Zippers: Brass with unidentified coating, leather pulls
Buckles: Chrome-plated steel
Rivets: steel
Buttons: plastic
Paint
Dimensions:
Clothing: 152.4 x 165.1 x 8.9cm (60 x 65 x 3 1/2 in.)
Type:
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Country of Origin:
Italy
Physical Description:
Olive green Regia Aeronautica one-piece coverall winter flying suit; front zipper down front; patch pockets on each thigh; elastic cuffs; zipper ankles; dark brown mole hair collar; buff wool lining held in with dark brown cord; epaulets; cinch belt with chrome steel loop on each side at waist; slash pockets on each side at waist.
Summary:
This is an example of a heavy weight winter or cold environment flying suit issued to pilots and aircrews of the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.
This particular flying suit was worn by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo while flying on the Eastern Front. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus
