Short sleeved flying suits
 

Well....why?

Surely it defeats the object!?

Short sleeved flying suits
 

That depends if your object is to be less vulnerable to flames in a post-crash fire or not.

Cut to the chase brother! My sentiments exactly!

Have you ever flown 8 hours per day in an un-airconditioned helicopter in +45 temps?

Yes.....and more actually....long sleeves, gloves, boots, helmet, body armor....and sweated my butt off.

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.

Hi,
better have the sleeves up and don´t crash due to dehydration or heatstroke ...
My 2 Cents

Greetings Flying Bull

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...

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!

http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/253...pg_250x250.jpg

Short sleeved flying suits
 

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.

With suitably wide lapels, they could be made to look like safari suits - a fashion triumph if there ever was one!

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.

I was recently corrected by a co-worker on the same point...

Source: DuPont

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

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.

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.

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.

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

No gentleman would ever wear a short sleeved shirt :eek: