Question about shoes??

[Jcarson]

Howdy!

First let me start by saying that I have enjoyed this web site for quite sometime and have found some very useful info here. Unfortunately I'm not as well versed as most of you folks are so have not been able to offer any advice of my own or given back to the community - for that I apologize!

Here's my question:

I am a student pilot and am gearing up for my checkride. I have lived in the Caribbean full time for the past 10-years. In my time down here I have ONLY worn flip-flops - I even managed to make it through my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary & my 10-year high school reunion wearing them (although I did have to wear long shorts, which you probably better know as pants, ugh). At any rate in those ten years I have driven my truck barefoot and have gotten use to the feel of the pedals on my feet - If I try to drive wearing flip flops it feels like someone has shot my feet full of novocaine and I pity the soul unlucky enough to pick that moment to bum a ride with me!

You probably see where I'm headed with this but to make a long story even longer - from my very first flight to today I have never worn shoes while flying. Nobody has ever asked me to, they just said I should do whatever make me comfortable. So that was all fine until just recently when my instructor springs this on me "You know you're gonna have to wear shoes when you go for your checkride" WHAT! So I went out and bought my first pair of shoes in 10-years (slip-on checkerboard Vans) - no such luck. Feels like I have two wet Antelopes strapped to my feet and you can probably imagine how difficult it is get into a 172 with two wet antelopes strapped to your feet, let alone work the pedals! .

So I guess what I'm asking is - does anyone know if this is the case!? I can't find ANYthing in FARs that says you must wear shoes when you fly, or clothes for that matter! (of course I probably missed something somewhere)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Me and my wet antelopes are headed out for a beer so I can contemplate checkrides and they can graze.

Many thanks in advance!

PS - This may or may not make a difference but I'm only getting my PPL for personal use. I'm not going for a commerical license.

 

[MTpilot]

Montana!

You should try it with Sorels.

I can't think of any regulation specifically callling for shoes, it's really just a matter of what the examiner thinks, I mean if he shows up barefoot then your probably good!

 

[Jcarson]

Thanks! What are Sorels?

 

[Steveair]

Nothing in the regs that requires you to wear shoes... it's just good common sense! If you were involved in an accident, your feet could be exposed to sharp glass and jagged metal aswell as aircraft operating fluids. You may even have to kick out a window to exit the aircraft. Add into that the possibility of having to walk long distances to survive and there's no sense to not wear shoes.


Personally, although it's not in the regs, I think this is a prime example of good ADM. Examiners look for that & for you to be a safe operator for your passengers.

Just remember what Lt. Dan said in Forrest Gump!

 

[Jcarson]

Hi,

Thanks for the input - I did forget to mention that my flip flops always fly with me in the plane, just not on my feet. Honestly if I had to hike 10-miles I'd probably be more comfortable in the flip flops than shoes I've never worn. Thanks for the advise!

 

[Steveair]

Good god man.. I don't know how you do it! I guess your feet are just conditioned to it. Flip flops are great but I can't make it long distances / over varying slopes with them comfortably. Maybe your feet are just worn in enough you could walk on glass barefoot! Are you one of those guys that walks across hot charcoal???

Hehe... good luck with your flying.

 

[Jcarson]

The flip flops I wear are Doc Martens so have a pretty good sole. Feb '05 I was in the states and saw snow for the first time - I was wearing my flip flops - although I did invest in a pair of fleece flip-flop socks to keep the toes warm - biggest bummer was each time I pulled my foot out of the snow a vacuum was formed and my flip flops kept getting sucked off my feet. I showed up for a hike up a rain forest in St. Lucia wearing them - I got some pretty weird looks!

 

[MTpilot]

Get yourself some comfortable shoes!

Sorels are for serious cold and deep snow, they are big and bulky and hard to fly with, but if your heater busted what can you do. I have some flip flops I can wear them for about a week out of every year.

P.S. Where do you live and is anybody hiring?

 

[User546]

Nothing in the regs that requires you to wear shoes... it's just good common sense! If you were involved in an accident, your feet could be exposed to sharp glass and jagged metal aswell as aircraft operating fluids. You may even have to kick out a window to exit the aircraft.

I agree completely, and this was the first thought I had when I was reading your original post.

If you were in an accident, or maybe even something minor, nonetheless you have to evacuate the aircraft - it wouldn't be in your best interest to be going bare-foot or even sandals. The possible debris, landscape, fluids, any number of things could put a stop to your plans quickly!

And it probably wont do you much good having them in the airplane and not on your feet, cause chances are if things start going south and your now dealing with a crippled aircraft, your probably not going to have time (nor should you divert your attention) to grab your shoes and put them on.

And with that said, I envy you though for being in such a great enviroment that you actually have this problem to consider!!

 

[PaulThomas]

I faced the same problem. I use boating shoes now.