March 27, 2026 3 min read

A pilot's performance degrades in the heat long before the aircraft does. The effects of high temperatures can lead to lots of unwanted effects, such as pilot fatigue, reduced concentration, and heat stress. Here's how you can deal with summertime heat as a pilot, and keep yourself cool flying from Arizona to Zimbabwe:

Excessive Heat - A Real Danger For Pilots

During long summertime flights, managing heat is essential not only for comfort but for safety. Thermal stress can lead to fatigue, causing pilots to become more sluggish mentally and physically. This can impact your physical well-being and performance as a pilot, causing:

  • Delayed reaction times
  • Increased error rates
  • Decreased attention span
  • Poor response to emergencies
  • Deterioration of physical stamina
  • Impairment of a pilot’s ability to handle cockpit management

The effects of heat can be sneaky and might not be immediately apparent until a critical situation occurs. Increased workload can also further add to your thermal stress, so you should be mindful of that, especially if you’re a single pilot.

What Can Pilots Do To Manage The Heat During Flights?

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Your uniform should be the first consideration when managing extreme heat. That’s why your top priority should be choosing comfortable pilot shirts and pants made using lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking materials. 

Wearing loose-fitting material helps air circulate and promotes the evaporation of sweat, which is your body's natural cooling mechanism. Good quality, breathable fabrics will also help keep you comfortable during the flight. 

Designed for pilots, with pilot feedback in mind - shop men’s pilot shirts & women’s pilot shirts from Jetseam, built to withstand the summertime heat.

Note: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is perhaps the most important thing to remember - it can make a huge difference between being alert and feeling sluggish. Bring plenty of water on board the aircraft to stay hydrated throughout the flight.

A few extra tips:

  • Avoid sweet sodas or juices.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoid undiluted athletic beverages.
  • Limit salt intake in food.

Fight Off Summertime Heat With Jetseam

Your pilot uniform can either be your ally in combating summertime heat, or it can actively make it worse. At Jetseam, we keep the feedback of professional pilots in mind when designing quality shirts, undershirts, and pants, focusing on fabrics that offer a superior combination of polish and performance to help you combat the heat.

Our garments are constructed from advanced technical blends that are incredibly lightweight and feature moisture-wicking properties. This means the fabric pulls perspiration away from your body, allowing it to evaporate quickly and helping you stay cool and dry, even during long, hot-weather duty days. When shopping Jetseam pilot shirts, you can choose between four top-performing fabrics:

White Label Fabric

  • 58% polyester/32% cotton/10% spandex
  • 4-stretch fabric that moves with you
  • Light and breathable
  • Anti-wrinkling properties (so you can spend less time ironing in your spare time)

Gold Label Fabric

  • 57% cotton/38% polyester/5% spandex
  • 2-stretch fabric
  • High cotton composition, providing increased breathability without breaking the bank

Black Label Fabric

  • 60% cotton/40% polyester
  • Traditional blend used for classic cut shirts
  • Lightweight, comfortable, & easy to care for

Silver Label Fabric

  • 92% polyester/8% spandex
  • Wrinkle-free properties
  • Perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability
  • Available in both slim and modern fits

Man wearing a Jetseam long-sleeve pilot shirt

By choosing a Jetseam shirt, you're not just selecting a sharp uniform; you're equipping yourself with apparel designed to manage the threat of summertime heat. Find yours today and take to the sky safely and comfortably!