Adapting ex-mil soft helmet for GA use

[Genghis the Engineer]

This is a typical advert on eBay for an ex-RAF soft helmet.

It happens that I could do with a soft helmet for occasional use. Whilst I can buy a leather one that my headset will go into (and would love), they aren't cheap, and I'd prefer to save a bit of cash.

So, does anybody know if it's reasonably straightforward to adapt one of these things to GA or microlight headset use? Or, would I be digging a hole for myself by trying?

Failing that, does anybody know of a cheap source of leather soft helmets than a headset can fit into?

G

[Manual Reversion]

Generally speaking, all you need is an 'adapter' that you can get from transair for about £45 which alters the impedance of the mic.
I use a g type helmet and P type mask in an open bi plane. Hope this helps

[Genghis the Engineer]

Thanks for that, just checking on Transair's website, that's £30 for the adaptor, compared to £60 for a leather helmet to fit my headset into. Not too bad, although gives me a problem with microlights that don't use GA twin plugs (unless anybody knows a source of a twin plug --> Communica adaptor as well?)

G

[slim_slag]

Cloth Helmet for $38. Sure they would ship it. Not as cheap as 99p on Ebay but it will fit.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Perfik, thanks Slim,

G

[Wide-Body]

Genghis

I guess I feel very strongly on the subject of headgear. There is NO substitute for a properly fitting helmet. The softhelmet you are looking at is designed to be used with a MK 1 Helmet. (still available from One of the mil surplus suppliers)

From a pink AIC a few years ago recommending headgear for Aeros/microlight pilots. Eighty percent 80% of fatal head injuries would have been prevented by the use of proper safety headgear. Just read the survivability section of the following very recent report.

http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/...52__g_yams.cfm

Deaths and serious injuries in aviation will only cause more restrictions on our sport from the authorities.

Genghis you are HIGHLY RESPECTED in this forum, I urge you to look at the options. You would never recommend anyone to skimp on engineering.

I do not mean to preach or open up the whole bonedome debate again, just perhaps think of the flying we all do. And make a judgement to the suitability of headgear.

You only get DEAD once.

Safe flying to all

Wide

[Genghis the Engineer]

Wide,

Thanks for the advice, which I accept in the spirit intended.

I own a pair of very satisfactory hard shelled / full visor / fitted helmets (well mine is fitted, and I adjust for pax) which I wear when required in such aeroplanes. It happens that I've been doing a fair bit of flying in a slow (50kn!) non-aerobatic machine with a front canopy, four-point harness and a cage structure around the cockpit, but no doors. It is designed to be flown with just a headset - but it's awfully draughty and the fact that the draughts tend to come sideways onto the large surface area of the hard shelled helmet is a ***** nuisance when wearing a hard electric hat.

Hence the desire for an inexpensive cloth helmet over the headset. Where required for safety, I'll put up with most levels of discomfort please rest assured.

Cheers,

G

[MLS-12D]

I'd prefer to save a bit of cash

Who wouldn't? But anyone who can afford to indulge in the expensive pastime of flying certainly has sufficient money to afford proper kit.

I don't recommend penny-pinching on ex-military stuff, especially as it's ~50 years old. After all, military surplus gear was almost invariably declared surplus because it was worn-out, or judged to be obsolescent. Proper fit is also a concern, particularly if you're shopping via eBay. I doubt that you'd be happy with it.

I haven't seen all of the different soft helmets available, but I am familiar with those manufactured by Perrone Leather in New York. They make a quality product.

I've been doing a fair bit of flying in a slow (50kn!) non-aerobatic machine with a front canopy, four-point harness and a cage structure around the cockpit, but no doors.

What kind of aircraft is it, btw?

[Genghis the Engineer]

All things are relative, £60 for a leather helmet from Transair is just under 3 hours flying in the aeroplane in question.

G

(And yes, I do know my RAF helmet size and how to adjust one of those).

(It's the Thruster TST I share with Aerbabe and a few others).

[Secret Squire]

I understand the main issue as to whether it can be used readily is whether it is an "electret" or the other sort of microphone - the name of which eludes me at the moment....("carbon?????") although I am no expert, I understand that this cannot be converted by a simple "nato to civvy convertion plug" - however many radios have an option somewhere (as a jumper on the back f.i.) that allows you to change between the two............

But if you have a radio/intercom that supports whatever this headset is, then 'groovy baby'

No doubt someone will blow this out of the water, but that is my understaing of the situation.

Regards

SS

[7120]

Wide-body, you make a good pont. Do you or anyone else have advice on where best to source helmets for GA craft.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Microlight pilots use hard shelled helmets that go over the top of headsets, the new ones carry "CE" markings indicating that they meet current safety standards for airborne use.

The most popular are Comunica and Lynx (I've flown with both and can't honestly say there's anything to choose between them for comfort or appearance).

G