Helmets - Should you? and Which?

[MikeNYC]

Oxygen masks + Helmets

Does anyone have experience with oxygen masks fitted to helmets in civvy applications? I'm involved in a project where we are doing aerial photography and filming from a range of altitudes from sea level to 14k, mostly at night. While 14k's not up in the flight levels, we still need o2. Additionally, as for a lot of the missions we are operating door-off and photographer in harness, we've been looking into helmets for photographer and technician, for crash protection (they are on short tethers instead of secured with seatbelt) as well as birdstrike protection, and for better comms when one's head is out in the airstream.

I've seen the Gentex MBU-12/P masks (Pressure Demand) as well as the ALPS-M (Constant Flow). The Gentex is of course designed to work with helmets, but the pressure demand system is massive overkill for what we need. The ALPS-M system doesn't seem to work well with helmets, or at least would have to be donned separately.

What are helmet-wearers doing for oxygen (besides cannulas) in helicopters? Cannulas aren't an option as they wouldn't fare well in the door-off and moving-around environment.

EDIT: Found some information about ALPS-M conversion for helmet usage ( http://www.mhoxygen.com/index.php/co...s/download/645 ). Any feedback on these or other systems?

[500e]

Vertical Freedom may be able to help \make suggestion

[TwinHueyMan]

I know you said you are anti-cannula, but I've used the Aqua Lung PHODS for work similar to what you say you'll be in, up to 15,000ft, with no issues. The altitude based auto-start/stop and automatic O2 regulation is awesome. It's minimalistic compared to a mask, never interfered with shooting with a DSLR, and is a tiny overall package (and not hard mounted at all).

Mike

[MikeNYC]

Mike-
Thanks for the info on PHODS, looks promising. How's the cannula hold up when one sticks their head outside into the slipstream? That's my main concern.

[9Aplus]

You have full face mask option too
here, end of doc -> http://www.aqualung.com/militaryandp...UserManual.pdf

[MikeNYC]

9Aplus, thanks, exactly what I needed.

[TwinHueyMan]

It stays in place just as good as a mic boom. Doesn't seem to get diffused much by the slipstream either.

Mike

[Above The Clouds]

Helmet Cotton Liners

Does anyone have a good source for purchasing cotton helmet liners/skull caps without having to purchase from the USA and paying ridiculous delivery charges.

[Paul Cantrell]

Quote:
Using my helmet in a R22 or R44 is kind of a problem, as the low RRPM warning horn gets so muffled by the sound isolation of the helmet, that it's hardly noticeable. Therefore I prefer not to use a helmet on these aircrafts as I worry I won't hear the horn in a low RRPM situation. Is there any solution to it?

"... one day I had a solo flight to OKC for maintanance, and had my music cranked up a little louder than when I have pax with me (not excessivly loud) and was surprised that I could barely hear the horn on my check. "

The FAA Technical Panel Final Report (17 March 1995) proposed the following:
Design Changes
Provide low rotor RPM warning horn through the intercom system.

Interesting. I've had problems with my Lightspeed Zulu-2 headset masking the low RPM horn in some Robinson aircraft. I called Robinson technical support and asked that they start piping it into the intercom and they politely refused.

Then, in September I brought it up during the R66 course and Tim Tucker said "we tested the David Clark and the Bose and it wasn't a problem and it would add weight so we won't do it". I said it was a problem with my Lightspeed but they basically seem to feel that since nobody has died yet from not hearing the low RPM horn they don't need to address it (and of course if there is a fatal you probably won't know that the pilot couldn't hear the horn, just that for some reason he never lowered the collective).

So granted it's probably shouldn't be the top priority, but it's one that could be solved at modest cost and probably with no weight increase at all. Perhaps someone will do an aftermarket device...

[Stitchbitch]

Hard shell helmets.

Does anyone here have a recommend flying helmet? I have used Alpha helmets with ANR before for fixed wing flying but would be interested to hear if anyone has a favourite Rotary winged lid. Also, any recommended (or steer clear) of pilot flight equipment inspection centers in the UK? Thanks in advance! Edit - found a company in the UK called Key Survival who fit the bill, thanks for the PMs.

[Thorond0r]

helmet without any doubt

This is the one my company provides. Give if a few tries and you will not want to go back to headsets. As someone has said, I feel weird and unprotected without it.

LH 350 Helicopter Helmet in Head Protection | MSA - The Safety Company | Spain

[3top]

...To ANR:

My experience with a GENTEX SPH-5 and ANR in a AS350B3 is: "USELESS as soon as you open the window - forget it with the door off!"

It seems the noise pattern from the B3 rotor changes to fast for the ANR to pick up and cancel out.....

I suggest you safe the ANR and go for CEP....


Cheers,

3top

[marcbisbal]

Best pilot helmet?

Hi everyone,

I have an old MSA Gallet helmet which needs to be renewed, here in Spain pretty much everyone goes with this one.
After doing a search on what's on the market at the moment, I'm not sure which one to go for.
If you had to buy a new one, which one would you recommend? Evolution, Gentex, MSA ..?
Really appreciate your experience with this, they are really expensive so better not rush on the decision,

Thanks!

[Flying Bull]

MSA before Gentex, havent had an Evolution yet
Had two Gentex before my Gallet. Even with modded earcups nothing near for comfort compared to the Gallet MSA

[Yara-ma-yha-who]

In my experience the Gallet is comfortable without NVG but horrible with. Alpha Eagle is probably my pick. I've never tried the evolution.

[Evil Twin]

Used Gentex, Gallet and Alpha Eagle. Alpha Eagle is miles more comfortable (and adjustable) than the other two.

Also go CEP with moulded tips far superior than ANR in my experience.

[SAR driver]

Alpha Eagle

[Robbiee]

This thread is old enough to go to college

[EMS R22]

Originally Posted by Stitchbitch

Does anyone here have a recommend flying helmet? I have used Alpha helmets with ANR before for fixed wing flying but would be interested to hear if anyone has a favourite Rotary winged lid. Also, any recommended (or steer clear) of pilot flight equipment inspection centers in the UK? Thanks in advance! Edit - found a company in the UK called Key Survival who fit the bill, thanks for the PMs.

Northwall!! Had them all, these are buy far the best!

[casper64]

Originally Posted by 3top

...To ANR:

My experience with a GENTEX SPH-5 and ANR in a AS350B3 is: "USELESS as soon as you open the window - forget it with the door off!"

It seems the noise pattern from the B3 rotor changes to fast for the ANR to pick up and cancel out.....

I suggest you safe the ANR and go for CEP....


Cheers,

3top

Hi, What ANR system did you use? I have very good experiences with Lightspeed Zulu mod...

Cheers.