Use of ear plugs?
All pilots in the company that I work for use helmets.
We fly a scheduled helicopter airline route flying. We never have any complaints from passengers about why we fly with helmets, I guess everebody is just used to seeing all helicopter pilots wear a helmet in the country and its just common sense that the most important person on board the helicopter should not be knocked unconsious by bird-strike through the windshield, turbulence or bad vibrations due to blade failure or ice.
Even in case of a crash it important that the pilot is able to help the passengers and call help and get them to safety.
Well any how, the company recently has recommended to the pilots that they also wear ear plugs (disposable foam plugs!) underneath the helmets for hearing protection.
I would just like to hear any comments from you out there, what are your views, good or bad?