Attention AG pilots and others that wear helmets.....

[captkirkyota]

I have been on several sites, looked at a few different types, asked my boss and am still unsure what I want need and can afford, so I'm seeking opinions.

 

Gentex, MSA Gallett, Alpha, refurbished military converted to commercial use, ones with a leather suspension harness built in for better air circulation under the shell for cooler wearing, comms etc etc having my head spinning.

 

My boss did have one opinion, he said that the leather suspension liner did wear cooler, but that they did not last very long and he no longer wears that helmet.

But he may have had a bad one? Anyone have that type and have no issues?

 

I have found some "in house" ones that cost less and are also made of kevlar, but its my head and life, not sure if I wanna chance it on a no namer, but 1500 bucks is hard to come up with for me right now too so I'm seeking some mentoring/tutoring/opinion based on experience so I can buy just one for a long time of use without being sorry I did not get the one that weighs 2.2 lbs vs the 3.8 lb one, and ANR that may not work as well as I'd like and still end up wearing earplugs with the helmet like my boss does, thus negating me upgrading and the cost for ANR.

 

Do I get Kevlar or the Aramid carbon fiber or the Graphite Ballistic nylon ( I think that is just Kevlar??? )

I am swimming in a pool of what to do so please offer up some advise.

 

I am currently a ground crewman/truck driver in N. FL S. GA and he is gonna let me do some flying here and there to build some hours and eventually let me spray, we do forestry spraying and burning in the winter, but as you can imagine it is HOT and HUMID when we work.

 

He has known 4 pilots to all die when they crashed and a boom or tree came in and had they worn a helmet, it is believed they all would have lived, so he is adamant about helmets, to the point he thinks no one really should fly a helicopter without a helmet, so the option of just using my headset for a while is out.

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Kirk.

[67november]

work with these 2 companies and you should be able to find something that works for you.

 

http://www.flightsuits.com/

 

 

http://www.oregonaero.com/

 

good luck

[Whistlerpilot]

I bought a brand new Gentex from Government Sales for $735. It has dual visors and is as light as the Gallet but one third the cost. Works great, flew the last 250 hours in it. Why spend more if you don't have to? When I'm making the big bucks then I will sell it and buy a Gallet but for now it does the job.

[Gomer Pylot]

I think all the brands are pretty comparable as far as impact protection is concerned. I got my helmet off ebay for ~$300. I had to be patient, and bid on a lot of auctions, but I finally got one for what I wanted to pay. I knew that it was a former military helmet, and that I would have to change the mike, but I had several on hand from headsets, so it wasn't an issue. Kevlar should be lighter and provide more protection, but it's also more expensive in most cases. You may be able to find something reasonably priced if you're patient and persistent, but anything marketed to pilots is generally going to be expensive.

[rick1128]

I think all the brands are pretty comparable as far as impact protection is concerned. I got my helmet off ebay for ~$300. I had to be patient, and bid on a lot of auctions, but I finally got one for what I wanted to pay. I knew that it was a former military helmet, and that I would have to change the mike, but I had several on hand from headsets, so it wasn't an issue. Kevlar should be lighter and provide more protection, but it's also more expensive in most cases. You may be able to find something reasonably priced if you're patient and persistent, but anything marketed to pilots is generally going to be expensive.

 

I did the Ebay process also and got one for the price I was willing to pay. It was a military helmet and I went through Oregon Aero to convert it. I did the full Oregon Aero upgrade. It is more comfortable and cooler than the standard helmet, plus better protection. Personally I feel that the Oregon Aero upgrade is well worth the price.

[captkirkyota]

I did the Ebay process also and got one for the price I was willing to pay. It was a military helmet and I went through Oregon Aero to convert it. I did the full Oregon Aero upgrade. It is more comfortable and cooler than the standard helmet, plus better protection. Personally I feel that the Oregon Aero upgrade is well worth the price.

 

 

How much is the complete upgrade?

[500E]

As far as I am aware that the only Helmets that have been approved for use in Helicopters are SPH-4B, SPH-5 HGU56P, Alpha 200, Alpha 400, Alpha 900, MSA Gallet LH250, LH150 and LH050.

There are company's offering helmets that are not on this list but suggest they are for helicopters.

Would an insurance Co. be impressed with this if it was a proviso for insurance, or a judge, if it was asked did they take all precautions to protect themselves?

That said any protection is better than none in an accident, remember the fit is as important as the helmet

[arotrhd]

Totally agree with 67November & Rick on this. I picked up a used SPH-5 & sent it to flightsuits for the work - excellent. You can also try Ron Abbott >> here . I ended up adding ANR as I had the kit. Haven't done the Oregon Aero kit, but after borrowing a friends with the full monty setup, it is definitley worth the $$ IMHO, especially if wearing the bucket for long periods. As 500E 'spoke', proper fitting AND retention is what it's all about.

 

-WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

[Gomer Pylot]

Approved by whom? There is no entity that I know of with the authority to approve or disapprove any helmet for any type aircraft.

[rick1128]

Approved by whom? There is no entity that I know of with the authority to approve or disapprove any helmet for any type aircraft.

 

500 is in the UK, which we all know has much different rules than us. As for the price, it depends on what mods you get and the model helmet you have. I seem to remember it was about 400 USD and the guys at Oregon Aero installed it. But I changed the earphones, mic, cable, plus the upgrades. Very friendly folks.

Edited July 16, 2009 by rick1128

[500E]

GP there is some info on this US government site See 2.2

They mention Z90 .this is an old speck that is not permissible for competition use in the UK any longer, the BS6658 is the current specification,

 

http://amd.nbc.gov/safety/library/Alsehb.PDF

 

http://amd.nbc.gov/safety/alerts/Alert06-01.pdf

 

http://amd.nbc.gov/safety/library/helmetguide.pdf

 

The helmet I looked at had a BS 6658 A\FRtype approval for Rally cars\motor cycle\ road use I checked with the manufacturer.

the text of the email I received from the manufacturers was,

"the helmets shown on the attached web page are not helicopter helmets but helmets designed for rallying. Someone has equipped them in order to "helicopterise" them. They may work well for use on a helicopter but are designed to be used in a rallycar."

I have removed the names as it was a personal enquiry

I note they are no longer displayed on the site.

Best regards,

[Gomer Pylot]

Those requirements only apply if you work for the DOI. The military also has helmet and equipment requirements, but they apply only to military crew. If you're doing civilian flying, the only requirements are those imposed by an employer. I have no idea what requirements may be imposed by any authority in the UK, and I can only speak to US regulations. For civilian operations, there are essentially none. Z90 et al are simply guarantees that helmets can pass certain tests, and there is no requirement that anyone use helmets that meet those specs. The FARs do not address helmets at all.

[500E]

I would have thought that the Military had done a few checks to try and keep expensive crew alive.

I would prefer to go with a helmet recommended by them, than a helmet designed for rallying. When I rally\race I wear a helmet designed for the job and approved to BS6658-85 A\FR

[ga8airvan]

I use SPH4b full oregon aero upgrade still didnt work out, with the liner, still get a headpain, i think because the size of helmet, now im buying gallet more lighter, I purchase it from local collector LA100 sell to me $500... i only replace the earseal..it works great... very comfortable helmet if compare to the sph4b/5

[ga8airvan]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320587912495&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

[OneCoqui]

Kirk, you should check your local flea markets first for vendors that sell surplus military gear. Public vendors actually bid on lots of surplus military equipment being sold at DOA/DOD facilities not knowing exactly what they're getting in these lots... (Everything from brand new boots, fatigues, helicopter helmets, etc.)

 

I personally own a Gentex SPH4 (Navy version) helmet that was given to me by a friend; who was a vendor at the San Jose Flea Market (California) back in the 90's. It was brand new at the time. I removed all military communication gear except wiring.

 

Purchased a helicopter upgrade kit (microphone, ear cushions, head padding, etc...), and twenty years later still looks like new!

 

The SPH4, SPH4B, and SPH5 model(s) are certified by the military for aircrew members who fly helicopters and fixed wing aircraft with non-ejection type seats.

 

Can't go wrong with a piece of equipment that has protected many pilots since the vietnam conflict. RP

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gomer Pylot]

With a military helmet, there is no need to change anything but the mike, IMO. The mike simply won't work because of the impedance difference, but the speakers work ok. I changed the speakers in mine, with civilian models, and it became unbearably loud. I couldn't balance the intercom and the radios, and I put the military speakers back in. With those, and CEPs installed, I can run the intercom full down, to keep the med crew low enough to not override the radios, and usually put the radios at midrange. That works fine for me. I've had several pilots and crew complain of their helmets being too loud after a conversion.

 

As for heat, yes, they're hot, and they're heavy. In the summer I wear a skullcap from Gibson&Barnes, to absorb some of the sweat. Without it, I end up with rivers of sweat running into my ears while I'm sitting in the middle of a highway in August waiting for a patient to be loaded, which always takes at least 10 minutes, often 20 or more. Sitting there in the greenhouse is as uncomfortable as it's possible to get, or very near. I'd do without the helmet entirely if I could.

[Spike]

If you think your head is worth $300 then by all means, buy a $300 helmet. Furthermore, if you believe you can get the level of protection you need on eBay, then it’s simple, that would be the place to go….

 

As far as government spec’ed helmets go, just because the US government “spec’ed” a helmet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best helmet available…

[avbug]

For what it's worth, I've worn a HGU-55/P helmet for years, and like it quite a bit. It's considerably lighter than many other helmets. I ordered mine with custom kevlar instead of standard glass, and have a custom fit leather liner and edge roll. It doesn't have a lot of airflow through the helmet like a SPH-5, but It's lightweight (a big issue during a long, hot day with a lot of maneuvering in turbulence) and keeps the noise down.

 

I've had one forced landing while wearing that helmet, and was quite glad I had it on. It happened during a wildfire and the landing was on a mountainside. I'm a big believer on protective gear in that environment, regulatory and agency policies aside, and I'm a big believer in having eye protection. I fly with the visor down because it's a lot better protection, and more comfortable for me than sunglasses, and It turned out to be a very wise choice when things began getting ugly.

 

You've only got one head. I certainly wouldn't scrimp on the helmet. Make a lifetime investment, and choose wisely on the helmet, the avionics, and the lining. I think I paid about eight or nine hundred for mine, but I've always felt it was a small investment, and well worth the price.

[500F]

I would have thought that the Military had done a few checks to try and keep expensive crew alive.

I would prefer to go with a helmet recommended by them, than a helmet designed for rallying. When I rally\race I wear a helmet designed for the job and approved to BS6658-85 A\FR

 

True, the military has done testing, risk assessments and the like and have determined for their missions, the helmets that meet their specs offer the greatest level of safety. If your aircraft are different or missions have different risks you shouldn't assume the same is true for you. Safety, is 3 dimmensional and cant just be looked at on a liniar scale.

 

In certiain jobs (AG, powerline) I think the periphial vision you loose in a helmet creates a greater hazard than the protection you gain wearing one.

[helipilotm]

For what it's worth, I've worn a HGU-55/P helmet for years, and like it quite a bit. It's considerably lighter than many other helmets. I ordered mine with custom kevlar instead of standard glass, and have a custom fit leather liner and edge roll. It doesn't have a lot of airflow through the helmet like a SPH-5, but It's lightweight (a big issue during a long, hot day with a lot of maneuvering in turbulence) and keeps the noise down.

 

I've had one forced landing while wearing that helmet, and was quite glad I had it on. It happened during a wildfire and the landing was on a mountainside. I'm a big believer on protective gear in that environment, regulatory and agency policies aside, and I'm a big believer in having eye protection. I fly with the visor down because it's a lot better protection, and more comfortable for me than sunglasses, and It turned out to be a very wise choice when things began getting ugly.

 

You've only got one head. I certainly wouldn't scrimp on the helmet. Make a lifetime investment, and choose wisely on the helmet, the avionics, and the lining. I think I paid about eight or nine hundred for mine, but I've always felt it was a small investment, and well worth the price.

 

I would take his advice. A helmet isnt something to go cheap on. I have a Gentex SPH5 that I bought new from Gibson and Barnes. I like the helmet but made the mistake of wearing a buddies Gallet. Now I dont have the funds to buy the Gallet. If you can find somebody that has the helmets your looking at and try them on. Now granted all helmets arent one size fits all but even looking at them and comparing them will give you a better idea. Like I said I wish I would have ponied upped the dough and bought the Gallet. The HGU-56's are lighter than the SPH5's but there still no Gallet.

[diverturnedpilot]

I bought a really nice used Gentex SPH5 for about $500. I used it for a couple of years for the little bit of flying I did that required a helmet such as flying with the local sheriff's air unit and some long line work.

 

It did it's job and was fairly comfortable...or so I thought...

 

Once I went to work flying EMS, and wearing a helmet every day I knuckled under and bought my own Gallet LH-250 (My company issues Gentex helmets).

 

The difference in comfort is unbelieveable. The Gallet fits more like a motorcycle helmet, it's snug, thus is much more comfortable with NVG's. The outside dimentions of the Gallet is smaller so you don't bang it on the cockpit as much and is eaiser to lean out the door for long line work.

 

The only drawback I have found to the Gallet is the NVG mount. It works great when you are actually using NVG's. During day flight if you leave the NVG mount on the helmet it is kind of in your upper periferial vision...slightly annoying.

 

If you take it off for day and forget to take it with you and it gets dark you can't use the NVG's...I did it. I had to trade helmets with the flight medic for the flight so I could use the goggles.

 

The Gallet was so comfortable the medic didn't want to trade back helmets!

 

My dad always said "Never buy cheap tools". I consider my helmet a tool required to do my job. I am fortunate that I could afford the Gallet because they are VERY expensive,however, I will use it for the rest of my helicopter career.

 

That's my two sense!

 

Good luck.

[VegasChris]

Recently bought a Gentex SPH-4B off eBay for $250. Good condition! I would say scan eBay. Can usually find a deal on there vs buying new.

[Goldy]

I think all the brands are pretty comparable as far as impact protection is concerned. I got my helmet off ebay for ~$300. I had to be patient, and bid on a lot of auctions, but I finally got one for what I wanted to pay.

 

I picked up a great helmet last year from Ebay for $400 bucks from an EMS guy retiring. Looked almost brand new with bag. Just be sure to get the civilian impedance mic..

 

Good luck, and dont spend 1200 bucks..

 

Goldy

[aeroscout]

I just got a new helmet, sph5 with cep, and nvg attachment, dual visor. I'm very happy with it, I don't notice any peripheral reduction at all. I haven't worn it in the summer yet, but for now I am wearing a thin skull cap. For the summer I will use the football helmet type helmet liner to hopefully keep it from getting sweat soaked. When I wore just the headset, I felt very vulnerable. Wearing it for preflight will eventually save you from a hard noggin bump down the road.