Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Rotorheads
Reload this Page >

Short sleeved flying suits

Wikiposts
Search

Notices
Rotorheads A haven for helicopter professionals to discuss the things that affect them

Short sleeved flying suits

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 20th June 2013 | 16:31
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: wallop
Short sleeved flying suits

Well....why?

Surely it defeats the object!?
ralphmalph is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 17:03
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Colchester
Short sleeved flying suits

That depends if your object is to be less vulnerable to flames in a post-crash fire or not.
Dash8driver1312 is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 17:17
  #3 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: wallop
Cut to the chase brother! My sentiments exactly!
ralphmalph is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 17:36
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: IOW
Have you ever flown 8 hours per day in an un-airconditioned helicopter in +45 temps?
Adroight is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 17:54
  #5 (permalink)  
30 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
Veteran: Army
Veteran: National Guard
 
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
Likes: 1,072
From: Downeast
Yes.....and more actually....long sleeves, gloves, boots, helmet, body armor....and sweated my butt off.
SASless is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 19:12
  #6 (permalink)  
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Spain
Me too, with armour plates all over the cabin and the windows closed to give extra protection, and two ridiculous fans keeping my face HOT. If it helps consider a 2 piece flight suit and a lot of cold water.
Modtro is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 19:35
  #7 (permalink)  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 927
Likes: 12
From: Germany
Hi,
better have the sleeves up and don´t crash due to dehydration or heatstroke ...
My 2 Cents

Greetings Flying Bull
Flying Bull is offline  
Reply
Old 20th June 2013 | 20:18
  #8 (permalink)  
GipsyMagpie
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
liquid cooled vests

Why not pump some cool water round a suitable vest? (Withdraw pin and lob...).

And as for the 2 piece I heard of some terrible thing happening to some spam when he had his shirt tails out and in an accident the fire went straight up his shirt like a chimney...

Last edited by GipsyMagpie; 20th June 2013 at 20:21.
 
Reply
Old 23rd June 2013 | 12:17
  #9 (permalink)  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 2
From: In the air with luck
Fast Race Products: Driver Cool Suit Systems
500e is offline  
Reply
Old 23rd June 2013 | 12:46
  #10 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: East of 20° E
Although we don't have them, I've seen short sleeve flying suits in Africa over the years, used by both drivers and engineers.

Its simply because of the heat!

African Eagle is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 01:38
  #11 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: South East Asia
Short sleeved flying suits

Would it be permissable to wear safety flip-flops with a short-sleeved flying suit?
Saint Jack is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 01:46
  #12 (permalink)  
30 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
Would it be permissable to wear safety flip-flops with a short-sleeved flying suit?
Don't see why not----I flew bare foot for 7 years. But was required to wear shoes on the ramp---hence I bought some clown shoes.
Gordy is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 01:58
  #13 (permalink)  
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 62
From: North Queensland, Australia
With suitably wide lapels, they could be made to look like safari suits - a fashion triumph if there ever was one!
Arm out the window is online now  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 09:29
  #14 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 1
From: UK
Ralph: Nanny state means nanny compromises.
The chances of being flash burnt in a post accident crash are slim to nil.
The chances of exposing unnecessary flesh to the chemicals/heat of working around the helo - slim to nil.
Common sense should prevail and the overiding factor is comfortable surroundings whilst flying, taking safety into account.

PS: Bear in mind that the moment your flying overalls are washed/dry cleaned - means the end to the flash protection it previously provided.
Thomas coupling is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 10:52
  #15 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: ME
PS: Bear in mind that the moment your flying overalls are washed/dry cleaned - means the end to the flash protection it previously provided.
I was recently corrected by a co-worker on the same point...

QUESTION:
What is the difference between inherently flame-resistant fabrics and chemically dependent flame-retardant fabrics?

Answer:
Protective apparel made with Nomex® is inherently flame-resistant. The actual structure of the fiber itself is not flammable, which means the protection is permanent. The protection is built into the fiber itself and can never be worn away or washed out. When exposed to flame, the aramid fiber swells and becomes thicker, forming a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This protective barrier stays supple until it cools, helping to give the wearer vital extra seconds of protection to escape.
Source: DuPont

Company issue is Nomex long-sleeve, which means I roll the sleeves up normally

Last edited by unknownmoniker; 24th June 2013 at 12:36.
unknownmoniker is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 10:57
  #16 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Yes and No

Agree with TC that Nomex, boots, etc. are overkill in operations.

That being said, disagree with loss of fire protection due to washing. Nomex fire protection...such as it is...is inherent in the fabric and is not compromised by washing as directed, namely in a mild detergent with rinsing and hanging to air dry.
arismount is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 11:06
  #17 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 1
From: UK
Aris: read the washing instructions.
Original nomex fabrics provide a maximum of 3 seconds of flashover protection. After their first wash/dry clean, this is reduced further.
Thomas coupling is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 15:20
  #18 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: UK
Standard UK mil issue green flying suit passes the 4-second flash fire test in a flame chamber, and passes it well. After the 4 seconds of fire, the suit does not support continued combustion, remains intact and unburnt, if perhaps a touch crispy in places. I have seen the tests. (And the one on the original CS95, which was just scary).

Nomex is a fibre inherent in the fabric; it cannot be washed out. The fire retardancy of the garment can, however, be degraded by impregnation with dirt or oil, damage (such as ironing f*cking creases into the sleeves) and washing them with too much powder and/or inadequate rinsing, all of which can provide a 'flame path' through the fabric and allow the fire to penetrate.

However, if you are not wearing a minimum of one other layer under it, no matter how good the Nomex is (other fire retarding systems are probably available), you WILL burn.
obnoxio f*ckwit is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 21:40
  #19 (permalink)  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 2
From: In the air with luck
Flame Resistant Fabrics for Military Clothing and Tactical Gear | CarbonX Non-flammable Fabrics
CarbonX - FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon X will give longer protection
500e is offline  
Reply
Old 24th June 2013 | 23:05
  #20 (permalink)  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 2
From: yorkshire uk
No gentleman would ever wear a short sleeved shirt
nigelh is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.