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. ;):)

Whirls, you're in great danger of attracting shoe fetishists to the forum and ruining our reputation. :8

Whirly, I wonder if it was the same BLOKE who got mixed up about my gender and recently wanted a date with me? :eek: :yuk:

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:- :}

http://www.jimmychoo.com/pws/images/...m_pro_Gold.jpg

Cheers

Whirls

Ooooooo, they're nice, Whirls. Yours?

Trouble is, I don't think I could walk in them, never mind fly. :{

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!

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

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/

You probably mean Jean Ross Howard, founder of the Whirlygirls (International Women Helicopter Pilots). Yes, definitely quite a lady! She got her helicopter rating in 1954. I met her...my one claim to fame....but I can't find the photo to prove it. :(

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...

Ahhh - a picture paints a thousand words...why didn't you just call them 'Desert Boots' and I would have understood:)

Ah, DBs - now they ARE the business (and only 10 quid a pair!).

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

Me to
 

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??

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.

chooshoes
 

unstable load
Do not worry about anorexia, what about the pilot in the pool :suspect:

He was the last person to call her a cadaverous looking thing. So she made sure he knew the meaning!

Cheers

Whirls

Good answer WG you have to be so careful these days & I was worried by the swim suit:suspect:

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

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!

http://www.maxandmaudes.com/images/products/2106.jpg

Or these!

http://shoeking.com/ANSLIP2.JPEG


Sturdy, durable, smart and ideal for trapsing around the jungle.

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