Basic Questions about Modern Fighter Pilots

[muckmaw]

Does anyone know of a websight that shows the parts of the modern figher pilot flight suits?

Or maybe a page that explains the basics, like why pilots have to wear O2 masks and such?

[gofaster]

Try your local library and check for keywords such as "flight gear".  I seem to recall finding a few coffee-table style photobooks with information and "official" naming of each piece.

As for the reason for oxygen masks: as you go higher, the air gets thinner. Oxygen starvation can frequently lead to "doping" - not being aware of your situation, plane attitude, etc. - and unconsciousness.  It happens to mountain climbers, too.