Helmets

[DS_HMMR]

I've listened to a lot of talk lately about helmets lately, some of it around the hangar, some of it I've picked up on here on VR. I have to admit I'm really surprised that anyone would Opt out of wearing a helmet in most (not all) situations.

 

during my first week of flight training, I asked a lot of questions about proper training gear (uniform, footwear, gloves, eye wear, helmets, headsets, etc). I was giving detailed advice on footwear and headsets, but almost scoffed at in regards to head protection. I thought to myself: ok, I'm a novice here, so I'll keep my eyes and ears open, and let the lessons come.

 

But, I didnt just fall off the turnip truck. I've had my turn at racing motorcycles, MTB, road cycling, Time trials, dive ops, jungle ops, even Lalo. Maybe I've been wearing helmets too much, and I've lost my objectivity; I'm open to that possibility. SO, tell me why (REALLY WHY) someone would not want to provide themselves with the additional insurance of wearing a helmet in a Helicopter?

 

I've heard arguments about a helmet not being able to save your life. Granted, if its a catastrophic crash, yeah, dead is dead, but what about blinded, or brain damage and NOT dead, but spending your days eating jello because you bashed your unprotected skull against the bulkhead and now your a vegetable. Seems better to me to spend a few days in the hospital with a concussion instead. Or how about confining it just to eye injuries, facial damage, things that would otherwise leave you healthy enough to continue flying, but NOW nobody will hire you because you look like Tom Berenger in Platoon, or your current employer just wont keep you on staff because the pirate eyepatch just isn't instilling confidence with your passengers. And now you cant get a job flying for anybody because that glass eye just inst fooling anyone.

 

I understand they dont look cool to many pilots, and I've also heard the excuses about peripheral vision, hearing issues, etc.

Ok, maybe that's true, but if I take 5 minutes to do a search on youtube/google/whatever, for aerobatics, combat, or any other search criteria that will lead me to the very best pilots flying in situations that demand the best field of view and sensory input.......hey......LOOK AT THAT!.........they are all wearing helmets.

 

 

Even the guy with the handlebar mustache doing barrel rolls in the red-bull sponsored-bird, HELMET!

 

CFI? teaching a new pilot during those initial hours, no helmet? Me personally, I'd wear the helmet and recommend that the student wear it also. (lead by example).

 

Cost? got a $50 head, wear a $50 dollar helmet. (old motorcycle helmet related warning). I'd gladly spend the equivalent of 4 hours in an R22 dual instruction, for decent headgear.

 

So really, what IS the deal? Too hot?, too heavy?, messes up your hair? Would cut into your beer money?

 

all in good fun,

 

Hammer

[clay]

Personal decision. Everyone has reason you should or shouldn't wear one. its all your choice. and maybe even line of work. When I was instructing, I wouldn't wear a helmet. It'd be hard to justify to demo flights/new students that I should wear a helmet because its safer, and then turn around and give them a set of david clark headsets. Or to tell a tour that your giving, "yeah, my helmet keeps me really really safe, but here's your plastic headsets guys!! ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT" . . . .But if I was out doing EMS, or utility work, i'd wear one. Flying in the gulf I dont, because my company doesn't require it, and it'd be hot as hell. Some contracts in the Gulf do require them though. Just not mine.

[Tenacious T]

I bought an SPH-4B on Ebay and once I got used to wearing it all day I really like it. I feel safer with it on and feel like it would definitely give me an edge in an accident. As far as the anti-helmet crowd I think that it is a matter of personal comfort or ignorance. I can see people making the decision not to wear one but I don't get why you would scoff at people who do. It's just like motorcycles, in states that don't have a helmet law some choose not to wear one even though it is obviously safer.

[Trans Lift]

Never wore one instructing, mainly for some of th reasons that Clay gave. I wear one now flying utility though. I see more and more students starting to wear them. If I'm not lifting and doing a photo flight for example, I'll still pull out the Bose headset!

[Wally]

Clay's points are well founded. If I have a choice, and the points in Clay's post mean I often don't- I wear a helmet.

There are tradeoffs: bulkier; hotter; and no bill/visor, like a ball cap gives you.

Bulk? I can deal with the inconvenience.

Heat and ventilation are more difficult, helmets are hotter. If you're in an un-airconditioned seat for 8, 9 or 10 hours in a sequence of 14 hours duty days, staying hydrated becomes an issue, much less cooling the ol' CPU. Individual physiology varies.

The lack of bill/visor isn't an obvious issue, but flying into an early morning or late afternoon sun is fatiguing ad compromises ability to see.

[lelebebbel]

 

The lack of bill/visor isn't an obvious issue, but flying into an early morning or late afternoon sun is fatiguing ad compromises ability to see.

Pretty much all helmets come with good sun visors, definitely a better option than a cap I find. Pulling a ballcap down until it covers the morning/evening sun, now that seriously limits your FOV.

 

One problem for many R22 drivers here is simply lack of room in the cockpit. Taller people do have trouble fitting into a R22 with a helmet on. I'm just over 6', and I barely fit with a Gallet LH250. With an Alpha on, my head hits the roof liner or door frame.

 

It'd be hard to justify to demo flights/new students that I should wear a helmet because its safer, and then turn around and give them a set of david clark headsets

"No, we're not going to crash, otherwise I wouldn't be in here - helmet or not. But, I do this every day, and I want to minimize my risk. So should you if you are serious about this, so plan on buying a helmet when you start your training*.

Also, say we hit a bird and it comes through the window. Can you land this thing if I get knocked out or blinded? That's why I wear a helmet..."

 

 

*most of my students here buy a helmet anyhow. Then again, they go mustering after their training, so they don't need to be convinced that they need one.

And, I have to admit that I do fly with a headset most of the time. I'm looking to buy a LH250 though.

Edited January 28, 2011 by lelebebbel

[Gomer Pylot]

People who drive cars on the freeway don't use helmets. Fixed-wing pilots don't wear helmets except under a few circumstances, and they're in a much more dangerous situation than a helicopter pilot. If the engine on a 172 quits, you're going to hit the ground at at least 60mph, either ahead or straight down. A helicoper can hit the ground at almost zero, both horizontally and vertically. When there were people shooting at me with incendiary and explosive rounds, wearing a helmet an nomex made a lot of sense. Nobody has shot anything at me in many decades, though. Wearing a hemet on a blacktop highway in central Texas at 3PM in August while waiting for the med crew for those interminable minutes creates a lot of hate for helmets. I'm not happy when sweat is running into my ears in a stream. Helmets are heavy, and under the right conditions can break your neck, although it might save your head under the right conditions. The right conditions seldom come along, though. Most of the time, IMO, the discomfort and weight of helmets outweigh the few advantages they have, and I detest them. I have to wear one for the boss, but I still hate it. The only real advantage they have is providing a place to hang the NVGs at night, but I'm pretty sure I could come up with something that would work, given the chance.

 

For any activity, you need to carefully weigh the merits of any protective equipment. Flying helicopters being generally safer than driving a car in traffic, I'm not convinced of the necessity of a helmet. But if you want to wear a helmet in your minivan, or in a helicopter, you're certainly welcome to.

[lelebebbel]

I guess it does depend a lot on what you are doing in your helicopter, and what helicopter you are flying in the first place. Out here, pilots spend the whole day 50ft above the tree tops, flying circles around cows while dodging hawks and wedge-tailed eagles. And in an R22, unlike a minivan, the only crumple zone for a frontal impact is your face...

[DS_HMMR]

I guess it does depend a lot on what you are doing in your helicopter, and what helicopter you are flying in the first place. Out here, pilots spend the whole day 50ft above the tree tops, flying circles around cows while dodging hawks and wedge-tailed eagles. And in an R22, unlike a minivan, the only crumple zone for a frontal impact is your face...

 

 

~SSgt. Barnes likes your post

Edited January 29, 2011 by DS_HMMR

[Gomer Pylot]

Of course it makes a difference what you're doing. Driving a car in a stock car race isn't the same thing as driving to work. If you're doing specialized work in a helicopter, on the edge of or beyond the normal envelope, then things change. For most helicopter flying, though, it's just not that dangerous most of the time. When things do go south, though, a helmet won't help much, because most CFIT accidents aren't survivable with or without a helmet, and that seems to be the most common accident. It's the same for nomex, IMO, because most crashes that involve fire in civilian flying aren't survivable in any case. The only real reason for wearing nomex is for the cool factor, and for use as a walking advertisement of the company employing you.

[r22butters]

I think I'm in with Gomer on this one. Driving a car is much more dangerous than what most of us are doing in the air (especially since in the air we're not surrounded by as many idiots, and definitly not as close!).

 

And besides, I'd have to slide down and sit on my tailbone to wear a helmet in the R22 (and even then I'd have trouble laterally,...I guess I could stick half of my head out the door)

 

Anyway, I think I'd feel safer in the pack at Datona surrounded by highly experienced drivers, than on the freeway, wondering when I'll get hit by some 'texting teen', chick putting on makeup, or dude shaving!

 

Maybe I should start wearing a helmet and flight suit in my car?

[DS_HMMR]

I think I'm in with Gomer on this one. Driving a car is much more dangerous than what most of us are doing in the air (especially since in the air we're not surrounded by as many idiots, and definitly not as close!).

 

And besides, I'd have to slide down and sit on my tailbone to wear a helmet in the R22 (and even then I'd have trouble laterally,...I guess I could stick half of my head out the door)

 

Anyway, I think I'd feel safer in the pack at Datona surrounded by highly experienced drivers, than on the freeway, wondering when I'll get hit by some 'texting teen', chick putting on makeup, or dude shaving!

 

Maybe I should start wearing a helmet and flight suit in my car?

 

 

your comparison to cars got me thinking, so I did a quick check on the numbers.

 

NHSTA figures for fatalities in US 2009 (last data sampling published): 30,797

 

Now, that's a small percentage of the population, no doubt: but that's still stacking 'em high and deep.

 

OH, one other thing worth asking: ON your next commute, look around take make a count of the # of near-misses you see during that commute, and then translate that # to near misses in the air. Also take note of the number of cars that have impact related dents and scratches on them. Now imagine that happening on the ramp or in the air.

 

I dunno, while on the surface the whole car-Helo thing looks like a decent enough comparison, but in reality I think you'd need a nomex suit, with a diaper underneath.

[Wally]

'lelebebbel'- Every helmet I've ever seen has some sort of clear and tinted visor. No matter the tint, the sun in your field of view, aligned with your heading WILL be an issue- there's no such thing as dark enough tint to prevent that.

Next, you can't see anything in the more shaded areas when you're headed into a low sun, unless there's a bright background. That's dangerous when you're going down there, into the shaded area, and there's other aircraft and obstacles. A ball cap bill/visor occludes some of your field of view, a great deal of which you can't look into anyhow with the sun there. Shading your eyes allows a better view into the shade.

 

Gomer's also right on the drawbacks and comparative hazard. Helos don't crash with the linear energy of the vehicles he mentions, but a helo generates loads in the crash process dissimilar to the other vehicles- the rotors hit stuff, break, etc. and your head will be banging around. Rotor strikes are more common than CFITs as initiating events, and if helmets aren't beneficial in CFITs, they do increase protection in the more common accident.

 

Personal- YO, Gomer- no helmet is bullet proof, not even the APH-5. T'ain't pertinent.

 

Pretty much all helmets come with good sun visors, definitely a better option than a cap I find. Pulling a ballcap down until it covers the morning/evening sun, now that seriously limits your FOV.

 

One problem for many R22 drivers here is simply lack of room in the cockpit. Taller people do have trouble fitting into a R22 with a helmet on. I'm just over 6', and I barely fit with a Gallet LH250. With an Alpha on, my head hits the roof liner or door frame.

 

 

"No, we're not going to crash, otherwise I wouldn't be in here - helmet or not. But, I do this every day, and I want to minimize my risk. So should you if you are serious about this, so plan on buying a helmet when you start your training*.

Also, say we hit a bird and it comes through the window. Can you land this thing if I get knocked out or blinded? That's why I wear a helmet..."

 

 

*most of my students here buy a helmet anyhow. Then again, they go mustering after their training, so they don't need to be convinced that they need one.

And, I have to admit that I do fly with a headset most of the time. I'm looking to buy a LH250 though.

Edited January 29, 2011 by Wally

[Tenacious T]

I wear my SPH-4B all the time now and I feel much more secure when low and slow. I have dual visors and have been keeping both down with all the birds that have been out lately. Got some cool decals for it to.

[rick1128]

Several people here have made some good points. The helmet really depends on what you are doing. A helmet with the visor down is also a good point. Sometimes that will make the difference with a bird strike. What I have found quite interesting is that over the last couple years I am starting to see a large number of helicopter ag pilots not wearing helmets. I will grant you they are hot and heavy. But there are somethings that bother me more. Like getting hit by a rotor blade, etc. I have actually seen a few wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops while spraying. Guess that means there will be some ag jobs opening up.

[DynamicallyUnstable]

I fly with a helmet everytime I fly. I'm used to it now and it didn't take much to adjust to it. It doesn't get heavy feeling to me (unless I have the NVG's on and up) over the course of a couple of hours. Last week I flew our new helicopter from Louisiana to Chicago to Detroit (7.2) and wore my Bose headset instead of the helmet. Ahhhh, I must admit it was nice and free feeling but for everyday flying (risk), I prefer the helmet.

[arotrhd]

And in an R22, unlike a minivan, the only crumple zone for a frontal impact is your face...

 

That right there is worth a an entry on the signature line :lol:

 

It's all about the risk-benefits-rewards-consequences calculation, like Wally & Gomer discussed. Like Dynamically Unstable, I have a SPH-5 and a set of Bose, & I choose depending on the airframe, flight location and time-up. I usually prefer the helmet, but in the Robbies, it's not worth torquing the neck muscles due to space restrictions (as noted earlier). If it's not required by employer, it's a personal decision.

 

Hmmm, nothing like another opinion that sits on the fence.

 

-WATCH FOR THE PATTERNS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

[SBuzzkill]

http://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/accidents.asp?acregn=G&cause=50&FirstEvent=on

 

It's pretty common for helicopter accidents to occur while at a hover or picking up/landing. Pretty violent stuff and your head is going to be banging around all over the place.

[OneCoqui]

After three bird strikes (with no doors on) you come to appreciate the helmet, flight suit, gloves and boots... Be safe! RP

[Trans Lift]

flight suit, gloves and boots...

 

How does a flight suit, gloves or boots help you in a bird strike?

 

Unless the bird is a fiery Pheonix and there is a possibility of getting burned!

[clay]

[OneCoqui]

Heading N/B along HWY 99 between Castle AFB/Merced and Modesto CA., at an altitude of approx. 800 AGL, I encountered "Tweety" with an attitude...

 

A yearling of a Condor (or vulture) who just decided to take the H300C I was flying (as a student) as it 's mommy. After seeing it, and taking corrective measures to avoid it . This bird decided to do damn near a 180 degree turn and come right at the helicopter. It struck the at 11 o'clock position near the door area (minus the doors) and bounced right up into the main rotors.

 

Blood, feathers, and pieces of the bird were all over me, the canopy, fuel tanks, etc... And yes, I had my safety equipment on!... And this bird was no pigeon! We immediately landed and inspected the helicopter. My CFI then flew it the rest of the way back to Stockton. Be safe! RP

[Trans Lift]

Please read my response entry in "Bird Strikes Anyone" thread. You'll see what I mean by wearing your safety equipment. RP

 

As I said before, I see why the helmet makes sense but I still don't see how the other "safety equipment" protects you from a bird strike. Each to their own I guess! I personally think a full nomex suit, gloves and boots is overkill for flight training!

[Linc]

As I said before, I see why the helmet makes sense but I still don't see how the other "safety equipment" protects you from a bird strike. Each to their own I guess! I personally think a full nomex suit, gloves and boots is overkill for flight training!

You only have to read the accident reports for recip helicopter accidents (R22) and understand the properties of AVGAS, or similar fuels, to appreciate what a nomex suit, gloves, and boots brings to the equation.

 

Statistically speaking, is it worth the investment? Since we will probably wear some clothes while we fly, does it have to be nomex? Lighter, synthetic fabrics do not handle fire well, or protect us from the heat in a fire. Now, I don't advocate using fear to motivate anyone, but I do advocate making an informed decision that employs critical thinking. Turbines using Jet-A have less of a propensity for post-crash fires or flash fires during starting, at least a lot less than the old JP-4 days. The single-layer nomex commonly used in aviation today is adequate for flash fire protection, but not necessarily what you need to egress in a post-crash fire situation. Still, any nomex (or PBI?) is better than any other option, and natural fibers (wool or cotton) are better than synthetics (polyester, nylon, etc.).

 

Robinson has made the recommendation that pilots flying the R22 wear the nomex clothing, gloves and boots, even during training. They are economically motivated to do so, because the number of accidents involving R22s with post-crash fires is significant enough of a statistic to warrant the warning. Why is this? I can't say for certain, but I would say that the number of R22 aircraft in operation and the amount of flight hours means that the R22 is more exposed to those types of incidents. You would have to mine some data to find out if the S-300s have a similar risk for a comparable amount of flight time, but it may be tied more closely to a characteristic of the R22 itself, whether that be tank location, materials, or the aerodynamics of the aircraft.

 

Food for thought.

[Tenacious T]

How does a flight suit, gloves or boots help you in a bird strike?

 

Unless the bird is a fiery Pheonix and there is a possibility of getting burned!

 

He might be referring to the Plexiglas that violently goes flying around the cabin. Plus beaks and such.