Chapter: Connections

Leather Flight Cap & Goggles

"Don't go up without your cap"
1918 circa leather flight cap & goggles to protect a Canadian pilot head, eyes & ears Leather flight cap & goggles

Story

This circa 1918 leather flight cap and goggles was used to protect a Canadian pilot's head, eyes and ears.

Aviation was pioneered in Canada by pilots returning home from the First World War. While bush pilots preferred a toque and earmuffs in inclement weather, the flight cap and goggles were common among pilots of the open cockpit of a Vedette. Some pilots even took to sewing ladies powder puffs into their caps to insulate their ears against the deafening roar of the engine.