Fire Resistant Clothing: A Pilot Tool With Function

Everyone likes having their little toys. I feel, as pilots, we are especially attracted to new toys. The latest iPad mount for the cockpit, new avionics, a better headset, the list goes on. I am guilty of this as well. I have so many books and headsets and flight bags and

kneeboards. However, I did recently add something to my pilot tools that I am oddly excited about: fire resistant clothes. Let me explain my reasoning.

My flying attire has always favored the functional. No sandals, no synthetic fabric, nothing that restricts movement.

But then I got on one of my accident report reading binges and decided it was time to up my game. I have Nomex flight suits that I wear when I fly certain aircraft but my normal flight attire would be little protection against fire.

A quick internet search and I found what I was looking for. Fire resistant cargo pants and a long sleeve shirt. I’m a fan of cargo pants because it’s so easy to carry stuff, very functional. I’m certainly no slave to fashion, but I think they look OK.

I’m actually surprised it took me this long into my aviation career (25 years as a pilot) to decide to add a layer of safety against fire.

My primary flight instructor had been a radio operator on C-47s in Burma during World War II. Just after departing for a mission, they experienced an engine failure. My instructor, Steve, watched as the flight crew feathered the wrong engine.

His warning was just a second too late to stop them. Now, with no engines, the aircraft lost what precious little altitude it had.

The aircraft crashed and Steve saw a small hole with daylight on the other side and pushed his way out of the wreckage that way.

He was badly burned. He was the only survivor.

I was only 15 years old but I remember Steve showing me pictures of the crash site. There wasn’t much left. It made an impression. Through the years, I read about survivable accidents that ended with a post-crash fire. My new clothes may not make any difference if I do ever have to use them for their intended function.

But, just perhaps, they could give me that little extra protection to allow me to get out safely. Perhaps, it will be something you will consider as well. Safe flying!