In 1917 Flight Sub-Lieutenant Sydney Cotton of the the Royal Naval Air Service developed a flying overall that helped to protect pilots from the harsh elements and low temperatures found during flight in aircraft with open cockpits. This very efficient item of protective flying clothing became highly prized by all aircrew issued with them....and was the first item to be 'confiscated' from a British pilot taken prisoner by the Germans. Richthofen was wearing one when he was shot down.

The Sidcot was in continual use with the RNAS, the RFC and the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and the Army Air Corp, in modified and adapted forms, right up to the 1950's. The Sidcot is the forerunner of all the flying suits used throughout and above the world since then and today.

Now there is a high quality, hand made Sidcot replica that pilots may once again wear in an open cockpit. Pterodactyl Flight, from the Czech Republic, now offer this very practical piece of flying clothing.