Back to helmets. I've done quite a bit of open cockpit flying and have tried a handfull of helmets. The RAF Mk3a and Mk4a are fairly easy to get hold of from surplus stores etc, but beware...their history will be unknown and could very well have been disposed of because of damage to the shell that could be hidden. Also RAF aircrew have their helmets fitted by 'squipers' and these guys know what they're doing, so adjusting the helmet by untrained bods could result in a helmet becoming uncomfortable and could result in headaches etc. After trying a few, I opted for buying a new helmet from the US. This was the US Navy HGU33P which I still have to this day. It was supplied by Flightsuits Ltd of El Cajon California, but are now available in the UK. They are much cheaper than the Alpha and do not require specialist adjustment. One final point is to make sure that whatever you buy is CE marked so that you can rest assured that it does what its supposed to.... protect your head!!!!... as a mate of mine pulled up into loop in a Stampe, the guy that had last occupied the front seat had forgotten to make up the seat harness and the buckle came over the top and smacked him quite hard on the forehead resulting in a cut that required stitching and also the urgent need to get back on the ground.
