003 - Flight Clothing and Equipment

On this episode, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Aaron “Vern” Vernallis explains the flight clothing and equipment F/A-18 aircrews wear in flight. We go inside-out, bottom-to-top, discussing flight suits, boots, g-suits, torso harnesses, survival vests, helmets, and more.
Hard to visualize? Yup. Check out our 5-minute KZbin video where Vern demonstrates donning the gear we discuss on the show.
If you enjoy these episodes, please subscribe to our KZbin channel. For exclusive Fighter Pilot Podcast content and behind-the-scenes material, check out our Patreon Page: / ftrpltpdcst .

[@tabascoindy5005]

The best detailed show on planet Earth. I feel like part of Navy Aviator Group

[@sjpga]

Obviously pod cast hosting has a lot of aspects. Love what you do. Thank you.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You're welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

[@TonyAnytime]

Speaking about Verns father, I have found that many that served in a war seldom talk about it even to their own families. And they don't go into details about many years of their lives. It is a very traumatic thing. You usually find out either at some point when they are very old and start talking about it, or when they are dead. My dad that is 80 now, seldom spoke about it, now speaks a little more, but still does not say much. And I really don't want to ask him if it is so traumatic for him. War is hell, especially for ground troops, much more than just being a soldier in peace time. Anyway, great podcast

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Excellent point, Tony.

[@jreneau6441]

This podcast is old, and you probably have the answer by now but just in case you didn't. WE as the Navy now have two-piece flight suits. Blew my mind until I saw it in person. A female helicopter pilot had one on one day. She told me she likes it much much better than the one-piece version because it makes it easier for her to relive herself.

[@stephencannon3140]

You are bringing back good memories with the Hornet brief. F/A-18D Seat Shop late 90’s.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Awesome. 💪

[@stephencannon3140]

Were either of you around during the mid 90’s when the Hornet switched over to OBOGS? Basically a source of concentrated/filtered bleed air from the engines to provide breathable O2. This also reduces the weight and reduces the danger of having a Liquid Oxygen container.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

I have flown both systems and assume Vern has too. Fairly transparent to the pilot.

[@stephencannon3140]

VFA-22. Red Cocks.....they were my sister squadron on the Enterprise and Lincoln. Transitioned from legacy F/A-18C models to the F/A-18F Super Hornet...........VFA-94 joined them as a F model squadron around late 2017.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

👍

[@publicmail2]

Make sure you add all the tag words in each upload so people can find your uploads.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

They should all be there now.

[@stephencannon3140]

I realize this is a new blog but are you planning a podcast about the ejection seat itself?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmTYpqGpeNN8hM0

[@chrischeng2045]

Greetings from California! I'm a current college senior with intentions of joining Naval Aviation, and I just had to ask: How does one clean his flight suit and flight gear? I'm guessing that throwing it into a washing machine would be a no-go. Thanks, This channel is awesome!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Flight suits are machine washable--you just have to remember to take everything out of the pockets first, especially pens. The rest of the flight gear just has to be aired out. Thankfully I was never particularly sweaty but those who were tended to get new flight gear more regularly. Thanks, Chris. Good luck!

[@chrischeng2045]

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the quick reply. Would you be willing to do a video on Pilot-NFO (or WSO I guess in the case of F18 F model?) relationships and how the two seater F18's work differently than the one seaters? Thanks!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Certainly willing to consider it. Will see what we can do...

[@MrBinnie824]

Got to know the podcast about 2 years ago and started off on most of the aircraft and Topgun episodes, but admittedly missed the earlier ones. A question: I know it's really late but do fighter pilots carry guns in flight? I know helo crews and probably some fron the heavies might carry sidearms or M4s. Just want ro know what a fighter pilot (with not much space in the cockpit or in the seat pan) might be armed with in case of an ejection. Great content as always.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

No worries! Yes. During combat or contingency operations we typically carry a 9mm with two magazines.

[@MrBinnie824]

@@FighterPilotPodcastcool, a Beretta, I presume? Also, read up that USAF is starting to arm their fighter pilots with a sort of a takedown version of the M4. Woukd you know if USN is in on the program? Thanks for the response sir and keep up the awesome work. - a fan from The Philippines.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@MrBinnie824 We carried Sig Sauer's during my time. I have heard of helo pilots carrying collapsible M4s but don't know if the U.S. Navy is doing the same.

[@mikejulien2330]

I know this is REALLY late, but I think the analogy your looking for is closer to a country’s Olympic team. Based all over, with different skills, but every 4 years comes together to accomplish they’re goal.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

I’ll have to go back and listen to what I was trying to say but I bet that analogy works better. 😎

[@michaelmulligan0]

What cover is supposed to be worn with flight suit? Baseball cap?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Baseball caps are one option, otherwise the garrison cap normally.

[@Dohams]

Like you KZbin pod casts. Did you know or know of Capt. Joseph A. Muka, DFC? Was VF-162 C.O., USS Midway (CVA-41) Air Officer, NAF Washington C.O. His listed A/C were F6F, AD, F4D-1, F-8, F-14. He was my father in law. I have heard tales of his exploits. I so much wanted to meet him, but... Can you illuminate any of the tales of his (not so secret) exploits?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Sorry, Don, I'm not familiar with him.

[@harryhole6347]

U dont wear immersion suits in the us navy ????

[@theimperialfistsspacemarin3050]

What weapon do you have on you when you eject

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Most of the time, nothing, but in certain theaters you might have a 9mm sidearm.

[@stephencannon3140]

On some really hostile areas I have seen Marine flight crew with 2 shoulder mounted 9mm pistols. The Air Force is developing a foldable machine gun that can be folded into the ejection seat pan. Vern::: I was ground in early 90’s at Lemoore...VA/VFA-94.

[@rck3321]

What is the thing worn around the neck?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

An inflatable bladder for water flotation.

[@OmgReaverDrop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuXfaiaas-Grs0 Link to supplemental video!