Strap In and Fly: Exploring South African Air Force Aircrew Flight Gear since World War II

Volume 1 of the SAAF Insignia and Equipment Series

Now available. In stock and shipping.

The first complete reference on South African Air Force flight gear

Strap In and Fly is the definitive illustrated history of South African Air Force aircrew flight gear, from the Second World War through to the Gripen era. Written by Dean Wingrin, founder of the unofficial SAAF website saairforce.co.za and one of the most respected names in South African military aviation, this book is drawn from decades of original research and one of the most complete private flight gear collections in the country.

With a foreword by Lieutenant-General (Ret) Carlo Gagiano, former Chief of the South African Air Force, this large-format A4 landscape volume runs to 375 pages, approximately 68,300 words and 297 photographs and diagrams, many published here for the first time.

What's inside

• Flying helmets, oxygen masks and communication headsets
• Anti-G suits, flying suits and pressure equipment
• Life jackets, immersion suits and survival vests
• Boots, gloves and goggles
• Parachutes and ejection seat equipment
• Personal instruments and pilot wristwatches
• Specialist systems including the Kentron Kukri Helmet Mounted Sight, the Thales TopOwl and Cobra HMDs, and gear associated with the Gripen and Rooivalk
• Dedicated chapters on Korean War flight clothing worn by SAAF pilots, high-altitude and pressure-suit flying equipment, pilot training in the Soviet Union, the experience of female SAAF aircrew, and locally developed South African flight gear
• A collector's chapter on identifying, acquiring and restoring genuine SAAF flight gear

An essential reference for military historians, aviation enthusiasts, SAAF veterans, and collectors of aviation memorabilia.

Limited first print run

Strap In and Fly is printed in a strictly limited first run across three formats. Once sold out, availability will depend on demand for a further printing.

Launched 7 November 2026

Strap In and Fly was launched on 7 November 2026 at the SAAF Museum Flying Day, Pretoria. Copies are in stock and ship within a few working days of your order.

Formats and prices

• Soft Cover: R750
• Hard Cover: R950
• Limited Edition, numbered and bound in leather: R1,450

The Limited Edition is restricted to the first print run and is allocated in order of purchase.

Shipping is calculated at checkout and is the responsibility of the buyer. Please allow additional time for delivery outside South Africa.