At a time when tablet computers, smartphones, apps, and glass cockpits play an ever-expanding role in general aviation, some of us may wonder where that leaves the romance of flying. What happened to that golden age, when pilots jumped into their airplanes and went flying with the wind blowing in their faces, cold biting their noses? And, after landing, tinkering with the engine and enjoying the company of fellow aviators in their hangars? Short of going out and buying a taildragger, a biplane, or a silk scarf, we’d like to show you a couple of accessories that just might give a pilot that retro feeling.
Mark Evans (left) is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, featuring nose art from the 1940s; a cotton flight jacket based on the World War II A–2 jacket (www.historicaviation.com); $44.95 and $139); and the new Breitling AOPA Navitimer; $6,500.
Justin Biassou (right) is wearing a flight suit, an A-2 goatskin leather jacket (both www.historicaviation.com; $42.95 and $300), as well as a Wings Watch from Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection; $49.95).
Kenneth Cole Columbia leather duffle bag (bottom left); both it and the mug are AOPA-branded; $573.56 and $15.30. The six-foot vintage wooden propeller is from Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection ($299.99)
Nothing spells aviation like these taxiway-light lamps from Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection. Built to FAA specs, they’re available in green, blue, clear amber,and red lens colors.
Price: $199.99
Contact: www.sportys.com/WrightBros
If you want to go for that really stylish feel in your hangar, you cannot go wrong with the executive clock and pen stand.
Price: $124.75
Contact: www.aopapilotgear.com
An iPad will effortlessly assume a vintage look if it is carried it in this Cutter and Buck leather case.
Price: $145.94
Contact: www.aopapilotgear.com
Gray hangar walls can be adorned with artwork depicting grassroots aviation and nature. Prints of old-time aircraft swooping over lakes and through mountains are just the thing to get in the mood.
Price: $64.95 and $39.95
Contact: www.historicaviation.com
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