Object Details
- Physical Description
- Regia Aeronautica brown leather flying gloves worn by Felice Figus; textured leather; three sewn in ribs on top of glove.
- Summary
- These are an example of a light weight summer or warm environment flying gloves issued to pilots and aircrews of the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.
- These gloves were worn in combat by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus
- Materials
- Leather
- Cotton
- Dimensions
- Clothing (Right Glvoe): 21.3 x 9.5 x 1.3cm (8 3/8 x 3 3/4 x 1/2 in.)
- Clothing (Left Glove): 21.3 x 9.2 x 1.3cm (8 3/8 x 3 5/8 x 1/2 in.)
- Type
- PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear
