Unless I've misunderstood information I've read, the noise attenuation of the average helmet exceeds that of most headsets. I have a Gentex SPH5, much lighter than my SPH3 but I've not been wearing it for the last few years since I've been flying offshore in a multi-pilot crew.
When I did wear it, I had customers balk at my helmet, while they were offered plain old David Clarks. My explanation that satisfied most complainers was that I sling loads - shortline, longline and aerial application, somewhat more hazardous operations and I'm just used to wearing it all the time rather than switching back and forth or carrying an extra headset for when I don't feel I need it. Most people accepted that arguement.
Biggest problem I ever had was getting my head in and out of the door frame of a 500 while longlining. I could never do it without banging my head pretty well every time and I'm just under 6 foot tall! But I still wore it and felt funny without it.
I don't think there is any question that helmets save lives and I will be happy to accept any mandatory ruling. For the passengers however, you'll need to find some kind of disposable headliner if it ever comes to that.

Ewan Whoesarmy:

In answer to your question, like Hoverboy, I too wore a helmet for many years (primarily in the Military, where the risk and exposure level was much higher than what I do now).

I stopped wearing my helmet when I came offshore, but I agree that the noise attenuation of a helmet far exceeds the capabilities of the 'David Farce'.

Besides, if you read some the responses to my posts, it seems I am so thick, that I don't need one!

Cheers, OffshoreIgor http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/eek.gif

Well - it looks like I'm a minority here - I strongly prefer the comfort of headsets over helmets. Fortunately, my present position affords me that option.

For much of my career I've certainly worn helmets. I would never argue that headsets provide as much protection; indeed I'm aware of lives saved through the use of Kevlar helmets. However; many of us who fly SPIFR prefer to wear a headset. Why? It doesn't limit our periferal (sp?) vision in the cockpit.

Finally, I'm acquainted with a taller pilot whose head hits the overhead console of his aircraft when wearing a helmet - probably not the best situation. For this reason, he prefers the use of headsets.

In the operation I work for (UK-based EMS) both sets of crew [pilots and paramedics] wear Alpha bone-domes.
This doesn't upset the pax because a) They are too sick to care or b) This will be the one flight they have in a helo in their life and won't think about it.
Our casualties and pax wear headsets for the above reasons this is also why they are not issued with Nomex flying suits and goatskin gloves.
Think about the repercussions if we did otherwise.
Cheers,
4R

PS Ewan Whosearmy is the best handle in PPRUNE


[This message has been edited by 4Rvibes (edited 26 November 2000).]

There was a Wessex bingled on the tie down pad at Culdrose around 1970 or so, when the machine developed ground resonance whilst chained to pad. The pilot wasn't wearing his bone dome (tie down, no need.....) and was knocked unconscious when the HAS1 rolled on it's side, still turning with the stubs of the blades imitating a rotary hoe.

Eventually the fireys turned up and stopped the donk by squirting foam through the intake, then the driver was whisked away to sick bay and about 6 month's convalescent leave. Salutary lesson for most of us at the time.

However, in the bold world of commercial aviation, there's a time and place for everything, and sometimes flying VIP's in twin engine air conditioned comfort, with the old bars gleaming on a clean white shirt, isn't always a good time to put on a bone dome.

Down in the weeds chasing a car on a film job, slinging foam at a bush fire, lifting loads onto a city roof; definitely a hard hat job.

Horses for courses.

Hi

Thanks for your message regarding helicopter prints. Unfortunately there was an error on thesystem regarding my message.

If you are interested in the prints then send me an e-mail to [email protected] and I will send you relevant information.

Just for the record it is not a Lynx in Hong Kong but a Scout. Apologies....

Some details are as follows:

The Scout is in the foreground, with the Hong Kong and New Territories
outlined behind, also in one corner is the Hong Kong skyline as it was in
1991 (Bank of China Building etc).

The medium is pen and ink - traditional black and white. The size is approx
10'' x 8''.

Other pictures immediately available are; of the four main Army helicopters
which have been in service in Northern Ireland since 1969:- ie Sioux,
(Nightsun Role), Scout (Eagle patrol), Gazelle (Thermal Image - 'Finch') and
the Lynx (GPMG Role - with an inset picturefrom the door gunners point of
view).

The Hong Kong picture is a limited edition of 250 - the others (Nothern
Ireland background) are a limited edition of only 100!!!! - all prints are
approx 10'' x 8''.


Regards

Debs.

Outside of the military,the use of helmets is up to the aircrew or pilots,But having seen some of those crashes over the last few years i would use a helmet,Some companies now a days have to use helmets because of the health and safety act and the insurance firms also have a say.
If any of the CGF and GENTEX wearers out there read this can you e-mail me why you have chosen them to wear,

Many thanks
BN
[email protected]
:)

Helmet -> definately. If a pax asks why? I just ell 'em it's for the "cool" factor ...

------------------
Marc

Flying Helmets.............
 

Following on from the Birdstrike article, it has got me thinking!

What is the best flying helmet/visor at the moment, I am a little bit loathed to lose the BOSE X but it seems to make sense if flying single pilot. Any ideas ??

Regards

HoverBover
And no Im not interested in the Roy Chubby Brown Jokes. hehe (UK joke only)

[This message has been edited by hoverbover (edited 07 June 2001).]

Alpha Helmets manufacture a good allround rotary helmet that's lightweight, comfortable and a reasonable price.

No, not flying helmets too ?

Birds are hard enough to avoid! :)

Yes, Alpha is one of the best.

------------------
Marc

Have worn em all me life! 'A' without doubt is tickvg.

Hi HoverB,
That was the semi question that I thought would gain an answer, however all the pointers are to the Alpha Helmet, where would one find this item for sale? and at roughly what price, having said that my eye's are priceless.!

Try

http://www.headsetservices.com/frame01.html

Speak to the boys at Kemble, they'll do you a great job for reasonable buckshesh

Alpha is maybe a good helmet but have a look at a CGF Gallet helmet at www. gallet.fr
and have your own headset build in to that helmet. Best of both worlds.
Have flown with a CGF for over a year would not want to swap it for anything else.
Safe Flying.

More on Helmets
 

Would it not be a wonderful thing if aviation helmets were as comfortable as motorcycle helmets. My Arai bike helmet is so superior to my Alpha for noise suppression and comfort. Of all the products available Alpha are the best but the bike guys get a lighter, cheaper and more superior product for half the cost of any aviation offering.
Perhaps we should appeal to motorcycle helmet manufacturers to consider an aviation line?

Too true - with a dual visor Alpha running at close to £1000 nowadays, unfortunately Headset Services have a virtual monopoly.
An ex RAF Helmet Fitter recently tried to set up as a Alpha servicer, but was told he could not import part direct from Alpha and would have to source them from Headset Services. Guess who would get priority for spares.....

Zardoz

Our ASU has a Gentex Helmet on trial from the gentlemen you mention, if he's the one based in Kemble. The helmet, from the US, seems much more comfortable than the Alpha and the ANR version is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Headset Services can offer. We don't touch HS any more due to the poor unreliable service they gave us.

Try a CGF Gallet helmet, very comfortable and very light, dual or single visor, various colours and all the add-onns you could want. A bit expensive but well worth it. about $1100 USD form Merrit Apparrel in Florida.
hopefully you'll never need one!