots. All the time. Busted ankle. But flip-up sunglasses and a fishing hat where the dirt is starting to develop a written language, as immortalized by Col. Henry Blake in M*A*S*H, well... I doubt anyone will get the impression it is for looks as it makes you look (even more) like a right idiot.
I've found most regular clothes have two shortcomings when it comes to flying gliders.
a) Impossible to get to the pockets when wearing a parachute and strapped into a glider cockpit. Nothing like a good game of "hunt the sunglasses in the leg pocket"!
b) "Impissible". A good flight suit has a zipper which can be opened from both directions and goes lower than they usually do.
Waiting for the official Monthy Python guide on "How to recognize a bunch of glider pilots from quite a distance - and steer well clear". The trailers are a dead giveaway but sometimes, the hints are more subtle!
Besides, you can be nekkid (boxers optional) underneath and just wring off the top half after landing. Very good for messing around on the field before and after. Too bad they're often green. Too hot. Beige is ideal. Not hot in the sun and really shows up all the dirt, for those conscious about showing up an image of not being conscious about their image.
Also good in case you end up coming down in some forest out in nowhere. A bit of protection from both possible effects of landing on something which is not a field and night cold/mosquitoes. When I start straying some distance from the home field, the shorts and t-shirt will be gone. I'll miss them.
If you think you've heard it all by now, check out this thread.
When I eventually make powered, I'll have a good think about the discomfort of fire protective clothing vs the safety benefit. A student pilot around where I lived died from the burns he received in a fire after overrunning the runway on an aborted takeoff. Long sleeves and legs of cotton would probably have been enough to prevent it.
Cheers,
Fred
...only...
...I'll cut the legs and make them "zipoffable". Heavy boots. Always heavy boots. All the time. Busted ankle. But flip-up sunglasses and a fishing hat where the dirt is starting to develop a written language, as immortalized by Col. Henry Blake in M*A*S*H, well... I doubt anyone will get the impression it is for looks as it makes you look (even more) like a right idiot.
I've found most regular clothes have two shortcomings when it comes to flying gliders.
a) Impossible to get to the pockets when wearing a parachute and strapped into a glider cockpit. Nothing like a good game of "hunt the sunglasses in the leg pocket"!
b) "Impissible". A good flight suit has a zipper which can be opened from both directions and goes lower than they usually do.
Waiting for the official Monthy Python guide on "How to recognize a bunch of glider pilots from quite a distance - and steer well clear". The trailers are a dead giveaway but sometimes, the hints are more subtle!
Besides, you can be nekkid (boxers optional) underneath and just wring off the top half after landing. Very good for messing around on the field before and after. Too bad they're often green. Too hot. Beige is ideal. Not hot in the sun and really shows up all the dirt, for those conscious about showing up an image of not being conscious about their image.
Also good in case you end up coming down in some forest out in nowhere. A bit of protection from both possible effects of landing on something which is not a field and night cold/mosquitoes. When I start straying some distance from the home field, the shorts and t-shirt will be gone. I'll miss them.
If you think you've heard it all by now, check out this thread.
When I eventually make powered, I'll have a good think about the discomfort of fire protective clothing vs the safety benefit. A student pilot around where I lived died from the burns he received in a fire after overrunning the runway on an aborted takeoff. Long sleeves and legs of cotton would probably have been enough to prevent it.
Cheers,
Fred
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Good god! I am proud to wear my flightsuit (bought for 10 quid at an ex-military surplus shop!)
and I don't exactly look how people expect a pilot to look - what with the long hair and leather jacket as well as said flightsuit.
I think the blue jumpers (nato specification - look in transair catalogue if you don't know what i mean) should be kept for QFIs.
And "Airline uniforms" for airline pilots - seeing some 17year old get out of a c150 having just passed his nppl wearing 4stripes and an airline uniform is ludicrous.
But flightsuits with wings are very comfortable to fly in, and are a bit of a status simbol - I have had some people stop me in the street if iv'e just come down, and ask if i'm a pilot, of coures some just stair as if i'm from the set of star wars
do you think that you are allowed to wear wings after you're first solo? I thought you were only allowed to wear them when you are issued with a license?
WelshFlyer.
and I don't exactly look how people expect a pilot to look - what with the long hair and leather jacket as well as said flightsuit.
I think the blue jumpers (nato specification - look in transair catalogue if you don't know what i mean) should be kept for QFIs.
And "Airline uniforms" for airline pilots - seeing some 17year old get out of a c150 having just passed his nppl wearing 4stripes and an airline uniform is ludicrous.
But flightsuits with wings are very comfortable to fly in, and are a bit of a status simbol - I have had some people stop me in the street if iv'e just come down, and ask if i'm a pilot, of coures some just stair as if i'm from the set of star wars
do you think that you are allowed to wear wings after you're first solo? I thought you were only allowed to wear them when you are issued with a license?
WelshFlyer.