Flying Helmets?

[rafmatt]

After some info from anyone who flies wearing a flying helmet.
What do you have and where do you get it maintained/fitted?

[NigelOnDraft]

HSL @ Shoreham, although not sure I'd recommend them. The kit is great, the delays and customer service anything but :{

Whilst discussing the above a similar named company was mentioned - HISL which seem this lot Link (http://www.helmets.co.uk/military-civil-aircrew)

[rafmatt]

I ask as I'm currently an SE Fitt in the RAF and was interested to know what the guys who fly things like JP's and Hunters etc Get theirs from and fitted.

I'm looking into possible future business ideas combining my skills as a Painter and a SE Fitt to offer Custom Helmets.

Just gathering all the info at the moment.

[Pass your message]

Friend of mine life saved when engine failed and he had to put a classic ( yak I think) in at short notice. Helmet cracked right down the middle.The accident was the subject of an AAIB report and covers helmet saved his life. I have often thought of getting one because of that but vanity / pretentiousness takes over. If only we all wore them . I am old enough to remember test matches without helmets...... So there is hope

[BroomstickPilot]

Hi rafmatt,

The number of civvies flying Jet Provs and Hunters is a tiny proportion of a small total flying community of private pilots. You won't get fat supplying those alone.

Your custom helmet business would probably have to include at least the sky-divers, para-motors, two-axis microlighters and para-gliders to make money, and perhaps even the motorbike guys as well. I suggest you visit all their clubs and have a look.

I don't know what helmets the Jet Prov and Hunter guys are using. My guess would be it would be a mixture, probably mostly Alphas and Gentexs. Maybe one of them will reply to your enquiry. Or you could visit somewhere like North Weald and have a look.

Good luck with the new business; I hope you can make it work.

BP.

[foxmoth]

Many more use helmets than those flying the fast jets - they will mostly be ex service and have managed to "retain" one anyway. I use one flying Moth and Chippie (old Mk3, does not need much in the way of servicing), many flying advanced aeros will use one but will want lightweight rather than the current service variety.

[Unusual Attitude]

Used to fly a JP and I had a Mk4L I purchased new from Mart Aviation but dont know if they are still in business.

Most of the guys in the group had a mix of Mk3's, Alpha's and some US stuff I seem to recall.

Regardless of being mocked, I would wear it in my Cassutt if I could fit in with it on as thats the one aircraft I never want to have a forced landing in.... :\

[Squeegee Longtail]

UK aircrew issue helmets (Alpha Mk3/4/10) offer better impact protection but are heavier to wear.
US aircrew issue helmets (Gentex HGU-5/P etc) etc are less impact protection and more of a system to keep everything attached to your head. They are far lighter and more comfortable though.

I use an Alpha Mk10B when flying ex-mil jets, and an HGU-5/P when aerobatting in civvie types.

You need to change the earphones and microphone when using them for civvie types (different impedance etc).

You will find quite a few good examples on ebay.

Hope that helps.

[3 Point]

I must say I've dealt with HSL at Shoreham on a number of occasions over several years and always fond them to deliver excellent customer service.

I wear a Mil Mk10 (cos I have one and I'm used to it) and also use ALPHA Eagle for some of my flying. I used a gentex for a few years and found it rather flimsy and very sweaty in the hot weather.

Mil helmet is serviced by the Mil and the AlPHA is serviced by HSL.

Happy landings

3 Point

[rafmatt]

This wouldn't just be a standalone business. It would be a weekend job to add to another wage. I used to work at North Weald along time ago before I was in The RAF. I remember seeing Mk4 and Mk10 series of helmets.

I've worked on both RAF and US helmets and the RAF offers more protection then the US ones.
The services I would look to offer would be Helmet painting and refurbishment.
I would also offer customisation and supply of Flight Suits and Flying Clothing.

But so far this is all just ideas looking at the possibility of doing it in the future.

[Squeegee Longtail]

rafmatt - go for it! keep your overheads low and you have little to loose trying. A lot of guys here have to use Gibson & Barnes in the US (Gibson & Barnes - Flight Suits, Uniforms, Leather Jackets, Flying Helmets & Aviation Supplies (http://www.gibson-barnes.com)) for Gentex helmet stuff and painting. I am sure if someone was offering a good service in UK they would use them. Worth trying.

[daxwax]

I must admit that I have recently been thinking of using one even though I just fly GA. Successfully completing a PFL only to then smack your head into the altimeter knob would be a very annoying way to pop your clogs. I would of course have to put up with some dodgy looks in the clubhouse but I think I'd cope. We always used to wear one in the UAS even if we were just doing circuits.
Due to head clearance in my aircraft I think I'd have to go with a HGU-55 which AFAIK can only be acquired in the US. These guys seem to specialise:
Flight Helmets - Flight Suits - Aviation Helmets (http://www.aviationhelmets.com/helmet2.htm)

I also have an RAF MK4A which I keep meaning to get converted to GA.

[Unusual Attitude]

You can buy a little adaptor box thingy that allows you to plug your Mil helmet directly into a GA system, think Transair sell them.

I have one gathering dust somewhere and it worked a treat last time I used it.

Here is the link in fact...

PILOT PA89 Military Headset Convertor (http://www.transair.co.uk/sp+Aviation-Headset-Adaptors-Cables-PILOT-PA89-Military-Headset-Convertor+2174)

UA

[3 Point]

Harry mendelssohn has the same PA89 adaptor box for £50! I bought one from him two weeks ago.

[rafmatt]

I've just done a job for one of my pilots.
He got a Mk4B4L from EBay.
I've stripped it down got it painted and put it back together.
Changed the Ear seals which I got off EBay and tested it.

It's now pearl White with blue racing stripes.
I'm thinking of getting one hydro dipped in some sort of pattern and selling it on.

[abgd]

Hang-gliding and paragliding already well taken care of - hang-gliders in particular have different needs from other pilots because of flying in a prone position, and because lots of people fly without a radio or at the least without needing whopping big headphones to reduce engine noise.

[India Four Two]

A lot of guys here have to use Gibson & Barnes in the US

SL,

I've just been looking at their website. There is a footnote on the helmet pages pointing out that an export licence from the US Office of Defense Trade Control is required. So can you buy a helmet online and have it shipped overseas?

[daxwax]

I was told by the guys that I referenced above that if it's a GA fit then it can be shipped as a safety helmet so no licence required. Apparently it also makes it easier if you have a white or yellow one rather than military grey! I guess full military spec with oxy and nvg fit might prompt more questions.

[BigEndBob]

Also bare in mind hearing protection. Never used a helmet but 30 years in Cessna's i'm sure has given me tinitus.

[The500man]

Flight Suits makes the Gentex helmets to order. They also supply Gibson & Barnes hence why Flight Suits is cheaper. I remember mine was shipped in a way that it didn't incur import duty, so I would recommend Flight Suits. The Alpha Eagle is better and so is the MSA helmet that the Red Bull guys use but they cost a lot more.

EDIT: They're not called Flight Suits the place I was referring to is called Government Sales Inc. Website (http://www.aviationhelmets.com/).

[cldbstr]

I suggest to NOT order a helmet in the USA when you are living anywhere else but in the USA.

I live in the Netherlands and ordered a Gentex helmet, but because this item is of tactical or strategic importance to the USA (apparently) such an item needs an export license to be shipped abroad (the same when you buy for example a FLIR camera, a PT6, a Cessna aircraft, or any other type of army/airforce/navy weaponry).

This procedure took in total a staggering 18 months to complete. And when we called this specific government agency to please please please put a stamp on the export license, the answer was: Sir we need to check this thoroughly, you do realize we are at war!

Sometimes they do exaggerate.

[mmgreve]

I hope you reminder team that you're on the same team?

[cldbstr]

I don't think they are interested in that. After all, we (the people living outside the USA) are aliens.

[KNIEVEL77]

Guys,
I am about to undertake some doors off aerial filming from a Jet Ranger and have been advised to get a helmet and have decided on a Alpha.
Who is be most cost effective company to purchase from?
I'm not after anything other than a helmet with standard comms and a visor.
Your advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

[sharpend]

I bought my helmets from Survival Equipment Services in Tetbury. Excellent people.

[Sleeve Wing]

Some good advice here, rafmatt.

Mk4s, Alphas and HGUs seem to be the most prevalent around the 'scene' these days.

Survival Equipment Services at Tetbury (think they used to be across the road from Kemble when Deltajets were there) do everything from helmets to bangseats and ditching gear and have an excellent reputation.

I personally use a Mk.4B with a P Mask for both Tiger Moth and Harvard, to keep the external noise out.
I have also just had a Gentex HGU-55P rewired by Dave Lewis at Flackwell Electronics, near Aylesbury. This is a lightweight set up with a boom using an M7 Electret mike, compatible with UK radios. This is best for comfort and lightness and, with earplugs, keeps the noise of a Pitts or Extra down to sensible levels without the expense of ANR.
Dave did a professional job without charging the earth.

It seems though that, should expense not be an issue, the new Alphas are the bees' knees, especially with the warbird crowd, because of their lightness and up-to-date ANR electrics.

Custom paint jobs ? Magic ! In general, too expensive at the mo. A niche market if you can crack it with some spectacular (fireproof) designs ! Good luck. :ok:

[dobbin1]

Very happy with my Gentex helmet. Light and comfortable and with the CEP ear plugs makes our Extra 300 sound like an 80hp Rotax.

[fivegreenlight]

I used to use the cep in my hgu55 , now have bose A20 ear cups installed , I can now hear the slipstream outside !

[monviso]

It is true there are some nice helmets on sale in U.S.A. but it is impossible to get one if you do not live there. GIve a try and travel over there and buy one but I don't know if you will cross the custom controls and nothing will happen.

[KNIEVEL77]

A company in the USA has offered to send me a helmet to the UK without any import problems.