Newb with a question...

[Smokeater344]

Hi all!

I am new to this world, but have always been an aviation buff and, after 28 years in other work, I've entered employment at a military airfield and am living my dream of working in aviation.
I've always wanted a leather flight jacket, and especially one of current or recent issue to active aviators. I just like all official MilSpec stuff. I also occasionally see aviators come through with leather flight jackets, but never thought about actually buying one until now.
That being said, many years ago I was in the Civil Air Patrol. Their official uniform vendor is Vanguard Industries.
My question is this: Can anyone tell if this is an authentic issue flight jacket from, say Cockpit USA, Avirex, etc?
I know it's tough because for some reason, they've blotted out the label!

Thanks all,

Smoke Eater

https://www.vanguardmil.com/product...ther-jacket-soft-goat-skin?variant=1153317136

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

You may source a Cooper/Sadler A2 (goat skin) on EBay , with a price less than US dollar 295, and it’s super in any aspect.

 

[B-Man2]

No .. it’s not an issued flight jacket .
Look on EBay and find jackets with the DCSP label . It stand for Defense Supply Center Philadelphia . Thats one sure way to tell it’s an authentic flight jacket .
Here’s one .. check out both labels .
The contractor label and the DSCP label .

DSCP A-2 Flyer's Jacket Cockpit Brown Leather Bomber Mens Size 44R Made in USA | eBay

This is a DSCP, Cockpit, A-2 Flyer's Jacket in a men's size 44R. Made in the USA. It's in excellent condition looking to have seen minimal use. Very clean and odor free. Please e-mail me with any questions. Thanks for looking.

www.ebay.com

 

[stanier]

Without wishing to be unkind at all, I wonder if that is for sale because the person it was issued to decided to go get themselves a GW or Eastman? Actually, are decent repros allowed, or do they have to stick with the issued A-2?

 

[B-Man2]

Without wishing to be unkind at all, I wonder if that is for sale because the person it was issued to decided to go get themselves a GW or Eastman? Actually, are decent repros allowed, or do they have to stick with the issued A-2?

Chris
The rules in the US Air Force have changed quite a bit. Now only designated aviation units are allowed to be issued A2 jackets and only specific people within that unit are authorized to wear them. They are worn as cold weather jackets while on the base and are not authorized to be worn off base. They are not worn for flying and only issued jackets are authorized to be worn. Anything else is to be considered “Out of uniform”

 

[Pa12]

Chris
The rules in the US Air Force have changed quite a bit. Now only designated aviation units are allowed to be issued A2 jackets and only specific people within that unit are authorized to wear them. They are worn as cold weather jackets while on the base and are not authorized to be worn off base. They are not worn for flying and only issued jackets are authorized to be worn. Anything else is to be considered “Out of uniform”

What the hell burt. Can’t fly in them, can’t pickup chicks with them. Makes them kinda pointless

 

[B-Man2]

What the hell burt. Can’t fly in them, can’t pickup chicks with them. Makes them kinda pointless

Well … there’s always the Officers Club..

 

[Pa12]

Is it the same for the navy?

 

[Pa12]

Well … there’s always the Officers Club..

Well I guess if you wanted one, a used one should be in pretty good shape.

 

[B-Man2]

Is it the same for the navy?

Don’t know about the Navy . The only reason I know about the Air Force is that my stepson is a Senior Master Sgt and gives me all the scoop on the jacket stuff.

 

[ZuZu]

Is it the same for the navy?

Don’t know about the Navy . The only reason I know about the Air Force is that my stepson is a Senior Master Sgt and gives me all the scoop on the jacket stuff.

The new Navy SWO jacket can be worn on duty:

Navy's New Surface Warfare Officer Black Leather Jacket

I just received my leather "SWO jacket" today and thought I'd share it with the collecting community. From a google search, I see these are already being reproduced for the civilian market. These are a controlled item - I had to sign for mine today, and part of that was the warning that improper ...

www.usmilitariaforum.com

It's also cool because it has weird little details like Velcro pockets and black color which make it unique.

Civilians can't get one but there is one version available which has the weird Velcro pocket closures. Unfortunately it also has side entry pocs but that's OK by me. Seriously thinking of getting one!

The closest civilian version is this one- made in the same factory supposedly:

Legendary Newport Mens SWO Surface Warfare Officer Jacket

Made with cowhide leather, this Navy SWO Warfare Officer Jacket is designed to withstand daily use. Proudly Made in USA. Purchase our surface warfare officer jacket online at Legendary USA.

legendaryusa.com

 

[YoungMedic]

100% nylon lining still not approved for flight

 

[Smokeater344]

No .. it’s not an issued flight jacket .
Look on EBay and find jackets with the DCSP label . It stand for Defense Supply Center Philadelphia . Thats one sure way to tell it’s an authentic flight jacket .
Here’s one .. check out both labels .
The contractor label and the DSCP label .

DSCP A-2 Flyer's Jacket Cockpit Brown Leather Bomber Mens Size 44R Made in USA | eBay

This is a DSCP, Cockpit, A-2 Flyer's Jacket in a men's size 44R. Made in the USA. It's in excellent condition looking to have seen minimal use. Very clean and odor free. Please e-mail me with any questions. Thanks for looking.

www.ebay.com

Thanks so much.
From what I looked at on Ebay, I'm likely going to have to buy new, as I'm a bigger guy, probably 52-54 chest. Most of those online are around 44.

 

[stanier]

Chris
The rules in the US Air Force have changed quite a bit. Now only designated aviation units are allowed to be issued A2 jackets and only specific people within that unit are authorized to wear them. They are worn as cold weather jackets while on the base and are not authorized to be worn off base. They are not worn for flying and only issued jackets are authorized to be worn. Anything else is to be considered “Out of uniform”

Thanks for the detail Burt. It feels a little bit sad a high quality repro A-2 cannot be worn by a wider group entitled to wear them, but the last thing on anyone's mind though.

 

[Smokeater344]

Has anyone had experience with Taylor Leatherwear?
They make leathers for issue to the Georgia State Patrol here in my State.
They look good, but are labeled Pakistan. Is that an instant no?

World’s Finest Leather Jacket Supplier | Taylor’s Leatherwear

Taylor’s Leatherwear is the supplier of the world’s finest leather jackets. Our jackets are custom designed for military & law enforcement use. Shop online now!

taylorsleatherwear.com

 

[B-Man2]

Has anyone had experience with Taylor Leatherwear?
They make leathers for issue to the Georgia State Patrol here in my State.
They look good, but are labeled Pakistan. Is that an instant no?

World’s Finest Leather Jacket Supplier | Taylor’s Leatherwear

Taylor’s Leatherwear is the supplier of the world’s finest leather jackets. Our jackets are custom designed for military & law enforcement use. Shop online now!

taylorsleatherwear.com

Several jackets we see around here are from Pakistan. 5 Star, Headwind , AVI just to mention a few. Some like them, some don’t .
I’ve never had a problem wearing a jacket made in Pakistan, as some of them are ok.

 

[Smokeater344]

Several jackets we see around here are from Pakistan. 5 Star, Headwind , AVI just to mention a few. Some like them, some don’t .
I’ve never had a problem wearing a jacket made in Pakistan, as some of them are ok.

Thank you.
After I posted I did a search on this forum for Taylor's and apparently, they had the contract for USCG a few years ago.

I have seen some of the Troopers here with them on, but wasn't 'into' leather jackets at the time. They did appear to be well built at a cursory glance though.

 

[B-Man2]

Thank you.
After I posted I did a search on this forum for Taylor's and apparently, they had the contract for USCG a few years ago.

I have seen some of the Troopers here with them on, but wasn't 'into' leather jackets at the time. They did appear to be well built at a cursory glance though.

So what are you thinking of buying ?

 

[Smokeater344]

So what are you thinking of buying ?

Probably the A2 brown goatskin bomber jacket. They don't have it in my size but I have an email in to them for potential availability.

A2 Brown Goatskin Vintage Style Bomber Jacket

A2 Brown Goatskin Vintage Style Bomber Jacket Light brown, water resistant genuine goatskin leather shell Lightweight permanent nylon lining Stretch knit cuffs and waistband Sewn down epaulets/shoulder straps for stripes or equipment Hidden front zipper closure, metal with leather pull tab 2-way...

taylorsleatherwear.com

 

[B-Man2]

Probably the A2 brown goatskin bomber jacket. They don't have it in my size but I have an email in to them for potential availability.

A2 Brown Goatskin Vintage Style Bomber Jacket

A2 Brown Goatskin Vintage Style Bomber Jacket Light brown, water resistant genuine goatskin leather shell Lightweight permanent nylon lining Stretch knit cuffs and waistband Sewn down epaulets/shoulder straps for stripes or equipment Hidden front zipper closure, metal with leather pull tab 2-way...

taylorsleatherwear.com

Are you looking for the best price on the jacket or more period authenticity ?
Just my personal opinion but 5 Star leather offers both. You should do a little research into that company before you buy this jacket. However , it’s your money so it’s your call. This forum is full of reviews of different manufacturers of A2’s made by a variety of companies , many from Pakistan . However , I sincerely doubt you’ll find any from the Taylor leather company . They just don’t make period correct A2 jackets that are worth buying . But again it’s all up to you.

EDIT ; I just noticed … they have 1 review .