Flying Jackets...which one?
 

Hiya all,

As I am another year wiser, good fortunes have been promised me in the form of a flying jacket.

I have taken a particular interest in the one in the transair catalouge, page 75, although I dont really fancy the wings and tight cuffs/waist.

The AFE one looks nice but I never got a good look at it as the web picture is pants. What Im after is people who have these jackets to kindly share some info as to whether they are worth the money, and which one to buy, or should I just not bother...

Thanks
Rusty

Just make sure it isn't made of nylon which is unsuitable for any clothing where fire protection may be a factor.

Nylon melts into human skin and makes burns far worse than they should have been. I have seen the results and it isn't pretty.

Buy cotton, wool, leather or aramid fibre (nomex).

Oh come on.

If you've got money to burn and a copy of Transair, find something worth buying. You've already got a coat haven't you? We have to pay well over the odds for everything - don't fall into that trap over a bloody jacket.

I wouldn't bother. You'll find a walking fleece from Millets or the like more comfortable, less bulky and warmer on the airfield - also cheaper and a lot more practical.

CM

Don't forget to buy your flying boots and the flying suit, The C150 might stall.
Don't waist your money.

Hey guys,lay off Rusty. The flying jacket would be a birthday prezzy.

My other arf offered to by me a flying jacket for Xmas but I declined. I got a drill instead....now she's got me building bloody wardrobes.

If she wants to buy you some flying stuff, let her, even if it maybe something you wouldn't buy yourself.

A jacket is not 'flying stuff' - It's a jacket. I'm not saying it's not a worthwhile present, just that you don't need to spend 25-50% more to buy one with a pair of wings sewn on it. People who wear them get laughed at anyway.

Rusty,

Seeing as no bugger has offered to buy me a flying jacket then I guess I'll have to live vicariously through you...

See if you can find a leather US Army Airforce one, like they wore when they were over 'ere nicking our girls and chewing gum during World War II. They look great, they're light enough to leave the weight and balance of your C152 unchanged and will cost your parents enough dosh for you to feel you've had your money's worth.

You can then get your aviator's sun-glasses for Christmas and then your pilot's watch next birthday, then you're all set.

Happy Birthday, by the way.

TW

Well Rusty, it's a present so have what you want.

BUT prices for anything to do with aviation are completely over the top. Some of it we have to put up with - you can't get whizwheels etc on the high street. But you can get cheap versions of flying jackets, and they look the same and work just as well. Though I agree with Chilli Monster that a fleece is more practical. If it were me I'd hunt around and get a cheaper jacket, and get something else for the extra money.

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Whirly

To fly is human, to hover, divine.

Hi Rusty - a word of warning... if you're anything like me, you should be steering clear of sports like flying, sailing and skiing. There is far too much gear to buy and most of it is really nice and shiny.

I suspect if you buy a flying jacket now, you'll want another one next year (I would!).

My solution was to liberate a really old battered old one (it had suffered an oil dump from a Pitts and the wearer had made a rapid forced landing - safely, I add!).

Much more credible than a brand new one? - assuming you have a suitable person to liberate from...

HB

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If it ain't broke - why not?

Rusty a few years ago in Bike magazine they ran an item about Griff Fender who used to be in "Darts" the retro Doo Wop band. He'd jacked in music and was doing a nice line in illustrated jackets, mostly bike stuff but also a few WW II style flyer jackets. Don't know if he's still trading.The artwork was exquisite though probably a bit steep on the pocket.
Cheers WM ;)

haha, thanks people, enjoyed reading your replies, I have decided to go for some Randolph glasses instead, a) slightly cheaper, b) what I always wanted..

Thanks again,
Rusty

Aha: the deadly lure of the cool shades. Don't forget to inform The Parents that there's an outstanding jacket requirement next year.

Enjoy getting horribly pissed tonight with your mates.

TW

Seems like you know the right people Rusty: Flying jackets/shades for birthdays, rich fathers of ugly girls wanting to buy you jets.. Must be something about you that the rest of us could benefit from..! http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/tongue.gif

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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"

Forget the Randolphs, goggles and flying helmet mandatory...then you can pull the visor down and you won't see the ugly girlfriend.....
PS Do yer QXC first!!

Girl friends dad buying jet's, rich parents to buy me Randolph shades, oh how I wish I had such a fertile imagination..... :rolleyes:

I agree that fleeces are useful for flying in, but, as polartec is a form of polyester, might it not get nasty if on fire? Anyone know about this?

I vowed not to fly in a leather jacket or gloves until I got the licence, and when I did my wife bought me one of the dark blue jackets from Aviation Leather Craft, which is fine, and heavy enough to wear in an open cockpit. I would prefer it not to have epaulettes and the silly sleeve pocket (for yer fags, apparently). Putting wings on it would be a definite gong offence.

Rusty - re the Randolphs: Have a chat with the nice folk at CloudTop - they will do you a good deal on your steely-eyed fighter pilot shades.

Not that I would be seen dead in them, of course! Suppose you could wait until you've started your FAA training where they issue you with shades, one pair for the use of and a flying jacket!

Happy birthday


Stik

i guess Rusty when you mean flying jackets you mean all types..not able to see the AFE type.

Well, 5 years ago i saw and bought a genuine 1943 RAF irvine for 10 quid, the odd hole but good incredibly thick sheepskin,

43?=4 piece back - they had leather shortage pre 43 and prior to this they were 2 piece back.

three weeks ago i bought a B3 shearling (with white sheep skin) that is indistinguishable from new for 65 quid.

MOTTO ...keep looking in CHARITY SHOPS

Rusty,

Get yerself up to Silvermans in the East End, and buy an ex RAF Cold Weather Mk 3 flying jacket. They are excellent, and my old battered one, issued many moons ago, is still giving stalwart service, although the velcro cuffs are wearing a bit thin now,.,,,Deep pockets (For the landing fees) and a hidden hood in the collar. It is possible to buy virtually new ones for a few bob (er.....quids) extra which may/may not still be treated with nomex.

Either that, or spend the extra £80.00 on getting to grips with a new type....

Tailwinds.

:)