For aviators who need a little help making the transition from reality to fantasy, a fabric-lined suede World War II-era pilot’s cap and traditional goggles can complete that persona for about $35 at PilotMall.com. Dig out some weathered sectional charts and hand-written flight plans to complete the look—if you can remember where you stashed them.
If you are shorter on time, PilotMall.com comes to the rescue with a complete aviator costume kit for $34.99 that includes a hat, goggles, and scarf, with instructions to make it one of a kind. Unfortunately, you’ll need to provide your own distressed leather jacket, dog-eared logbooks, and day-old beard (for the guys).
Female pilots aren’t left out of the mix, although a quick cruise on the Web reveals that most women’s costumes are—literally—quite revealing. An olive-green miniskirt Top Gun flight dress costume would likely be at the top of Maverick’s list for a copilot. It’s $39.98 at costumediscounters.com. More down-to-earth women could choose a retro stewardess costume for $34.99 at halloweencostumes.com and simply add white fishnets and high heels for a 1960s look.
Children can appear as snappy as a corporate pilot for just $10 with their very own pilot-in-command hat, again from PilotMall.com. Add a starched white button-down shirt, black slacks, and a myriad of pens for their pockets to complete the outfit. Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups can be taped upside down onto shoulders for epaulets that double as treats if the streets get too steep for your rising pilot in command.
Going all in on a children’s pilot outfit is another option for helicopter parents in a hurry with a few extra bucks. Halloweencostumes.com offers a complete pilot costume for kids with captain’s hat, white shirt, epaulets, tie, and slacks for $24.99.
If your trick-or-treaters want to step up their game a notch and promise not to ask for an iPhone 6S until the holidays, parents might consider PilotMall.com’s astronaut backpack at $39.95, space boots for $27.95, or a $49.95 junior astronaut suit that is modeled after real NASA space suits and comes with space patches and zippered pockets.
Seasoned aviators intent on celebrating Halloween closer to the skies or on the ground with friends could always just throw on a leather flight jacket over a favorite shirt or blouse, with jeans, sunglasses, a flight bag, and a set of airplane keys at the ready for a personal Halloween aviation adventure. And don’t forget to pack a swagger and a wink—they’re still free!
Tag us at #aopacostumes to share your favorite aviation-based Halloween costumes.