I spent 6 weeks in NZ (Dec 06) flying in the mountains with Helipro, every single instructor and depot pilot wore a helmet. Alot of the students wore helmets. I would have bought one whilst I was there but money was tight and it was an extra hour flying. When I return I will most definatley be getting one. They were using the R22 and the Hughes 300 nobody judged anyone, though the guy with the Pink stripe on his concerned me slightly. Good Luck with your flying