I'm looking for some options for general aviation flight gear that offers fire resistance as well as good winter weather properties. Obviously, cotton is out due to moisture retention. Good Nomex jackets are available, but shirts and pants are somewhat lacking. Which brings me to wool. Most of the wool shirts seem to be wool/nylon blends. Does the nylon significantly reduce the natural fire resistant properties? Other suggestions or links to manufacturers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I saw a show about fire-resistant fabrics that were a wool blend although I don't recall a name.
But I have found this: HERE "The core body of the T.R.U. Combat Shirt (TCS) is made from hi tech performance Cordura® brand Baselayer. This might look and feel like lightweight T-shirt knit material, but it's tough as nails and very protective against low level heat. The 60/40 Cotton/ Nylon miracle blend insulates the body when exposed to high temperatures and will not drip or melt like polyester. It incredibly breathable, wicking away moisture 2.5 times faster than 100% cotton, plus it dries quickly. Exceptionally soft, lightweight and comfortable with No Melt, No Drip FR properties."

Also, look at Nomex motorsport clothes.

Google "wildland fire cargo pants" for a slew of links related to nomex outerwear.

Arktis makes merino wool / nomex blend long underwear:

http://www.arktisusa.com/midlayers.html

Massif makes a good assortment of nomex clothing. I use their Inferno Jacket as a flight jacket.

What they used to supply to us in the refineries were Nomex coveralls.
(You know the kind where the shirt and pants are all one piece.) They issued them large enough for all of our winter clothing to fit underneath them.

They also supplied Nomex parkas and skidoo suits but coveralls seemed to be the preferred way to go.
Some of the workers bought their own Nomex fleece hoodies and outer pants but they ended up wearing the coveralls over them anyhow so they didn't get covered in bitumen (oil).

If the coveralls get oily you can just run them through the washing machine.
Washing does not change the fire resistance, but being full of bitumen, oil and grease does because that stuff burns.

Using the coveralls lets you adjust the rest of the clothing to the weather easier too.
A lot of the guys would only wear shorts and t-shirts under the Nomex in the summer, but full winter gear when it was cold.
With the parkas they lost that ability to dress up or down as the temperature changed.

Remember that you want them to close tight at the cuffs and neck so any fire can not get to your sleeves or pant legs.
Tabs or buttons at the cuffs are good, but the main closure up the front should be a zipper.
----
So I would suggest looking for the coverall suit and wearing your winter gear under it.

(Actually I would say one pair grossly oversize for winter and a normal size pair for summer.)


You should be able to find them in the safety supply stores.
Google brought up a lot of hits like this.
http://www.flamesafetyapparel.com/nomex_genesis_coverall.html

flightsuits.com has a good selection of Nomex coveralls

Bear in mind, burning wool generates cyanide gas. At least that's what they told us in Navy firefighting school.

Its also helped me lot , thanks for the useful thread

Ebeltoft Helly Hansen
48.5% Wool / 48.5% Viscose / INOX 3%
http://www.hellyhansen-workwear.com/buy-online/search/ebeltoft-antistactic-flame-retardant-shirt/0/

hello,

For underwear you could have a look here :

woolpower


I think wool and leather have good fire resistance. But for wool blend it is difficult to have an advice, except when wool is blended with aramid fiber (kermel or nomex), cotton or some special viscose or chlorofiber.

I think chlorofiber is not well known here. So I give you a link
chlorofiber

Didier.