Pilot's flying outfit; Leather hat/cap

This pilot's outfit was worn by Jimmy Cane when he started flying in about 1928 - he was just 16 years old when he got his licence.

The combination of thick sheepskin jacket and boots, leather gloves and hats kept him warm and protected - this was a time when the cockpit of an aircraft was not insulated. Pilots were extremely exposed to the cold and loud noise when in flight.

Jimmy Cane became one of New Zealand's most prominent and respected pilots. He worked for several small airlines in the early days of commercial aviation in New Zealand, including West Coast Airways and Cook Strait Airways, then went on to work for NAC and Air New Zealand.