Early Leather R.F.C. Flying Jacket & Gear

(on display)

This display consists of a leather flying hood (helmet) with chin extension and goggles, which are made to fit completely over the opening in the hood for the face. The coat extends to mid lower leg and is leather with pile lining. The collar is lined with fur. It buttons on the side and there is an inside flap that provides a double covering of the front aspect of the body. The gloves are made of Otter skin and have a trigger finger on each hand. Leather “Fug boots” are like fisherman’s boots and go to the waist.

This flying suite was worn by an observer, who sat in the front cockpit of a D.H. 2 (see plane in picture). The observer and pilot were exposed to extreme temperatures at flying altitudes of up to 20,000 ft, without oxygen.