Will a paperback novel fit in one of the interior pockets? That's one of my criteria for jackets since I always have a book with me and cargo pants are not always socially acceptable.

Yes, no problem. Just slipped a 450 page paperback in the lower inside pockets with room to spare for a even a bit thicker one. Won't snap closed, but the book fits *IN* the pocket.

Lambskin is certainly not the most common for flight jackets, or probably any leather considering it's lots more expensive. Traditionally, they are either horsehide or goatskin, mostly the latter in recent history, but cheap versions today are often made of cowhide. What's best is subject to lots of factors including quality and thickness, and the use to which it is to be put and how it is treated. Goatskin in these jackets has stood the test of time. It's durable and becomes very supple with use. I was given a lambskin A2 many years ago as a gift (also a Perrone jacket, but it was stolen) and it was more 'luxurious" feeling, but didn't seem as robust. <shrug>

What's your thought on maintaining the leather. I like to go over my leather jacket about once a year with Kiwi shoe polish.

Perrone makes both cleaners and a conditioner. Obviously, it's what they recommend for their products. I've used them before and they work well. http://www.allleathermaintenance.com/consumer_product.htm

From what you typed, it almost sound like you said "Ooops. Somebody could fit a pistol in there. We had better fix that..." when you were deisgning it.

Thanks for the info and picture. Now I have to convince the wife on the cost...

Not sure how to read that into what I wrote, but perhaps taken out of context. I just wanted them to be practical and secure to carry stuff. See http://www.dougritter.com/dr_flamegaurd_jacket.htm for the full explanation.

Actually, the only thing you need to answer about the pockets is "will the AMK psk and fak fit into the pockets"? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Does a bear.....