Why did WWI pilots wear dashing WHITE silk scarves? [01/12] - amelia-earhart-american-aviation.jpg (1/1)

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Why not a nice plaid? The white silk scarf is a classic, worn by everyone from
Charles Lindbergh to Snoopy. The silk prevented neck chafing as the pilots
scanned the not-so-friendly skies looking for enemy aircraft. Of course scarves
looked great, but the white color served a real purpose, and here’s why: While
flying in an open-cockpit bi-plane a pilot was vulnerable to the elements. Prop
wash prevented most of the bugs-in-the teeth enjoyed by happy motorcyclists, but
rain and fog could still accumulate on the pilot’s goggles. Even worse, those
old engines were prone to leak oil, and that could splatter upon the pilots,
too. Those goggles had to be wiped clean, so the pilots would put their
convenient scarfs to double-duty clearing the lenses. They used a white scarf so
that they could be sure that it was itself clean, as an oily rag would just make
matters worse. Therefore the pilots sported white silk scarves.

Why did WW-TWO pilots also wear dashing white silk scarves?

Because they look great. Case closed.



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