There are many different types of pilots even though the most popular image of a pilot that we are exposed to is that of a fighter pilot or a commercial pilot. Because different flights require different things from both the airplane and the flier, pilot uniforms vary immensely. Sometimes a crisp suit is required as in the case of a commercial pilot other times, special suits and breathing apparatus, as in the case of a fighter pilot.
Pilots are some of the most well-dressed professionals in existence. There are all types of pilots and they all dress differently depending on the type of flying that they do and the requirements of that job. Still, one thing that they all seem to have in common is the fact that they are extremely disciplined and precise in the things that they do; one of the reasons that they can be pilots.
The commercial pilot is the aviator that the general public most often comes in contact with. A commercial pilot uniform is very easy to identify. These pilots are usually dressed to the tee, handsomely outfitted with a dark blue uniform and cap. Symbols placed on the shoulder and cuff of their pilot uniform indicate their rank and the heights that they have attained in their career and whether they are the captain of the flight.
An air force pilot or airman approaches flying from a completely different perspective than the commercial pilot. While the commercial pilot flies in a calm, calculated manner, the military pilot pushes his aircraft and his physical body to extremes that the average human being will never experience in a lifetime. They soar and fly like an eagle. For this reason, air force pilots require completely different clothing and garb for the flights that they conduct. They are often breaking the sound barrier, struggling against the powerful effects of G Force and pushing their airplanes to do things that most of us consider impossible. Definitely, a military pilot has unique and special needs when it comes to a flight uniform.
Military pilots will often have specialized suits and other related garb related to the analysis and testing that they are involved in. Flight missions and the aircraft that they are operating can vary immensely from flight to flight. Therefore uniform and work clothing needs often change as well.
An aeronaut has to stay warm as they move their craft towards higher altitudes and become exposed to thinner air. Pilots of a fly hot air balloon are completely exposed to the elements aside from the uniform and flight garb that they have on. Flight clothing has to be light in weight but effective in protecting the pilot from potentially harsh elements.
Regardless of what type of flier, pilots and aviators need to dress in uniforms and attire that is appropriate for the task that they are working on. The varying conditions and flight situations that they will fly in to and the variety of aircraft models all have an impact on the clothing and uniforms that they are required to wear.