Flying Apparels and the History Associated With Them

Posted by Patrick Parker on August 28th, 2019

Flying on the sky is immensely pleasurable. Being a pilot you know how it feels when the onus of the entire fleet of passengers is on you. Obviously, you want to be most comfortable in whatever you wear. Given here is complete information about the flight apparel.

How Should a Typical Flight Suit Should be?

The suit is a full-body garment that is worn while flying any sort of aircraft be it military, gliders, helicopters or airplanes. These suits are made to keep the wearer warmer, are comfortable and practical also. These suits are comprised of plenty of pockets and also. They are durable and resistant to fire and they appear same as jumpsuits.

Aviation apparel also show the rank insignia which is once used as a combat uniform in the close quarters visit, board, search and seizures situations. They are known for their practicality.

History of Flight Suits: A Quick Look

Aviation is believed to have developed in an unheated open cockpits and hence need of warm clothing became obvious apparently. There was a need for multiple pockets initially having snaps, buttons, zippers and more that can prevent the loss of articles at the time of maneuvers. Various types of plant coverings and flight jackets begin to develop at the time of World War I.

There was a time when leather two-piece outfits were pretty common among the pilots for the purpose of warding off the chill of low oxygen and high-altitude flying. Leather gained popularity because of its long-lasting nature and the kind of protection it offers from flying debris, insect strikes at the time of climb-outs and more. Some times after that need of more suitable apparel is felt that can help in the high-level and low temperature flying.

Sidney Cotton who was an Auustraliaan aviator experienced that with high level and low temperature, an appropriate suit is needed and hence he developed a unique “Sidcot” suit. This solved the problems of pilot in keeping them warm in the cockpit.

What are the Current Standards?

Today, flying gears can be customized according to the need of pilots. Though custom flying gear are also available in the market, most of the people prefer wearing these flying suits made up of Nomex which is a light-weighted fabric made from the spun aramid. These suits are resistent to fire also. Nomex is fire-resistant and hence the suits made up of it are just perfect. They are ideal for protecting the aviators when the flight catches fire. The suit is either desert tan or green with multiple pockets. The front portion of these apparels have a lot pockerts and the back of it does not have any pocket. They are meant for the aerobatic pilots and those who need a more practical uniform.