Leather flight jackets are authentic flying jackets tried, tested and adopted as regulation by the Army Air Corps. There are two types of such authentic flying jackets, the A2 and the G1 types of jackets. They are very popular not only for people in the Army Air Corps, but also among civilians.

The A2 Flight jacket was first service-tested in 1930, and adopted as regulation in 1931. The A2 Flight jacket is generally made of goatskin and comes in various sizes. The various details that make the A2 flight jacket different from other jackets include military-specified quality zippers and fasteners, polyester/cotton blend lining, regulation snap-down collar, shoulder epaulets, snap-close pockets and knit bottom and cuffs. The original A2 Flight Jacket does not have side pockets or inside wallet pockets.

The G1 Flight Jacket has been regulation issue gear for the Army Air Corps since 1938. This authentic military gear is now available commercially. The features of the G1 Flight Jacket include water-repellent goatskin, action back, inside map pocket, military specification zippers and fasteners, synthetic pile collars, 100% wool knit cuffs and waistband and 100% oxford nylon lining.

The authentic G1 Flight jacket does not have side pockets and no inside wallet pockets.

The A2 has evolved over the years, for more comfort for civilians and pilots alike. Various companies now offer varieties of the A2. Some of the newer A2 Flight Jackets now have side-entry hand warmer pockets, vertical entry pockets and inside wallet pockets.

The G1 Flight Jacket is the actual jacket used by United States Navy Aviators.