AIR CLOTHES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 227, 13 June 1918, Page 5

AIR CLOTHES

Since it is probable that very shortly after tho war flying will become a normal/form of transit, tho subject of tho . clothing worn by airmen is of considerable general interest. . . . * A t present airmen are a little exposed to tho air, and so aro affected by the speed at which they move. The consequence is that fur-lined helmets, tight-, fitting aro worn in order to prevent an nnconu-ertablo ruffling of tho hair and to protect tho ears and tho face, while goggles are used to protect tho eyes and to prevent them from "watering," which very soon blinds the pilot. Continual exposure to air rushing by at great speed also tends to flatten slightly tho eyeball, which may_ dangerously affect the eight. When flying low it is not necessary, as a rule, to wear any extra clothing, and it is generally warmer in an aeroplane than in a motor-car. On a fairly cold day it is quite comfortable to, go for a two hours' trip in an aeroplane, covering a distance of 130 miles or moro, wearing only a muffler and a pair of kid or woollen gloves in addition to indoor clothing. If the same journe.y had been ■made m a motor-car travelling at the same speed it would probably have been necessary to wear a heavy great-coat, thick fur-lined gloves, and .to havo a motor-rug over the knees. In tho summer-flying in a light pair of •flannel trousers and an open cricket ehirt is not uncomfortable, and there have been cases in the East where pilots wearing pyjamas havo been up pursuing Gorman machines without feeling tho i cold, j The pronounced change in temperature begins at a height of about 10,000 feet, and increases proportionately. ,At such heights it is often necessary to wear 6ever.il pairs of thick socks, leather flying boots—knee or hip high, lined with fleece—a sweater or two, thick fur-lined glomes, and either a leather flying-coat or fur-lined overalls. These latter, which are worn very mush by tho Germans and French, aro about the most convenient flying garments devised, and have many advantages. They arc generally made of a strong waterproof material and are lined with thick, soft, fur, and when in'use havo rather the appearanco of a dkingfcuit. Straps at the ankles and .wrists find a belt round tho waist keep tho . wearer air-tight and thus very warm, for it is exposure to a moving current of air in an aeroplane, as in a motor-cai'j which generally causes coldness. These overalls can bo worn over clean uniforms or clothes, and while not soiling them at alt will protect them from any oil or grease with which the wearer may come in contact. One of their greatest advantages is that owing to their compactness there is no stray flap or ' "tail" to catch on any taps or control wires in the machine. Electrically-heated clothing is also com- ' ing into use, and the modern airman is ablo to "plug" himself up to a battery, as if he were a telephone or an electric light, and to receive a steady, comforting warmth in his suit, which becomes heated with tho passage of the electric current. In tho machines in uso after tho war, however, the passengers will bo entirely enclosed, and their compartments will bo electrically heated. They will bo ablo to sit and read or write in their indoor clothes as comfortably as if thoy were travelling to Brighton in a Pullman.