In each issue of Plane & Pilot magazine, we share pilot gear that we feel you would love to have.
The round-up in our June 2021 issue includes an A-2 leather jacket, Sporty’s CleanWing Scrubber, and more!
Click through the gallery below to view all of the items.
The A-2 leather flying jacket (please donât say âbomber jacketâ) was the staple for World War II pilots of all aircraft types. Manufactured by more than 20 vendors in the U.S., it became the identifying uniform for aircrew (and wannabe aircrew) for years after the shooting stopped. And that tradition continues.
Cockpit USA is the sole licensed supplier of A-2 jackets to the current U.S. Air Force supply chain. The current edition is a slightly modernized version of the World War II jacket, at Air Force pilotsâ request, with side-entry pockets added along with an inside pocket and pen holders. It more than makes up for those variations with its one-piece back and authentic goatskin. Once asked how he liked his A-2, Col. Donald J.M. Blakeslee, legendary CO of the top-scoring Fourth Fighter Group based at Debden in England during WWII, said, âHell! We lived in those!â
Price $414.00 | Available at www.mypilotstore.com
David Montague, president and founder of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Montague Bikes, said, âPilots need an e-bike that can handle the trails of the remote areas they fly to and still stow in a tight space at the end of the day. Small-wheel folding bikes wonât cut it.â Montagueâs M-E1 is a full-size, 54-pound step-through e-bike that folds without tools to 38â x 38â x 13â. Its 250W Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-drive motor and lithium battery deliver up to 50 milesâ pedal-assist range on a charge. The M-E1 has a Shimano Deore drivetrain, SR Suntour NEX suspension system and Shimano disk brakes. Schwalbe Energizer Plus tires are optimized for durability and low rolling resistance.
Price: $3,599.00 | Available at
Price: $32.95 | Available at www.montaguebikes.com
The weather is warmer, and the bugs are back. Every airplane owner knows the joy of clearing the leading edges of a pound or two of bug juice after every flight (you renters can feel free to gloat). But Sportyâs CleanWing Scrubber makes short work of that post-flight nastiness. With a curved frame and sturdy handle, the Scrubber flexes to fit your aircraftâs leading edges. Choose between the included cleaning pad or microfiber cloth. Each is non-abrasive and will not damage the paint. The BOSS Aircraft Cleaning Pad loosens dirt but wonât scratch the paint or any surface coatings. The Scrubber has been tested and is compatible with MIL-PRF 86937D and 88570C-compliant cleaning agents.
Price: $32.95 | Available at www.sportys.com
This portable carbon monoxide detector alerts pilots to danger at extremely low levels and responds quickly. The LED alarms flash with increasing intensity that corresponds to the level of contamination in the cabin, alternating with an audible 87-dB alarm. Its sensors never require calibration and have a 10-year lifespan. The detector comes with a visor clip and a one-year warranty.
Price: $74.95 | Available at www.mypilotstore.com
