{"product_id":"strap-in-and-fly","title":"Pre-order: Strap In and Fly: Exploring South African Air Force Aircrew Flight Gear since World War II","description":"\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume 1 of the SAAF Insignia and Equipment Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow open for pre-order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first complete reference on South African Air Force flight gear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrap 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlying helmets, oxygen masks and communication headsets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnti-G suits, flying suits and pressure equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLife jackets, immersion suits and survival vests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoots, gloves and goggles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParachutes and ejection seat equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersonal instruments and pilot wristwatches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecialist systems including the Kentron Kukri Helmet Mounted Sight, the Thales TopOwl and Cobra HMDs, and gear associated with the Gripen and Rooivalk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDedicated 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\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA collector's chapter on identifying, acquiring and restoring genuine SAAF flight gear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn essential reference for military historians, aviation enthusiasts, SAAF veterans, and collectors of aviation memorabilia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimited first print run\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrap 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaunch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, 7 November 2026 at the SAAF Museum Flying Day, Air Force Base Swartkop (Zwartkop), Pretoria. Dean Wingrin will be present on the day for signing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-order now to guarantee your copy and format. Pre-orders ship from launch day, with in-person collection available for those attending the Flying Day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-launch price, R100 off every copy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrder before launch day and save R100 per copy, on every format:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft Cover R650 instead of R750\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHard Cover R850 instead of R950\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecial Edition (Leather, Gold Foil) R1,350 instead of R1,450\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-launch pricing closes on 7 November 2026, after which all formats revert to full price.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping is calculated at checkout and is the responsibility of the buyer. Please allow additional time for delivery outside South Africa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"G5 Books","offers":[{"title":"Soft","offer_id":53835558945061,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":53835558977829,"sku":null,"price":850.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Limited Edition Numbered and Bound in Leather","offer_id":53835559010597,"sku":null,"price":1350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/9157\/8917\/files\/July_G5BooksPost1.jpg?v=1789558676","url":"https:\/\/g5books.com\/af\/products\/strap-in-and-fly","provider":"G5 Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}