Helmets - Should you? and Which?

[212man]

Squib,
1) All flights
2) Company paid
3) White - but our sea states are mild, so the issue highlighted isn't relevant
4) All of the reasons you give (they have ANR fitted too)

To me the Canadian report does smack of justifying the status quo

I tend to agree!

[maeroda]

lelebebbel

so....comparing your infos about Gallets and my two Gentex HGU-56 & HGU-84 (both with dual lens and visor, Oregon Aero TPL, lip-light and 3 layers color coating) they weight almost the same: +/- 1500gr.

[zalt]

212man

Will this be a Shell standard for all their operators?

And I agree with the comment on the Canadian report too.

[Colibri49]

Let me refer you to the previous thread on this topic:

Helmets in offshore ops?

They should never be made compulsory in North Sea ops in my opinion, for safety reasons stated in the thread and because no civilian accident in the UK North Sea sectors has ever resulted in deaths due to the non-wearing of helmets.

The statistical risks relating to non-wearing of helmets in this theatre come nowhere near the increased risks due to discomfort and fatigue which would be caused by being obliged to wear them.

I speak from much experience in military, agricultural, forestry, underslung and offshore operations as a pilot over 4 decades.

[LRP]

SPH-4 to SPH-5: The SPH-5 is lighter, more comfortable, superior retention and acoustic protection. Definitely worth changing.

[Colibri49]

Thanks Mr. Moderator.

[squib66]

This report to EASA argues that the regulators should consider requiring helicopter pilots to wear helmets and visors to mitigate the effects of windshield bird strike penetrations.

This is because 5 to 8% of bird strike on large, Part 29 rotorcraft are occurring above the current test criteria, many of the other strikes are still resulting in windscreen penetration and there are actually no bird impact tests currently required for Part 27 rotorcraft.

[Zio Nick]

Hi everybody,

As I am going to but my Gentex helmet from this company:
Government Sales, Inc. (Flight Helmets - Flight Suits - Aviation Helmets),
I would like to know if any of you has experience with them and if they are reliable..

Any info?
Thanks in advance,
Zio

[500e]

Helicopter Helmet Comparison Chart - Gentex, Alpha and MSA Gallet side by side comparisons

[alouette]

Helicopter Helmets

I need a helicopter helmet, and look for a source/seller. Information is appreciated. Thanks!!!

[Martin1234]

When comparing the noise attenuation level between the David Clark H10-56 and helmets I noticed that the noise attenuation for frequencies up to about 4000 Hz is actually better on the headset but better on helmets for higher frequencies. Are passive helmets still preferred if you want good noise attenuation compared to passive headsets for turbine and/or piston helicopters?

Is there any passive headset that has better noise attenuation than the David Clark H10-56? Does the K10 helmet kit offer any reduction in noise level?

[Gomer Pylot]

Both the Quiet Technologies Halo and the Clarity Aloft headsets have better noise attenuation than any domed headset, as well as ANR headsets. They are also cheaper and much more comfortable. But not being traditional, they aren't as popular. With a helmet or headset, you can either use CEPs or just foam earplugs and get the highest attenuation possible.

[Heliboy68]

Helmets are a must!!

It is understandable that due to the very nature of the multi-role usage we find ourselves in nowadays: one minute slinging a dirty drill and the next flying tourists around looking at views or fishing, the question of helmet or not to helmet could merley be down to a perception of those being carried.

Ultimatley it is down to the individual and perhaps the operator/manager prefrence concerning a particular role. My position is wearing a helmet what ever the role!! I stand no greater risk from becoming incapacited due to a bird strike during corporate roles than I do from sling. Plus as I spend the most time in the driver's seat, I guess statistically I am at a higher risk of a injury.

It is wholly personal, I advocate wearing them always. I have a Gentex but see the Galet range has come on leaps and bounds.

[hueyracer]

Currently using the LH250-and would trade it for anything......
Too bulky....too uncomfortable (i have tried all the different options-canīt get it to fit properly), too noisy....

Upon next chance, i will get myself another Gentex....

Used to fly (and still do every now and then) an old SPH-4......anyone can compare the SPH4 to the SPH5?

Is it worth getting a 5 instead another 4?

[skadi]

My Opinion: The Gallet is not as noisy as the SPH 4/5, has a better C of G, even when shaking the head, the earcups are tight. The adjustement to your head is easily done. I am positively impressed after more than 30yrs Gentex...

I think the LH350 would be an option....

skadi

[Flyting]

I did wonder about building my own, using something along the lines of an Arai SZ - I'm sure a helmet intercom specialist could handle the job

I also thought about it, because it can't be that hard, especially with CEP, but read back a few pages and you'll see the discussion about it.

[bellsux]

If you have got a LH350 it would pay to carry out this small modification to your helmet as the cable can pull out of the back and break the wires as happened to one of my colleagues. Gallet sent a letter to him along with a new cable with instructions to fit a ty-wrap with a 3-5mm sheath length out of the p-clip.

I did mine as shown and pretty easy to do.
1. Remove the four (metric) screws and lift off the cover on the back of the helmet.
2. Check the length is 3-5 mm past the p-clip.
3. Fit a good quality ty-wrap (not one from the $2 shop) taking care not to damage the PCB when trimming.
4. Take note when putting the cover plate back on that you get the little locator tab in between the cable and plate.
5. Torque up the screws evenly and don't do them up too tight as you could break the anchor nut mounts.

[R.OCKAPE]

Nice job thanks for posting that
I am thinking about getting the LH 350 in the near future

ps the big Bell's rule

[Carps]

Got a question about the LH350.

I just bought one recently and am in the process of fitting it so it is comfortable.

I find the earcups in their normal position seem a touch high, and my earlobes are squashed under the bottom seal of the earcup.

I've tried moving the earcups down a centimetre and this creates a fantastic seal, however it is an absolute pain to get on (as in, actually hurts, as well as being frustrating), and when I have the strap done up, it presses the earcups against my temples causing a headache.

Any ideas? Apart from ear lobe shortening surgery?

[Flyting]

Any one fly witha Northwall helmet

Jst came across this Northwall.it helmet range and was wandering if anyone has used them?
Their site is up to a bit of sh1t with links not working so no info online!!!