Abstract: An improved flexible boot 20 is provided for protecting aircraft operating mechanisms such as bearing 18 from foreign objects such as sand and dirt. The boot 20 has a slit 30 and an associated resealing arrangement 39 which allows the slit 30 to be resealably closed. The resealing arrangement 39 thus enables the protected mechanism or bearing 18 to be inspected without removal of, or damage to, the boot 20 while still allowing the boot to retain its ability to protect the bearing 18 from foreign object damage. The preferred resealing arrangement 39 is of the hook and loop type which is sold under the registered trademark Velcro.RTM..