... Helmet choice
For the last few I've used HGU 33's (fixedwing) from Flightsuits in the States, they usually do 3 to 4000 hours before replacing. Order it wired for ANR makes a big difference.
Alpha used to claim the lightest helmet, the HGU33 (kevlar shell) was lighter and was quieter than an Alpha. A practical edition is a peak instead of a visor, not popular with the trendoid set (you don't look like you've just hopped out of your F18) but very usefull with low sun conditions.