Shoes ??
The Original Whirly
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rtrnewboy,
I think you're mixing up me (WhirlyBIRD, known as WHIRLY), with my good friend WhirlyGIG (known as WHIRLS).
But don't worry about it; everyone else on here mixes us up too.
I even had one of her many admirers chatting me up...and getting very embarrassed when he realised it wasn't the same person. No, no names will be mentioned; don't even ask; I'm the soul of discretion. 
I think you're mixing up me (WhirlyBIRD, known as WHIRLY), with my good friend WhirlyGIG (known as WHIRLS).
But don't worry about it; everyone else on here mixes us up too.
I even had one of her many admirers chatting me up...and getting very embarrassed when he realised it wasn't the same person. No, no names will be mentioned; don't even ask; I'm the soul of discretion.
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Whirls, you're in great danger of attracting shoe fetishists to the forum and ruining our reputation. 
Whirly, I wonder if it was the same BLOKE who got mixed up about my gender and recently wanted a date with me?
Whirly, I wonder if it was the same BLOKE who got mixed up about my gender and recently wanted a date with me?
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
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A number of wise pilots here have said that once one has mastered the art of flying, then one can pretty well much fly in any footwear. So. How good will I have to be to be able to fly in a pair of these:- 
Cheers
Whirls
Cheers
Whirls
Hovering AND talking
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I can't afford Jimmy Choos; they cost as much as an hours flying! That's why I stick to me £30 joddies!
However, I do remember a wonderful photograph taken in the 50s of a American lady helicopter pilot (I think the first?? Jean somebody??). She was in the right hand seat in tweed jacket and skirt, handbag over her arm and heels. Cool gal if she could fly dressed like that!!
Cheers
Whirls
I couldn't walk in them either - I'd get a nosebleed!
However, I do remember a wonderful photograph taken in the 50s of a American lady helicopter pilot (I think the first?? Jean somebody??). She was in the right hand seat in tweed jacket and skirt, handbag over her arm and heels. Cool gal if she could fly dressed like that!!
Cheers
Whirls
I couldn't walk in them either - I'd get a nosebleed!
Join Date: May 2007
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Whirls wrote tapping away gently;
"psyan, true but why make your life difficult with "equipment" that isn't fit for purpose!!"
I can think of no sensible reason to do so. The purpose has to be defined and in relation to the individual. I can manage quite nicely in either flip flops or clod hopping wellies. I doubt the OP would fare as well.
I would recommend to the OP to try a pair of new RAF flying boots which he can get [subject to availability in his size] for about £60 + p&p here:
http://www.mart-aviation.co.uk/RAF%20Boots.htm
They are purpose designed and will last the OP for some considerable time. The carbon rubber soles are very hard wearing and whist affording protection from pointy things there is a balance and 'feel' is transmitted nicely to the operators feet.
Best Wishes
"psyan, true but why make your life difficult with "equipment" that isn't fit for purpose!!"
I can think of no sensible reason to do so. The purpose has to be defined and in relation to the individual. I can manage quite nicely in either flip flops or clod hopping wellies. I doubt the OP would fare as well.
I would recommend to the OP to try a pair of new RAF flying boots which he can get [subject to availability in his size] for about £60 + p&p here:
http://www.mart-aviation.co.uk/RAF%20Boots.htm
They are purpose designed and will last the OP for some considerable time. The carbon rubber soles are very hard wearing and whist affording protection from pointy things there is a balance and 'feel' is transmitted nicely to the operators feet.
Best Wishes
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Say "No!" to CLOD-HOPPERS
Thick soled boots with steel toes are hardly what you want to learn to fly in.
Try something like this that appears on the following Website. I am not selling anything or trying to push these people's product. I just have no idea how to get and post a picture of a pair of Vellies.
The Rhodesian Air Force issued these "boots" to Officer Cadets to learn to fly in and generally they are what all the pilots (Especially Rotary Wing) flew in throughout their Rhod.AF careers.
I still use them today.
http://www.vellies.com/mens_safari.htm/
Try something like this that appears on the following Website. I am not selling anything or trying to push these people's product. I just have no idea how to get and post a picture of a pair of Vellies.
The Rhodesian Air Force issued these "boots" to Officer Cadets to learn to fly in and generally they are what all the pilots (Especially Rotary Wing) flew in throughout their Rhod.AF careers.
I still use them today.
http://www.vellies.com/mens_safari.htm/
Last edited by Makiwa; 31st May 2007 at 17:55. Reason: Better Link Added
The Original Whirly
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However, I do remember a wonderful photograph taken in the 50s of a American lady helicopter pilot (I think the first?? Jean somebody??). She was in the right hand seat in tweed jacket and skirt, handbag over her arm and heels. Cool gal if she could fly dressed like that!!
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Yay, Veldskoenne!
The corrected link for Makiwa's post is http://www.vellies.com/mens_safari.htm
'proper' Vellies have soles made out of old tires...
The corrected link for Makiwa's post is http://www.vellies.com/mens_safari.htm
'proper' Vellies have soles made out of old tires...
Ahhh - a picture paints a thousand words...why didn't you just call them 'Desert Boots' and I would have understood
Desert boots are just what you need, unless you walk through wet grass and then you wish you hadnt worn them !! In winter I use a pair of Karrimor KSB shoes, they are waterproof. Importantly think about your footwear in case you have to put down due to weather or a problem and have to walk off a hill !!! Goes for clothing as well
Join Date: Dec 2006
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A slight change in direction here, I know, but where did they find that cadaverous looking thing that is modelling them? I thought heroin-chic went out of fashion recently, or has it made a resurgence??
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A well known FI course instructor told me on more than one occasion (he does get a bit forgetful about names and faces, however having instructed so many down through the years it is perfectly understandable) that the semi trendy shoes I was wearing were regarded by him as 'brothel creepers', and I should get myself a pair of thin soled shoes forthwith.
Hovering AND talking
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He was the last person to call her a cadaverous looking thing. So she made sure he knew the meaning!
Cheers
Whirls
Cheers
Whirls
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The right stuff
As others have suggested, "feeling" the pedals seems to be important. Wear boots if other requirements make this really necessary, but light weight relatively smooth, flexible rubber soles are the best IMHO. The Sperry Top Sider line of boat shoes (USA) work great and are inexpensive. Have used these in airplanes (long time) and helicopters (short time) and consider them perfect for the task. (Actually barefoot is best but not too practical!)
RB
RB
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I don't think it makes a difference what shoes you are wearing after you have compentency in the aircraft. Just like driving a car. I can drive a car in any footwear.
This is because I've trained all the muscles in my leg, to have the fine control needed. Thus, if I can't feel the pedals through the soles of my feet, my thigh and calves take over.
This happens naturally. Same with helicopters.
So shoe selection should be based on safety and comfort, rather than 'how well might I be able to feel the pedals'.
Personally, primary consideration is the terrain you might have to walk out of, if faced with forced landing.
That's why I fly in these!
Or these!
Sturdy, durable, smart and ideal for trapsing around the jungle.
cl12pv2s
This is because I've trained all the muscles in my leg, to have the fine control needed. Thus, if I can't feel the pedals through the soles of my feet, my thigh and calves take over.
This happens naturally. Same with helicopters.
So shoe selection should be based on safety and comfort, rather than 'how well might I be able to feel the pedals'.
Personally, primary consideration is the terrain you might have to walk out of, if faced with forced landing.
That's why I fly in these!
Or these!
Sturdy, durable, smart and ideal for trapsing around the jungle.
cl12pv2s