VictorGolf

A couple of chums had a near one at 7000 feet over Nairobi when a crested crane (I think) came through the windscreen of a Cessna 182 they were flying. It passed between them and ended up on the back seat, closely resembling a scene from Monty Python. The modified aerodynamics didn't help but they got the aircraft down at Wilson airport OK. Personally I wear those Nomex gloves with a leather palm, not because of in-flight fire so much as in the event of an over-priming ground fire I might be inclined to grab something hot. They are also very comfortable. Also a vote for proper 4/5 belt shoulder harnesses.

sharpend

My views for what they are worth.

1. Read The Last Enemy by Richard HIllary. Then you will then wear gloves & nomex.

2. You would not be allowed to do a track day in your car with short sleves or helmet!

3. One of the biggest problems with a forced landing is tipping upside down. Wear a helmet. The other is fire. Wear gloves & nomex. In a fire you need your hands to egress. Your hands are vital!

4. However, on a very hot day, weigh up the risks of heat exhaustion v wearing protective clothing. Ignore comments from idiots.

4. Lastly, see item 1.

Big Pistons Forever

Unfortunately hardly any light aircraft have rear seat shoulder belts fitted or even provisions to retrofit them. However the good news is that the accident record for survivability of the rear seat occupants is quite a bit good even without shoulder belts. The big issue IMO is the danger for people sitting in the front seat hitting the instrument panel with their head. That is where traditionally the really nasty crash injuries come from and why it is vital to have proper upper body restraint.

However your point is taken and I should amend my earlier statement to "I will never fly in the front seat of an aircraft that does not have front seat shoulder harnesses fitted".

As for wearing nomex clothing in a typical light GA aircraft....well the accident record shows that the number of accidents where nomex clothing would have made a difference is extremely small. Better to spend the money on annual recurrent training.

stickandrudderman

It seems to me you have two options here:
1. Wear a helmet or
2. Be a helmet.

With option 1 the choice is yours.
With option two the choice is for others.

Personally I like to make my own choices.

(And I express no, nor indeed have any preference for whether to wear a helmet or not, I only urge that whatever decision you make should be one of choice).