Thanks a lot all, I'll experiment with neck-fitting garments. I'm going on one of these cruise / expedition ship jobs to Antarctica, as I have mentioned before on this forum. With seawater survival times of 15 minutes or so, I think one of the biggest risks is an upset Zodiac, but they don't provide immersion suits for the punters, so I'm taking my own.

QDM

Make sure to wear lots of warm clothing underneath as the suit will keep you dry but not warm.

QDM

Hope the advice has been helpful.
In return, can I ask you to post a report or two when you go.

Safe flying.


Heliport

Extremely helpful, Heliport. I'll be happy to report back. And many thanks for magically combining the two threads.

QDM

Flightsuits and Helicopters
 

I don't know if this topic has been tortured to death previously, but i just wanted to find out what the views on this forum were regarding wearing Nomex flight suit vs cotton flight suit vs white shirt and trousers (probably polyester).

I can see that just like wearing a helmet it would be a safety feature to have the Nomex Flightsuit, but i understand there are pilots that wear the cotton versions, which in my opinion takes away the safety aspect of wearing it.

I guess the simplest arguement against wearing the flight suit vs the white shirt in a VIP enviroment, would be that you would scare the daylights out of your pax. They would probably wonder if you wore a flightsuit and helmet and where was their protection? :uhoh:

I wanted to do a poll, but alas being the blondie i am i can't find the feature that allows me to do this.

Regards

MD :ok:

If you're spending 500 hours a year in the helicopter and your pax spend 1/2 hour a year, then an honest risk analysis doesn't justify the pax spending $500+ on safety gear.

For you, however, it may be worth it. Don't wear synthetics next to the skin (including Nomex), do be comfortable and functional. I always plan to wear full length cotton underneath Nomex. Sometimes it's hot. If comfort becomes a factor I may change.

As far as your passengers, don't wear a flying suit that is oil stained, sagging, torn, etc. You can look as professional in a flight suit as you can in a business suit.

If pax are still concerned with you having safety gear and them not then maybe its worth it to have some safety gear for them to use. Could even charge them for it.

Fire risk
 

Lets look at the risk analysis then.

I forget the precise figures but a five layer pro racing suit with full underwear, balaclava, gloves and helmet gives the wearer about 60 secs to scarper.

A single layer baggy gro-bag over your M&S shreds is probably worth a couple of seconds if you're lucky.

Against total heli hours flown, how many pilots have been singed where a nomex suit would have helped, not too many I'd wager.

Whiff of smoke and you hit the ground running, serious blaze is usualy post stoof where unfortunately you and the machine are usualy beyond repair.

On a lighter note I don't know of many VIP pax who'd be wildly impressed with a 'professional' flying suit. I'd have a word in your taylor's shell like if your suits are as smart as an overall.

As a private pilot in an R44, in the winter a flying suit is great

With doors that don't fit properly, then the amount of cold you get around you middle in a shirt and trousers is quite high

You look a bit of a prat, but as I do 250 hours a year, at least I'm comfortable and warm.

POOR MAN's FLIGHT SUIT
 

I usually wear a poor man's outfit, cotton jeans and cotton shirt, wool socks and my A2 leather jacket. I avoid man made fibers.

In Padfield's book, "Learning to Fly Helicopters", he addresses this issue. Eventually I plan to get a flight suit & helmut.

Question about survival suits
 

Gentalmen,

We are flying offshore at very cold area,

Any information for Passengers' survival suits that you are using?(Types, Manufactures?)

Thx

I'm very glad not to be able to help you. The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is still above 70F, at least further offshore, and around 60 in the shallow water close to shore. We don't use survival suits at all. :D :D :D

We use Multifab, UK company Here

As with all survival suits, if they're to work at their best they're uncomfortable, but at least we don't have to sit in them all day long, slowly pressurising them from within :O

I've got a Multifab myself but there is a variaty of suppliers.
I think this one is from Finnland klick here

:O

Hey Gomer, the water is almost 80 here in the Caribbean. Sharks love it.

If it is really cold, then the "survival suit" is only half of what you need. A good thermal underlayer is a must too.

There are sharks here, too. I've seen them longer than a 206, and I really, really don't want to go swimming out there. But it's still better than going swimming in 40 degree water, sharks or no sharks.

Flightsuits
 

Hi all,

Im trying to get hold of a pair of flight trousers that have the clear plastic knee pockets on them. Ive been all over the web and all i can find is full flight suits with these pockets.

Any of you guys know if they exist or any possible contacts i can look into.

Many thanks in advance,

R22

In Australia try Sisley Clothing Company.

www.sisleyclothing.com.au/

They are very helpful and may be able to assist, and

no I don't work for them

French connection (I'm not a labels man!) do a version of a flight suit but its just a pair of trousers. front pockets side pockets the lot. great for flying. about £60 in uk thou!!

Like 800 said

If your looking for a good product in Australia check out Sisleyclothing.

Matt Sisley's a great bloke and is more than happy to build whatever you require.

Check his website, he supplies to all major EMS in OZ.

Tropic