The Origins of the Flying Suit

Sidney Cotton

 Since the early days of aviation, what to wear in the cockpit became a real concern. Clothing had to be warm, protective against the elements, such as wind and rain, as oil splashback from the engine, and low temperatures found when flying at altitude. It also had to allow for movement. There was limited space and no tolerance for lose things floating about in a cockpit. Should an object fall under the rudder pedals or lodged in controls for example it can create a huge safety risk - therefore large pockets were a key part of the design. Chest pockets to hold maps (no GPS back then) and large thigh pockets for other items.

Then, in 1917 Flight Sub-Lieutenant Sydney Cotton of the Royal Naval Air Service developed a flying overall that helped to protect pilots from the harsh elements and low temperatures found during flight in aircraft with open cockpits. It became highly prized by all aircrew issued with them....and was the first item to be 'confiscated' from a British pilot taken prisoner by the Germans. Even the infamous Baron Von Richthofen (the infamous German Fighter Pilot — the Red Barron) was wearing one when he was shot down!

The most historically accurate reproduction of this famous flying suit available today.

As near accurate colouring to the original of the outer garment as possible with current availability.

The Sidcot was in continual use with the RNAS, the RFC and the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and the Army Air Corp, in modified and adapted forms, right up to the 1950's.

Originally made with an exterior fabric was heavy cotton with a fleece lining.

Now there is a high quality, hand made Sidcot replica that pilots may once again wear in an open cockpit. Pterodactyl Flight, from the Czech Republic, are making Sidcot flying suit replicas that pilots may once again wear in an open cockpit.

But these are the more practical flying suits. Probably the most striking and famous flying suit was that of early aviatrix Harriet Quimby. She struck a true sensation, not only because she was one of the very first female aviators the world has ever seen, gaining her licence in 1911, in a time when wearing trousers were scandalous and courses were an expectation - she caused a secondary sensation by designing and wearing a purple satin flying suit!