Helmet wearing R22 pilots...
TC,
What can I say, except guilty as charged! I wouldn't ride a motorcycle without a helmet, but I will fly an R22 without one. However, you are statistically more likely to be in an accident in a motorcycle or car than you are flying a helicopter.
Still, I certainly believe that "it could happen to me." That's one of the reasons I'm a little more detail oriented than others I've seen in the cockpit. In the grand scheme of implementing proper control measures for the associated risk, wearing a helmet in such a small aircraft may actually create a hazard and outweigh the benefits.
That sounds good, but it isn't the real reason I don't wear a helmet when flying small helicopters. I've also flown the R22 Mariner, B2B, 280FX, and B47. During transition training from type to type, I've never witnessed a CFI wear one either. I don't think it's cockiness... it's a matter of personal preference and comfort.
I'm sure the topic of helmets in small helicopters was discussed on PPRuNe before I became a member... I'll do a search. I've met a couple R22 pilots at the RHC Safety Course that always wear helmets. In each case, they flew to remote locations and perform line patrol at low altitudes... so, it made sense for them.