Steve - Like most things of a military nature, the reasons are many, some good and some not so. In WWI, pilots mainly wore their normal uniforms, with the fabled silk scarf added to prevent neck chafing, since the uniform shirts of the day were wool. In the period between the wars, the idea of coveralls caught on, and stayed with the military thru WWII. In the 60's, fire retardant materials became available, and nomex suits and gloves became standard fare for flying attire. The rough and tumble nature of the suits, together with boots, make sense for a military aviator who may have to eject over hostile territory then walk, hide, or what have you for days. As far as the CAP is concerned, I've been a member since 1961, first as a cadet, then a squadron and group commander, and wing chief check pilot. While some people thing CAP goes too far in its "military" look, I see both sides. We have had CAP members, in the past, show up to functions looking like they just came from a rock concert or mowing their yards. While not a true military organization, CAP gets gov't funding and is offically the USAF Auxilliary. I think if someone is going to participate, they owe it to the organization to at least have a modicum of military bearing and appearance. Flight suits are easy to wear in that use, don't need pressing, etc., and are comfortable, except in very hot weather. Boots are another story. I prefer them for CAP flying simply because they look right in combo with the flight suit. Having worn them in the Army, I don't find them uncomfortable, or hard to fly in. It's all a matter of personal preference; and I believe, but haven't checked the regs, that the blue coverall CAP uniform, which is not a true military flight suit, allows the wearing of normal black shoes. What I don't personally like is to see people wearing running shoes, etc. while projecting an image of the military. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Jerry Eichenberger Columbus, Ohio N2906H
>>> Steve Dold <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 10/23/98 05:31PM >>> Heh. I belonged to the Civil Air Patrol for awhile. They wanted me to wear an official flight suit and big flying boots when I flew a 172, even on local flights. I nearly ran off the runway once because of those big boots. I looked so silly getting out of the plane with that suit on. I quit soon thereafter :-) --Steve At 04:51 PM 10/23/98 -0400, you wrote: >Okay, Keith but riddle me this... > > Why is it that, in civilian life, the likelihood that the >owner/operator > will arrive at the airport in a USAF-style jumpsuit, replete with >wings, > often olive drab, is inversely proportional to the to the complexity >and > cost of the aircraft in question? ----------------------------------- Steve Dold ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Say NO to useless over-quoting ----------------------------------- ! ! ! !
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