Is That What You’re Going to Wear in the Air?

Pilots should think in terms of crashworthiness when dressing for flight.

Joseph "Jeb" Burnside

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Pilots need to integrate PPE into their higher-risk flying to be better prepared when something happens. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

General aviation aircraft lack robust crashworthiness features, making pilots vulnerable to injuries from impacts, fuel lines, and sharp cockpit elements during accidents.
Crash helmets are a very effective delethalization device, protecting against head impacts in crashes and turbulence, while also offering practical benefits like integrated communications.
Flame-resistant clothing, such as multi-layer Nomex flight suits, gloves, socks, and balaclavas, is crucial for increasing survival chances in the event of a post-crash fire, a significant threat in GA accidents.
Beyond helmets and fire-resistant gear, integrating comprehensive safety measures like multipoint harnesses is vital for enhancing occupant restraint and overall survivability in high-risk flying scenarios.

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Anyone who paid attention to news coverage during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic likely is familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE). In the medical profession, PPE can include masks, gloves, gowns, booties, and more. But PPE isn’t only for doctors and nurses.

Construction workers wear hard hats, steel-toed boots and Day-Glo vests. Many motorcyclists have adopted the initialism ATGATT, standing for “All The Gear All The Time”—helmets, boots, gloves, leathers, whether riding on the street or off-road. No shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops, even if it’s only a quick trip to the corner store. Motorcyclists refusing to wear helmets often are referred to as “organ donors” behind their backs.