New Jacket

Andykev · Jan 3, 2004

I know this isn't COW, but I just received my new Flight Suits A-2 Goatskin jacket. It is the civilian version, not the "historical". I want side pockets and inside pocket. The rest of the jacket is wonderful. It is new, but feels broken in already. I got the brown one, as the Russet color is for the historical...

I can recommend this company, the quality is great. My brother collects A-2's and he turned me on to them.

I'll look great at the airport!

MK · Jan 3, 2004

A2 jackets fit this place much more than COW.

Flight Suits makes a great jacket hands down. Those guys are on the top of their game.

Congrats on your new jacket. I really like that russet color.

Minnesota_Jones · Jan 3, 2004

I love my A-2 Historical in Russet Horsehide. They made wonderful jackets, period.

If I recall, Rundquist had an Indy "Expo" made in the Russet, didn't he?

MK · Jan 3, 2004

He did. It doesn't look like the movie jacket.....but that was not his goal. It is a very good looking jacket.

Rundquist · Jan 6, 2004

I also had an A-2 made out of Russet goatskin. Flight Suites makes high quality stuff at a good price. They?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢re the tops. Cheers

fedoralover · Jan 6, 2004

Are the ones from Real McCoys, Aero and Eastman worth the higher prices? Or is the flightsuits A-2 just as accurate?

fedoralover

Rundquist · Jan 6, 2004

It depends. The FS A-2 is a conglomerate of original A-2 patterns. The original A-2?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢s had a slew of different makers that all made them with slightly different details. All the original contract details are included in the FS A-2. I believe that their G-1?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢s are made following an original pattern. Real McCoys & Aero supposedly make very accurate wartime replicas (some of which that are taken from specific jacket maker patterns [contract jackets]). Aero will even use wartime hardware in some cases (like zippers). All of this adds to the cost of the jacket. A zipper can cost a $100 for instance, which adds to the cost of an Aero. You have to ask yourself if something like a wartime zipper is important to you (the one that I saw didn?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢t work very well). I?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢ve heard that the current Eastman?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢s aren?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢t very good for the money except for their contract jackets. For what I?¢‚Ç¨‚Ñ¢m after, the Flightsuits jackets are the best things out there for the money. Cheers

fedoralover · Jan 6, 2004

Thanks for the info Adam.

regards fedoralover

Imahomer · Jan 10, 2004

I haven't gotten one yet, but this is definately on my list for this year. I just have to research it so I get the one want.

patterson · Feb 5, 2004

Originally posted by fedoralover
Are the ones from Real McCoys, Aero and Eastman worth the higher prices? Or is the flightsuits A-2 just as accurate?

fedoralover

Real McCoys makes some beautiful jackets - their Rough Wear and Werber jackets are great. Their Dubow is probably the best repro of that company's jacket, but the collar on it (and the originals) is a bit funky for my taste.

I've just picked-up an Aero 1940 Beacon, NY pattern with a dead-stock Crown zip and spun silk lining. I'll have to bring it to the next SoCal watering hole event - I think the oil-pulled horsehide is pretty nice stuff, and would make a great Indy jacket.

Michaelson · Feb 5, 2004

So who's the new guy?

Howdy again, stranger! I ALSO recently acquired a civilian FS A-2 in lambskin, (used, but non the less in fine condition) and have worn the heck out of it over the past month. Made a STUPID mistake with it yesterday by forgetting that when I gas up the Plymouth, NOTto hold the nozzle, but to just put it in the tank and walk away, as it has the tendency of 'burping' gas when full. Well, you can probably figure out what happened....It shot gas straight up my arm into my A-2 sleeve and cuff. SO, I'm still finishing up with the clean up tonight, but it's coming around just fine. But for Pete's sake, you'd think I'd know better....

Regards. Michaelson

Andykev · Feb 6, 2004

It has been a month

It has been a full month since I got my new Flightsuits A-2 jacket in goatskin. It is the civilian model, as I need the side entry pockets.

I spent the first couple weeks babying the thing, and of course avoiding all the rain that we have been having in the SF Bay Area.

Today I went out to the airport to fly (this IS a flight jacket, no?). I made a decision: who cares!!! I reached into the engine compartment, checked the oil, lay on my back to drain fuel on the preflight...you name it. If I recall, the jacket I had in High School received the same treatment, but I OUT GREW IT AND DIDN'T OUT WEAR IT!!!

So far, this jacket has been very warm, and very comfortable. I highly recommend the goatskin for it is the toughest skin used. Horsehide would be heck to break in.

I can see now that this fine specimin will last my lifetime.

And by the way, I NEEDED the flight today. My landings were perfect, the weather was clear, and the wind was nil. Saw a vintage biplane taxi up to Runway 7R at Livermore CA (yes Livermore Lab) and do his run up as I was on very short final. A downwind departure to Niles Canyon towards SF Bay, and on into Hayward Ariport for another tire kisser. A short visit, and then off to home base over the East Bay hills in rapidly deterriorating visibilitys due to haze and fog. Back over the hills, the skys cleared, and a direct 2 mile final to Rwy 32R was another greaser.
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Now my winter funk has been severely diminished, and I can smell the green grass of spring, and the warmer days to come.

I'll post the waxing poetic next time in the proper post forum...

Renderking Fisk · Feb 7, 2004

That's a good read, Andy. Felt like I was there. Towards the end I was about ready to start up the mower cause I haven't cut the grass in so long... then I realized why.

A foot of snow on the ground.

Thanks for the mental image. Hope to see the jacket soon. Any pics of you and the jacket with a lid?

Kentucky Blues · Feb 7, 2004

Or at least pics of the Lid? Er, um, Jacket. And Ren, I could imagine you going out to get the lawn mower only to go outside and find a foot of snow on your lawn

patterson · Feb 13, 2004

Originally posted by Michaelson
So who's the new guy? Howdy again, stranger! I ALSO recently acquired a civilian FS A-2 in lambskin, (used, but non the less in fine condition) and have worn the heck out of it over the past month. Made a STUPID mistake with it yesterday by forgetting that when I gas up the Plymouth, NOTto hold the nozzle, but to just put it in the tank and walk away, as it has the tendency of 'burping' gas when full. Well, you can probably figure out what happened....It shot gas straight up my arm into my A-2 sleeve and cuff. SO, I'm still finishing up with the clean up tonight, but it's coming around just fine. But for Pete's sake, you'd think I'd know better.... Regards. Michaelson

I'm trying to go the Lee Kepler route, i.e. to become an enigma and/or fabled creature! (grin) I guess the trick there is not to be completely forgotten.

How's that car doing?

I have similar concerns with the oil-pulled horsehide - it is soft and beautiful, but would absorb liquids in a flash. I narrowly missed a burp of 100 octane the other day.

Matt Deckard · Feb 13, 2004

I'd still like to see an Eastman in person, anybody have one?

Michaelson · Feb 13, 2004

At least Lee CALLS and EMAILS me now and again. You've just turned into a 'haint' anymore!

Car's just getting better and better with use and 'twiking'. Seriously considering either changing it over to 12v, or putting 6v alternator on her for easier start and charging. Jury is still out. We've got 3 more cars on the property (50 Dodge, 48 Chevy, 49 Merc Wideglide) and two '36 Plymouths on the horizon, so we're up to our neck in flying rust, oil and parts right now.

Regards. Michaelson

SHARPETOYS · May 30, 2004

Adam, turned me on to Indy jacket and this A-2 made out of Russet goatskin. Flight Suites makes a fine jacket. When i called Dave said the only A-2 left in the Russet goat was his and since it would fit me he sold it to me what a deal he gave me. Love these two jackets

New Jacket

I'll Lock Up

Founder

Familiar Face

Founder

A-List Customer

Call Me a Cab

A-List Customer

Call Me a Cab

Practically Family

One of the Regulars

One Too Many

I'll Lock Up

Practically Family

A-List Customer

One of the Regulars

Man of Action

One Too Many

Call Me a Cab

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