Jorgeenriqueaguilera
Well-Known Member
Gents,
Today I would like to share an original example of the Flite Wear model for NASA with an amazing past. These models are one of the rarest flight jackets ever made, as they came from extremely small contracts. They were only issued to astronauts and NASA test pilots.
This example belonged to Jere Cobb. He was hired as a test pilot by NASA in 1963. He went to Langley Air Force Base and then transferred to Ellington Air Force Base in Houston. As a test pilot, he flew the T-33 Shooting Star and T-38 Talon as well as the Gulfstream I and II. He was instrumental in zero-gravity training and was often flying NASA’s specially outfitted KC-135, nicknamed the “Vomit Comet”. He was a member of The Society for Experimental Test Pilots and spent much time at Boeing testing numerous aircraft and aiding in safety design and facilitating improvements. He logged more hours in the Lunar Landing Test Vehicle (LLTV) than any other pilot and trained the astronauts including the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. He remained at Nasa until 1977.
The funny part of this story is that he gave this jacket as a gift to his 8 year old neighbor. Attached is even a pic of them together from that day!
Unfortunaltely, I just found out that he passed away last month, which is very sad!
The condition of the jacket is incredible considering it is 50 years old. All parts are original to the jacket.
Left chest depicts a pristine NASA meatball patch. (2.5”)
Right chest has velcro for name tag. (4x2”)
It’s amazing to only imagine the adventures this jacket has lived during its service.
Say no more guys, enjoy it!
Regards,
Jorge
Today I would like to share an original example of the Flite Wear model for NASA with an amazing past. These models are one of the rarest flight jackets ever made, as they came from extremely small contracts. They were only issued to astronauts and NASA test pilots.
This example belonged to Jere Cobb. He was hired as a test pilot by NASA in 1963. He went to Langley Air Force Base and then transferred to Ellington Air Force Base in Houston. As a test pilot, he flew the T-33 Shooting Star and T-38 Talon as well as the Gulfstream I and II. He was instrumental in zero-gravity training and was often flying NASA’s specially outfitted KC-135, nicknamed the “Vomit Comet”. He was a member of The Society for Experimental Test Pilots and spent much time at Boeing testing numerous aircraft and aiding in safety design and facilitating improvements. He logged more hours in the Lunar Landing Test Vehicle (LLTV) than any other pilot and trained the astronauts including the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. He remained at Nasa until 1977.
The funny part of this story is that he gave this jacket as a gift to his 8 year old neighbor. Attached is even a pic of them together from that day!
Unfortunaltely, I just found out that he passed away last month, which is very sad!
The condition of the jacket is incredible considering it is 50 years old. All parts are original to the jacket.
Left chest depicts a pristine NASA meatball patch. (2.5”)
Right chest has velcro for name tag. (4x2”)
It’s amazing to only imagine the adventures this jacket has lived during its service.
Say no more guys, enjoy it!
Regards,
Jorge
