[~80's] Czechoslovakian Air Force Helicopter Crew Pilot Jacket

Czechoslovak People's Air Force "Helicopter Crew Pilot Jacket" issued in 1988.

The Czechoslovak People's Air Force (Československé letectvo) is the air force division of Czechoslovakia's land, sea, and air forces that was established at the same time as the country was established in 1918. It was a regular air force that was responsible for national air superiority and air defense throughout the period from 1918 to 1992.

Currently, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic are separate states, but from 1918 to 1992 the two countries constituted a unified state called the Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1960) and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (1960–1990), and the People's Army existed as a national army throughout that period.

The slogan is ``Our sea is in the air.''
During the Cold War period (1954-1990), it was reorganized and operated as part of the Czechoslovak People's Army (ČSLA), and with the separation of the country in 1993, its assets and units were divided and inherited by the Czech Air Force and the Slovak Air Force.

Its origins are just after World War I.
Development progressed rapidly based on the limited aviation assets inherited from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and domestic aviation industries such as ``Aero, Avia, and Letov'' emerged.

In the 1930s, with the development of a training system, it was rated as one of Europe's leading air forces.
This is supported by the fact that we shifted from licensed production of external designs to proprietary designs and operated domestically produced B-534 fighters and B-71s.

After the war, ČSLA (People's Army) was officially established in 1954 after communistization in 1948, and the air force completely converted to Soviet-style doctrine and equipment.

The Velvet Revolution of 1989 ended one-party rule.

In 1990, the name was changed to the Czechoslovak Army, with the word "people" removed, and with the separation of the country in 1993, the air force was divided approximately 2:1 between Czech: Slovakia.
This resulted in the creation of the Czech Air Force/Slovak Air Force, ending the historical role of the Czechoslovak People's Air Force.

Like thatThis item is believed to have been worn by a pilot crew of the Czechoslovak People's Air Force during the Czechoslovak Republic era.

The greatest appeal of this individual lies in its details, which are faithful to mil-spec, but also have a high degree of perfection from a fashion perspective.

The first thing to note is that this individual retains its original boa collar.

The boa collar itself was removed from the modified model that arrived last time, so it was not possible to wear the collar by holding it up using the Velcro strap on the back of the collar, but this model has that detail intact, which is attractive.

If you lay down the boa collar, it will look like a classic flight jacket, and if you fasten the collar up with a strap, it will protect your neck from the wind while giving you a sharp look like a stand-up collar.
It is a design that is nice from both a fashion and practical standpoint, allowing you to change the expression depending on your styling.

On the chest, there are vertical slit pockets and diagonal zip pockets that highlight the asymmetric structure unique to the Czechoslovak army.
All of them have a structure that makes it difficult to interfere with the operation of fighter jets and helicopters, and you can see that the design is meaningful and has a clear use and purpose.

There are zipped handwarmer pockets on both hems, and these use original zip sliders made by "WICO".

The sleeve ends have a dual structure of Velcro tabs and zips that can be adjusted to two levels.
The opening and closing design is designed to be worn with gloves, and it is not only a fashion item, but also has practicality as military wear.

A similar Velcro tab is also provided around the waist, which helps adjust the waistline and prevent wind from entering.

The front zipper is located off-center and has a structure that maintains body heat in cold regions.
The inside has a quilted liner, indicating that it was intended for use in cold regions at the time.

The front is zip-up with a zip fastener.
This item has had the zipper replaced, and the zip slider has a "KIN" engraved zip.

On the inside, you can also check the stamp that shows the size and the year of issue.
Since the words "1988" can be seen inside the stamp, this example seems to have been officially issued in 1988.

This item uses ``100% cotton'' high-density satin weave fabric.

It has a fine, moist texture and a smooth surface with a slight sheen.
The elegant look unique to satin weave gives casual items a subtle elegance.

The color is a calming blue-gray color.

Blue-gray, which combines intelligence and calmness, is a sophisticated neutral color that perfectly balances the coolness of blue with the calmness of gray.
It can be said to be a color that goes well with any style, yet can create a slightly different atmosphere, making it a color that is popular among advanced users.

It goes perfectly with the details that give off an urban military feel, giving off an intellectual air despite its ruggedness.

I cannot confirm the size description, but I think it corresponds to "XL" in Japanese size.

Even if you look at the actual size, it will feel like a large size, so even people with large bodies can wear it without any problems.
It looks like a military item, and the large size makes it a cool item to wear.

There is some signs of use, such as scratches, stains, scuffs, and replacement of zippers, which are typical of the fabric, but there are no major damages that would cause problems with wear, so I think you can still wear it.

This is the second time this item has arrived at our store, and is a rare item from the Czechoslovak People's Air Force.
It's a very maniacal first place, but I personally think it's a good idea to keep it in check for older Czechoslovakian troops.

A perfect piece for your wardrobe, as well as a collection item and design source.
I think this is a rare item, both domestically and internationally, so if you've been looking for one or if you like rare items, don't miss this opportunity.