NCO Pilot Impression

[Marcus]

In an effort to start some chatter here in the Aviation section, I wanted to put up some photos of my aviator impression that I put together for the Chino event. While putting together the impression, I started to learn about the air war above the trenches. Fascinating subject if you consider that the airplane as a war machine, was not the original intent of any nation. Like many things it was developed into a weapon in very short span of time and the advancements made during that time were pretty impressive.

Anyhow, a few shots:


Replica DrI and a shot of a photo of VzFw Rudolph Windisch who was somewhat of an "inspiration" for my impression.


Lance Bronnekant, Author of Imperial German Eagles of WWI Vols. 1&2 (with Vol 3 in the works) Awesome source of photos and info.


Vize-Feldwebel und Leutnant


Group shot with some of GWHS members in attendance

[oskar2ndchev]

Interesting- Marcus, I took you as an pilot NCO on the basis of the visor cap having no reinforcement. It wasn't until I got closer that I noticed the NCO insignia. Just an assumption on my part. I like the two-tone boots. Was that on purpose or did it just work out that way. Either way, very cool impression.

[Marcus]

Based on several photos I could find of NCO pilots, the hat was either an officer grade or private purchase cap. It seemed fairly common for them to remove the wire stiffener. The boots came that way with the smooth uppers being a lighter color than the rough out section. I just oiled and polished them up.