I visited CIF today to get my Korea gear. They sent me home with a depth and variety of cold weather gear which, while gratifying to have, implies an almost terrifying lack of warmth. It comes with an instruction manual entitled “Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System.” The illustration on the cover diagrams in overview how one can wear all seven layers simultaneously, at least while standing still.
The boots they included are a full inch longer than my normal work boots. Part of this is due to the thicker construction of the boots themselves, but it is also to compensate for the two layers of oversocks they issued me.
I’m going to take comfort from the fact that aircraft heating systems draw their warmth from bleed air just after the compressor stages of the engine. At that point, even though it has not yet been touched by jet fuel, the sheer compression has heated it to several hundred degrees celsius. When bled off for crew heating, it is tempered by outside air so as not to actually roast the crew. However, I know where that outside air intake is. If a choice becomes necessary, it might be better to restrict that for a more efficient heating system than to wear so many clothes that fine motor control becomes impossible.
I’ve talked to many people who comment on the cold of the winters. I’m glad you will have proper gear!
we cant wear any of that gear any way, as it has a tendency to turn into a flaming ball of melted plastic, and as a pilot, you will never need to. for those of us that ride in the back seat however, we all wish we could when it comes winter time.
I’d imagine it comes in handy for preflight, at least.