Aviator Jacket & Watches

[Meatservo]

You guys are right.. only the new heroes of the modern age, you know: the soft-shoe-clad expensively attired self-privileged corporate douchebags with nebulously defined degrees in some business-related soft science deserve a nice watch and jacket and good sunglasses. The rest of us have to look like grunge-rockers from the seattle scene in order not to be made fun of by our "professional" peers.

It doesn't matter if you tell a guy he looks cooler in a blue flight-bag and an orange vest, or that he looks more professional in a white shirt and ray-bans; you're still telling him how you think he should look. Most of the answers here to this poor guy seem calculated to make him feel ashamed, when all he wanted was a nice watch and a nice jacket. What's the matter with you? You all seem so insecure about your choice of profession that you're willing to waste your time bullying someone who wants to spend some of his time getting into a bit of the "lifestyle".

My bomber jacket came from the old hide house in Acton, Ontario, and a citizen chrono ecodrive watch is actually an excellent watch and has lots of useful features for a pilot.

The rest of you seem to me to be posing just as much with your sniggering, scornful attitudes and high-minded preaching about airmanship, as anyone who wants to look a certain way.

I forgot why I stopped paying attention to this stupid website, and now I remember. This is bull$&1T.

[Doc]

Aviation is not a fashion statement.

Real pilots are recognized by good airmanship, good decision making skills, situational awareness, professionalism, anticipatory behavior and confidence (but not cockiness) - none of which can be purchased or worn. The best pilots often don't look like pilots at all - leastwise not the stereotypical kind.... Instead of buying a fancy jacket or a heavy watch, why not spend your money on maps, training, tools of the trade or tools for your motorcycle, car, suv or truck? Or buy a book specific to the type of flying you do or would like to do? Or spend it on the spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, family and/or friends you disappoint frequently with your lack of stability, presence, decent paycheque and/or permanent home? Your cell phone likely has a watch, calculator and flight-planning capability built right in. Consider the purchase of a SPOT and/or Sat phone that might one day save your ass.
Just a thought...

AMEN!!!!!

This is THE best paragraph I've ever read on avcanada, and couldn't agree more!!!

You'd be surprised to see how many people are floored I don't wear a watch. There's usually 5 clocks in the cockpit not to mention my blackberry and iPod touch.

I get a real kick out of the ones who personalize their licence plates. Capn so-and-so; Boeing Pilot, etc, etc, etc

To each their own, I suppose, but thank god someone out there is thinking along the same line as me.

So, what's it to you? Do whatever you want. Nobody cares what you do, so why does it insult your sensitivities when someone wears something "aviation"? I'm not a huge fan of giant tattoos, body piercing etc., but I'm not offended by it. You seem to be. Snoopy's "best paragraph" that you've ever seen on this site was a direct attack on anyone who she sees as not right with HER. You don't wear a watch. So? Why would that "floor" anybody? But, at the same time you cart around an "blackberry and iPod touch...." So, instead of an "aviation geek", would that make you a "tekkie". Pocket protectors? What do you think the "Snoopy's" of the tekkie world think of that? I'm speaking "real" tekkies. The guys who work at Apple, fixing Mac Books? They may be looking at you the same way Snoopy looks at guys wanting to "look" like pilots.
Both of you. Live, and let live.

[Doc]

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on where to buy a good pilot's watch and the classic look jackets.

Thanks.

JB

To answer your question, the best place I've found for pilot stuff is Yingling Aviation in Wichita KS. They have a shop there, Aviator's Attic. Best shop of it's kind I've seen. They take on line orders. I bought an A-2 leather jacket from them at a very good price compared to anything you'll find in Canada. You name it, they have it. aviatorsattic.com
Enjoy! Don't let the turkeys get you down. Wear what YOU want. I sail, and I sometimes wear my yacht watch in the bar.....when in harbour. I dive...you guessed it.....sometimes I wear my dive watch in bars...on the surface. Cheers

[flyincanuck]

Hahaha

Hey now, didn't I say "to each their own"??? Looks like I've hit a nerve.

The best part of that "parapgraph" is the first sentence; and Doc - I'm sure you'll agree.

Heck, we even see eye-to-eye on tats and piercings!

Merry Christmas all - and enjoy your aviation-themed paraphernalia if that's what floats your boat!!!

PS - the only reason I've got the 'berry is cause I was hoping Balsillie would get Hamilton an NHL team...but 3 strikes and you're out. I think I can let that dream go.

[flyincanuck]

PPS Doc, truthfully I can't really focus on much that you say these days, with that new pic of yours...

[Doc]

PPS Doc, truthfully I can't really focus on much that you say these days, with that new pic of yours...

It is a rather nice one indeed. I'm told there's a old BMW in the photo, but I can't find it...

[Tiny Voices]

PPS Doc, truthfully I can't really focus on much that you say these days, with that new pic of yours...

It is a rather nice one indeed. I'm told there's a old BMW in the photo, but I can't find it...

Really? I see two ladies with EDITED

[snoopy]

I sure don't see how anything I said could remotely be described as an attack. There were no scathing insults, no name-calling, and no profanity. I gave an opinion, and some advice which any one or all of you are free to ignore, or agree with as you please. Perhaps you may even wish to have a civilized discussion about the differing points of view and perspective from which they might originate. I did call attention to the stereotypical "pilot" image, and point out that the image does not reflect the diversity of pilot careers out there. Some of you were in such a rush to defend the stereotypical "pilot" image - which again is not reality - I doubt you even took the time to fully read and consider what I wrote. Many of you have even made assumptions about the OP in your rush to defend him or her!

We're not all sheep - independent thinking, the expression of new ideas and civilized discussion of differing points of view all contribute to a more open-minded society.

Just my two cents... carry on!

Kirsten B.

[Chuck Ellsworth]

Snoopy you are a good person and in my opinion a pilot I would be happy to have fly me around or employ.

Don't take this forum to seriously because it lacks a lot in accountability sometimes.

Will take you out for dinner sometime in the new year as I enjoy your company.

. . E.

[Oldfartus]

I didn't think Snoopy's post was in any way belittling or abusive, just practicle common sense thinking.

[Dayofthedogs]

Aviation is not a fashion statement.

Real pilots are recognized by good airmanship, good decision making skills, situational awareness, professionalism, anticipatory behavior and confidence (but not cockiness) - none of which can be purchased or worn. The best pilots often don't look like pilots at all - leastwise not the stereotypical kind.... Instead of buying a fancy jacket or a heavy watch, why not spend your money on maps, training, tools of the trade or tools for your motorcycle, car, suv or truck? Or buy a book specific to the type of flying you do or would like to do? Or spend it on the spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, family and/or friends you disappoint frequently with your lack of stability, presence, decent paycheque and/or permanent home? Your cell phone likely has a watch, calculator and flight-planning capability built right in. Consider the purchase of a SPOT and/or Sat phone that might one day save your ass.
Just a thought...

This is a condescending answer to the question, Where can I buy a aviation related watch or retro jacket!

All the poster asked is WHERE to find these things? Hijacking a thread to voice your opinion about what a pilot should wear and how he should spend his money is hilarious and patronizing.

Why not start a new thread instead?

[SuperchargedRS]

It was a conceited answer, BUT since she is a she looks like people are cool with it, heck looks like Cat is trying to get a date out of the whole deal, go get em tiger!

All jokes aside snoopy, grow up and allow people to take some pride in their profession!

[trey kule]

Pride in our profession. Interesting, that you do not think that is exactly what Snoop was posting. I really am not sure how "serious navigating" differs from plane old navigation *pun intended). Or what a "pilot oriented" watch actually is, but to the original question , I think it was pretty much answered by the poster that suggested WalMart. But after 4 decades of flying, when I hear or read about the extra's a watch has that are necessary for a pilot, it always brings a smile to my face...And I suppose to the watch maker too.

And while we are on tnagents, how much do you suppose the jacket company paid the movie company, and/or Tom Cruise to wear their jacket. And how much do you suppose they made in sales to people who wanted to be Top Gun Tom Cruise?

I guess that the whole problem is that we all have a different idea of what a professional pilot should look like...., so the answer to the question will be different. And as far as my idea of how a professional pilot should look.....well doc;s signature pretty much sums it up...

[Dayofthedogs]

Good lord.... Who knows if the poster is a commercial pilot or not? This has nothing to do with what a professional pilot should look like but I'm sure that would be a great thread too. The poster simply asked where to find those items, didn't sound like they asked what you thought about anyone who chooses to wear them or how they should spend their money. If your answer is wallmart, I think we could all understand the point that was trying to be made without all the extra patronizing snoop threw in. Those who want to help the poster out and maybe steer him towards something a little nicer or more relevant to what he was asking can point him in a better direction.

I wasn't defending a pilots look or classic style..... In a non work environment who cares what you look like? That goes for the pilot dressed as maverick or the pilot dressed in sweat pants and a tee. The question was never "how do you think I should dress?" or "What kind of watch should I buy?" or "I just got my CPL what kind clothing should I buy?" or "I just inherited 10k and am looking for aviation related things to buy".........

If we all want to butt heads about WHAT a pilot should and shouldn't wear, what makes them look tacky and so on and so forth why not do it in a new thread? posting all that garbage after someone simply asked where to find the aforementioned items is patronizing by definition.

patronizing present participle of pa·tron·ize (Verb)
Verb:
Treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

[Colonel Sanders]

how they should spend their money

Yeah, that was a bit heavy on the nanny state. If someone
has the coin and wants to blow it on a brown leather jacket,
green Ray-Bans and a huge watch, what the heck - it's their
money. If that's the worst mistake they ever make as a pilot,
heck, they're doing a lot better than me!

Speaking of pilot mistakes, that reminds me - I've been trying
to decide on an appropriate epitaph. I've been wavering between:

He spent most of his money on airplanes, women and motorcycles - the rest he wasted

or

Required Adult Supervision

Or, I could blow the coin on one of those LCD displays
inset into the tombstone playing a loop of me ranting
endlessly from the grave. Would that be a waste of money,
like a big pilot watch?

Aviation is not a fashion statement

I can't let that slide by. I suppose you might equivalently state:

Technology is not a fashion statement

But I think Steve Jobs and Apple would prove that wrong.

Anytime I walk into a big shiny aircraft hangar full of gleaming
million-dollar aircraft, I can't help but wonder if people bought
them because they actually liked them (horrors) - like a nice
jacket, or watch.

There is life beyond the greasy overalls.

[YYZSaabGuy]

Both of you. Live, and let live.

Well said. This should be adopted as the new AvCanada theme.

[snoopy]

Thank you for the compliment .!
Merry Christmas!
Cheers,
Kirsten B.

[Prairie Chicken]

OK, back on topic ... Years ago (when I bought mine), The Leather Ranch in Edmonton had a really nice B-17 style brown leather jacket. Not cheap, but a really nice jacket. I'd bet they still carry something similar or may have one in their design department if that is of interest to the original poster.

[Colonel Sanders]

The B-15 in leather is a very nice coat, too:

[SuperchargedRS]

It is a pride in ones profession type of thing.

Since I have started my Paramedic classes I notice docs and some medics like their fancy gold/all black/etc littmann stethoscopes and no one gives them chit for it.

I like having my Swiss automatic watch and leather jacket, I bought it, I wear it and I deserve it and earned it.

Also, since this topic got me thinking about it, my heavy leather jacket (it not even a bomber jacket or anything) has outlasted it's share of Canadian goose, carhart, etc.

The jacket is about 10 years old and still looks great, so on a $ basis heck of a good buy!

[Beefitarian]

Wallmart? Really?

These guys have some QUALITY jackets
http://www.uswings.com/

That there's a good link.
Forget looking like one of you poor bastards. I'm going to dress like George Dubya!!
Check it out.

[Doc]

All the burning bridges that have fallen after me
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door
Burning bridges lost forevermore

[Colonel Sanders]

[Doc]

Nothing gets past Colonel Sanders! Nice get! Loved Donald Sutherland in that film!

[Beefitarian]

I suppose in the defense of the anti fashion folks. The ad here is for purses and fancy high heeled boots.

Well I started looking into it because they said it's just like the nomex ones only nylon. That'll make a sticky mess that won't heal quite right. The actual nomex is slightly more expensive. Guess that's why the "real professional pilots" say they don't like them.

http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mil-Spec ... Jacket.asp

http://www.aviationsurvival.com/MILITAR ... p_376.html