What to Wear to an Airshow at Your Base

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Usnavy2019

10-Year Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2013
Messages
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Team,

Hope all is well! The Tinker AFB Airshow is July 4 weekend and my aircraft is going to be featured in the airshow. I am not part of the airshow crew or anything, just going to attend. Would it be appropriate/inappropriate to wear my flight suit? It is a military event and want to show some community pride, but I also don't want to commit any social faux pas. This is also my first airshow (ironic it took me this long as a lifelong aviation enthusiast), so I have no anecdotal data points.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
Team,

Hope all is well! The Tinker AFB Airshow is July 4 weekend and my aircraft is going to be featured in the airshow. I am not part of the airshow crew or anything, just going to attend. Would it be appropriate/inappropriate to wear my flight suit? It is a military event and want to show some community pride, but I also don't want to commit any social faux pas. This is also my first airshow (ironic it took me this long as a lifelong aviation enthusiast), so I have no anecdotal data points.
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Always good to have pride in your community.

My two cents.

If you are not in a duty status, not assigned to the show det for static display or flying, then if you were stopping by on a regular workday and in your uniform as prescribed for your duty that day, sure. If it’s a Saturday morning, and you are on liberty, toss on your squadron ball cap, Mav shades or the current trending shades, navy polo with simple wings of gold or I’ve-been-there squadron polo or t-shirt featuring your airframe and shorts. You may skip the I’ve-been-there belt buckle for this informal occasion. Watch first Top Gun volleyball game scene to develop your oozing-cool vibe. That should be enough to establish your street cred as an active naval aviator.

DH has the tiny wings of gold for his lapel, the requisite plain Navy polo with simple wings, and navy blue ties with just the wings of gold or the Tomcat, all worn individually for the low-key touch. Accessorized for certain outdoor occasions with pristine squadron skipper, air wing commander or CV skipper ball cap - though he still has the sweat-stained ones.

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Obviously, I’m assuming you are Navy from your screen name and from what I recall of your posts, but I may be completely out of it here. I’ve been outside in the sun putting in tomato plants, so I’ll blame it on that.
 
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Capt. MJ gives great advice-as always. I worked an air show as an enlisted service member at NAS Jax back when the SH-60 was still relatively new. Unless you’re part of the “On Duty Crew” skip the flight suit. A polo shirt with squadron patch or airframe logo with khaki pants/shorts is appropriate. Ball cap and sunglasses are a must for the sun. Help sell some zaps and you’ll be good to go! Volunteer to answer questions from the civilian community is another plus for the crew that ”has duty”.😉
 
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