MA-1 Flight Jacket

A mid-weight nylon jacket with water resistance and versatility, the MA-1 pilot jacket was the first military flight jacket to cross over into civilian fashion. When you slip into this great-looking flight jacket you will understand why fighter pilots and civilians enjoy wearing it.

• Flight nylon jacket contains a signature utility/pencil pocket
• Features a zipper closure with storm flap, along with a knit waistband, cuffs and collar
• Comfort rated in temperatures from 25-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Dry clean only

This jacket is from the vintage Alpha Industries jackets when they were still made in the USA. This jacket was produced before Alpha added their trademark "Remove Before Flight" tag to the sleeve. When determining Alpha Industries’ size please consider whether you will layer under the jacket and if you prefer a more fitted look.

Product History

Introduced by the mid-1950s, the MA-1 became the flight jacket for U.S. Air Force pilots and ground crew. Designed for use in temperatures of 14-50 degrees F, the MA-1 had a 100% wool knit collar, waistband and cuffs. The MA-1 discarded the mouton fur collar of its predecessor, the B-15, because it interfered with the parachute harness worn by aviators. These features were eventually removed from the flight jacket as it was adopted by other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and equipment for pilots changed. An addition to the jacket in 1960 was the reversibility to show off an Indian Orange lining. The reason being if a plane crashed, the pilot could reverse the jacket to the orange side to signal rescue personnel. Alpha Industries' first government contract for the MA-1 was awarded in 1963. The jacket has evolved over the years but it is still one of Alpha Industries’ top sellers.

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