Buying Flying Suites - your experience

[erika lambrechs]

Hi all,

I need to purchase a new Flying Suite, but a warm one..... for microlighting in cold weather. What is the best one and what is the best way to keep warm?
There must be a wealth of knowledge out there to help me!

I have looked at the SA options avail and now need to make a choice. There are some good ones overseas too, but that will take time to get them here and they are more pricey.

Thanks
Erika

[pietmeyer]

I would say the best bet would be to buy one from Icarus. My wife gets cold very easily and since she got the flight suit from Icarus she does not complain too much.
She wears a jacket over her flight suit in addition to a sweater underneath. It does not look pretty but hey, it's not a beauty contest either

http://www.icarus.co.za

[erika lambrechs]

Thanks... I need to hear from the manne that get cold too, what they use.
Glad your wife warm now, but backseat is always warmer than front seat. I have been so cold in the Free State I could not hold a cup of coffee afterwards. Buying one now I have the choice and need the warmth for the Kalahari trip.

Take care, thanks
Erika

[pietmeyer]

As for me in front, I wear jeans and long sleeve t-shirt with a fleece sweater under my suit. Arround my neck I wear a fleece beany with the top part open so that it slides over your head, like the biff the suvivor guys wear but only fleece. Helps alot. The the next thing is Old Brown Sherry. Lots of it after the flight.

What I learned from snow skiing and living in the US for a few years. During extreme cold, it is not about how thick the clothes are but how many layers.
Wear a tshirt, long sleeve shirt and then sweater. Works ten time better than one thick jacket.

[erika lambrechs]

Thanks, taken note of the Sherry part, will not forget.
I find jeans cold, but yes the advice so far is layers, you are right.
I think I cant go wrong with a suit that blocks the wind and moisture and then layer underneath.

Thanks for the advice. Keep warm

Erika

[Alkemac]

Hi, my 2 cents worth..

I went through SafetySam and bought two freezer suits for myself and my wife - size medium and size xlarge at R260.00 each. You get the choice of two piece, or one piece, and they work like a bomb. You dont have a choice in the color though - navy blue..

[nicow]

I bought one 10 years ago from Airwear in Natal,and ordered my second one a month ago also from them.They call it a thermal suit.

[Poens Jacobs]

Hi,
As mentioned by another aviator, the best and cheapest route is the FREEZER SUIT.
I really get cold quickly, but after purchasing a freezer suit,can really enjoy my flying.
would suggest the one piece(no wind sneaking up your back)
Available in two different thicknesses, i went for the maximum warmness.
Hope this makes sense, available at safety clothing outlets. Bought mine from ALSAFE.

Hope you come right.

[Biggles]

I have 2 Icarus suits. The custom build feature on the web site kept me busy designing the perfect match with my wing;)

I built in abit too much room (alot more room) when I did the measurements but I feel very snugg and free to move inside my douvet;) I have never gotten cold and there are zips in the sleeve that open to let you keep cool, which is useful on a warm day or before your off teh ground. On a cold winters day my feet went numb through thick socks and insulated boots, but i was very snug.

Plenty of pockets and the legs zip open from the bottom of teh leg to the waist with thick velcro wrist and ankle cuffs. It has a long neck.

Freezer suits are cheap and effective but for a specialist suit that is made for flying the icarus suit is very good.

[Lieb Liebenberg]

Safetysam business card.pdf

(27.33 KiB) Downloaded 183 times

[erika lambrechs]

Thank you all for your advice and photos, taken note and will take measurements this weekend and order. I have been flying with a freezer suit for 7 years and it has worked (now just a bit worn out), but think I need something a little better sealing around the legs and arms for the cold Kalahari. Also pockets and map pockets important and I dont feel like sewing these on freezer suites again. Thanks guys, info much appreciated...

Hi there Barry, long time no hear. Took a flight a few weeks ago to Paradise and St Francis, but kept away from those that like to listen and complain. The sea does not complain. My trike out of action for a week or 2, wing being serviced after 360 hrs and the under carriage getting some TLC too. She will be brand new and ready for many more hours. Hope I hold out that long. Let us know when you are at the airpark and we will make a turn sometime. All the best.

Erika

[Alkemac]

When I bought mine, Hannes indicated that they can sew the map pockets on for me..drop him a line and find out if he can still do it - dont see why not..

hannes.ferreira@safetysam.co.za

[erika lambrechs]

Thanks a lot. Will contact and see what they have.

Cheers
E

[Grumpy]

hi erika how have you been - when you visiting me in FACF again?
I have always used Icarus, great, warm long lasting flight suits, good service as well

Barry, Whats the situation at FACF with regards Microlights and Gyro's popping in? (I recall some complaints from nearby residents)
Sorry for hijack.

[erika lambrechs]

No problem for the hijack, as long as its on the forum and not in the air or car!.
Dont think it is a problem at FACF, just for 1 landing and 1 take off with prior invitation and forms to fill in, but fly high and away from the houses. Some very unhappy people there (Not you Barry, you are the happiest).

But sure Barry with respond! Fly a little more east to FAUH (Uitenhage). We are a very friendly bunch!

Cheers
E