Cockpit USA Flight Jackets: The Complete Brand Guide for Buyers

If you're serious about buying a flight jacket and you've done any research, you've encountered Cockpit USA. They are, by most measures, the gold standard for American military flight jacket reproduction. This guide covers everything — the brand's history, their current lineup, how to size correctly, and where to buy. Consider it your complete entry point into the Cockpit USA world.

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Who Is Cockpit USA?

Cockpit USA was founded in New York in 1975. From the beginning, their mission was to reproduce authentic American military flight jackets — the A-2, B-3, G-1, and related outerwear — using the same specifications, materials, and construction methods used for original military production. That commitment earned them the U.S. Air Force contract as the official supplier of the A-2 flight jacket. They manufacture in the United States, and have held both their quality standard and their USAF relationship for five decades.

The Full Lineup: What Cockpit USA Makes

B-3 Shearling Bombers: The warmest jackets in the lineup. Cockpit builds a number of shearling bombers; these four are the core B-3 group: Men's B-3 (standard, from $1,400), Pearl Harbor (WWII period-accurate reproduction, from $1,610), 100 Mission (tribute to 100-mission bomber crews, from $1,590), and the Hooded B-3 (maximum cold-weather version with integrated shearling hood, from $1,680). All use genuine sheepskin shearling. Prices are the current Legendary USA listings for the base size; the larger sizes run higher.

A-2 Flight Jackets: Cockpit builds the A-2 in several hides and finishes. The three to know are the USAF 21st Century A-2 in goatskin (official Air Force model, from $595 and the cheapest way into the line), the Flying Tigers A-2 in horsehide (most durable and visually striking, from $960), and the Antique Lambskin A-2 (softest leather, broken-in appearance from day one, from $895). Others in the catalog — the Mustang Vintage, Tokyo Raiders and 40th Anniversary horsehide A-2s among them — are variations on the same pattern.

G-1 Navy Flight Jacket: The U.S. Navy's flight jacket, distinguished from the A-2 by its collar style, hip pockets, and slightly fuller cut. The mil-spec goatskin USN G-1 starts at $685; the G-1 Antique Lambskin with the fur collar starts at $990.

British RAF Shearling Bomber: Cockpit USA's interpretation of the British Royal Air Force's WWII shearling jacket. Similar warmth to the B-3 with distinctly British design details. The Men's British R.A.F. Sheepskin Bomber Jacket starts at $1,550 at Legendary USA.

One thing to be clear about across the whole lineup: these are flight jackets, not motorcycle safety gear. No Cockpit USA jacket carries a CE rating or impact armor. They are heavy, well-made leather and shearling — abrasion and weather protection, not certified crash protection. If a CE level on the label is what you need, look at Dainese, Alpinestars or Held instead.

How to Size Cockpit USA

Cockpit USA men's jackets are sold in numeric chest sizes, typically 38 through 56, and are cut to military dimensions rather than contemporary fashion sizing. Most buyers find that sizing up from their measured chest accommodates layering under the jacket in cold weather — particularly important for the B-3 and shearling models designed for severe cold. Measure your chest and consult the Cockpit USA jackets guide at Legendary USA, which includes model-specific guidance.

Where to Buy Cockpit USA Jackets

Buy from an authorized Cockpit USA dealer. Authorized dealers source directly from Cockpit USA, provide accurate product information, and stand behind the warranty. Legendary USA is an authorized Cockpit USA dealer — it is a dealer relationship, not a house label — and it lists the complete lineup, over a hundred Cockpit USA styles. Every model described in this guide is there: the four core B-3 variants, the three A-2 variants, the G-1, and the British R.A.F. The cheapest genuine entry point is the USAF 21st Century A-2 from $595. If you would rather not go through a dealer at all, Schott NYC sells its own American-made flight jackets direct and is a fair alternative — but Schott does not carry the Cockpit USA label, so for a genuine Cockpit jacket an authorized dealer is the route. Most Cockpit models are built to order in standard sizes rather than held as shelf stock, so check the size you want before planning around a date.

Care and Maintenance

Keep leather dry. If it gets wet, dry it naturally away from direct heat. Condition the leather two or three times per year with a quality leather conditioner. Hang — don't fold — for storage. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight. With this basic care routine, a Cockpit USA jacket will maintain its quality for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cockpit USA? An American flight jacket manufacturer founded in 1975, based in New York, and the official USAF supplier of the A-2 flight jacket.

Are Cockpit USA jackets made in America? Yes. All Cockpit USA production is based in the United States.

What is the most versatile Cockpit USA jacket? The USAF A-2 in goatskin — from $595, wearable in fall and mild winter, pairs with most wardrobes, the official Air Force model.

What is the warmest Cockpit USA jacket? The B-3 shearling bomber variants. The Hooded B-3 from $1,680 gives the most cold-weather warmth. That is insulation, not crash protection — no Cockpit USA jacket is CE rated or armored.

Does Legendary USA sell Cockpit USA jackets? Yes — Legendary USA is an authorized Cockpit USA dealer and lists the complete lineup at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.

Do Cockpit USA prices change with size? Yes. Every price in this guide is the starting price for the smaller sizes; the same model costs more as the size goes up. The Men's B-3, for example, is $1,400 in sizes 38–46 and $1,600 in 54–56.