Flight helmet

[ragbagflyer]

ragbagflyer wrote:

I wish fixed wing aircraft flipped over more so I would have a reason to get a wicked helmet with flip down visors. I think at least 80 percent of the reason I want to convert to choppers is so I can get the most bad ass helmet on the planet and not have to explain it.

I hope you were joking. You wish you could wear a helmet to basically be cool, did I understand that right? On a another note, im kinda curious as to why and which fix wing pilots would even require a helmet? I could see aerobatic pilots having a use for them, but who else?

Joking? Hell no. Image is everything. I only wear my seat belt because the chicks dig it. Same goes for aviators and my cod piece. Seriously though, I just like stuff. I'm guilty of being a consumer. Don't tell me you've never bought anything just cause you liked it. My last impulse buy was a gun

[Iceisnice]

Just thought I would add my two cents worth. Yes, I wear a Gentex HGU/55 for helicopter operations (16 years) and love it. As a Rotory Wing Birddog Officer (HelCo) I couldn't imagine not having my brain bucket when flying. As an Initial Attack Fire Crew Leader performing Hover Exits (emplaning and deplaning from a hovering platform) my helmet was a god send. Not only for the protection of the gray matter between my ears but for my hearing as well. I thought the comment on hearing by a previous poster was excellent. I took in all the considerations when buying the helmut, Flightsuits would not sell the HGU/55 for Helo Ops, HGU/84 was the new bucket at the time, as the US Military was currently changing the rules regarding these helmets, after the accident. The choise was easy, HGU/55 for its lightweight, and still excellent protection. 4-8 hours flying a day, in and out of the A/C, talking to fire fighters, besides prior to buying my helmet we just used headsets. What a world of difference. I do not know if they are still in business but I bought mine at GOVERNMENT SALES, and yes they would ship to Canada no problem.
Having said that if I was a rotory wing pilot, I would have the HGU/84 or something from ALPHA.

Happy and Safe flying everybody.

GS

[All Sides]

I used to have an HGU 33, Flight Suits informed me that they would not rebuild it if it was used for helicopters. (of course I could have lied) It was a heavy helmet and got very hot.

I purchased a Gallet 150 (a 250 has 2 visors), they are a great helmet, I believe they are the lightest on the market and the smallest profile. They usually have an Oregon Hush kit as an option and is recommended.

Visit Merit Apparel: http://www.meritapparel.com/helmets.htm

Not sure what they run, but after adding on communications, lining etc. etc. will probably be in the neighborhood $2000.00-$2500.00.

[tractor driver]

We use HGU-55 Gentex. Manditory requirement by manufacturer (AT802 Air Tractor). -Helmet, not model or type.
Saved a few headaches when it's been bounced off the roll cage in turbulence on more than 1 occaision.
Same process of having to order through a U.S. address. Quite ridiculous actually....

[skydivepilot]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but my search did not result in any newer topics. I am in the market for a helmet for fixed wing spray and I am not sure which to choose; Gentex, Alpha, etc. I spoke to Gibson and Barnes and they said its no problem to ship to Canada and seemed surprised when I mentioned the issues others have had getting a helmet through the US broder and into Canada. I also see Kitchener Aero in Ontario carry helmets so will be contacting them as well. I would appreciate any advice on recommended models and other places to buy. Thank you.

[matt foley]

http://store.tigerperformance.com/msa-g ... vMiKscyDww

These guys(Bobby) are good to deal with and won't up sell you into something you don't need. In the Buffalo NY area.

[buzzjob]

KitchenerAero sells them and have various sizes in stock. Ask for Aaron
http://www.kitcheneraero.com/home.html

[Adam Oke]

My HGU-55 has been going strong for 7 years.

I would buy either an HUG-55 again, or a MSA Gallet LH250 with ANR. Can't go wrong with either of those. Not too many Alpha's out there -- they go for top dollar.

Gibson and Barns, Tiger Performance, or Kitchener Aero are all great.

[skydivepilot]

Thank you for the replies. After some further research, I am now looking into CEP vs ANR because CEP is supposed to offer better hearing protection. I have also been told the Gentex HGU-55 doesn't offer much impact protection and a helicopter helmet might be a better idea for low level spray work with fixed wing. Sorry for even more questions but I had no idea it would be this tough to choose a helmet. I have been talking with Aaron at Kitchener Aero about Gentex and Rob at Merit Apparel about Gallet. Both have been very helpful but also given me more information to research. I also noticed Government Sales in Hartford, CT. His prices seem good but I am not sure what to make of his helmets. He said they manufacture their own helmets to meet military specs. He has an HGU-55 model but it is not Gentex and he recommends his Heli model for fixed wing spray. He has new and refurbished models. Thanks again for the advice.

[Adam Oke]

I chuckle when I hear about the -55 being a bumper helmet. It is tested to 400G's. The human body can only withstand about 100G's of instantaneous impact before things like organs start smashing around inside your body. How much protection from instantaneous G force is enough? If you're heart is going to bust by smashing into your rib cage in the lower ranges, do you really need the 500G, 800G, or 1000G head protection? To each his/her own though....

Heli vs fixed wing -- the only difference is some additional lateral protection. Helicopters tend to roll, where as fixed wing do not, due to the wings sticking out. They tend to flip. I think a heli helmet in a fixed wing environment is just additional un-necessary weight.

The Gallet's are certainly a lighter helmet. I have never really noticed my gentex helmet being "heavy". When you compare the two, you can tell that the Gallet is much lighter.

As for ANR vs CEP. I think you will find that the extra wires from the CEP's a pain in the rear end. You will be taking off your lid multiple times per day. It is just one more thing to unplug before you actually get your helmet off. I know of a couple guys that have CEP's and they end up wandering around with the helmets on because it is too much of a process to unplug. They do swear by them though, so maybe they're on to something?

Do not get custom molds. The helmet will be too tight once your start to warm up.

Stay away from webbed helmets like SPH's in my opinion. Some guys love them for breath-ability. I find when you turn your head quickly, the helmet stays put and there is too much slop.

Make sure your helmet has a small pig tale single point connection. Make sure your wire from the aircraft inputs to the female single point connection are long. Make sure your ANR cable is long. I ended up buying an extension. Don't bother with bayonet attachments.

There is some more food for thought to make your decision even more difficult. It's only over a couple grand....no big deal

[skydivepilot]

Perfect reply. Thank you. I am lucky that I don't have to remove my helmet often so I am still considering CEP. The cheapest Gallet I found is going to cost $3000 CAD shipped and Gentex 55 is $2500. I want to make sure I choose the right one. If the 55 is suitable for spray, I might go that route because I can buy in Canada and get after sale support here too. Thanks again for the information.

[Adam Oke]

Perfect reply. Thank you. I am lucky that I don't have to remove my helmet often so I am still considering CEP. The cheapest Gallet I found is going to cost $3000 CAD shipped and Gentex 55 is $2500. I want to make sure I choose the right one. If the 55 is suitable for spray, I might go that route because I can buy in Canada and get after sale support here too. Thanks again for the information.

No problem.

I try to take my helmet off, and get out and stretch any chance that I can get. Spray planes get too damn hot in the summer, and sitting in that plane all day is tiring. You'll have a blast. It's the best job out there.

[Nark]

I fly with CEP's and I'd recommend getting custom molded ones. You can certainly tell the difference in noise level.
I chew gum when I fly, and the ear canal "unseals" on nearly every chew using the generic CEP's, however the molded ones retain the seal.

As for their removal, I make the habit of going to the CEP cord first when donning and doffing (learned a new word today didn't you?)
Also when you do finally get the helmet, have a friend with you to properly "size" it. Having the plexiglass off center of your nose will drive anyone nuts.

I had a look at some of those helmets. Thank goodness I don't pay for mine. Yowzers, those are expensive.

[skydivepilot]

The US exchange rate is killing me for buying a helmet but there's not much that I can do. Thankfully I spent the winter selling quite a few things south of the border and was able to add some US money to my account. I am leaning towards buying a Gallet LH050 with CEP and getting the custom mold. All of my co-workers use ANR and I had never heard of CEP until a couple of days ago. It does seem to offer the best protection from hearing loss from what I have read and been told. The owner at Merit Apparel has been amazing to deal with and comes highly recommended. I haven't really read any negative comments about Gallet so far.

[donnybrook]

Said this over 8 years ago on this very thread. Merit apparel is great to deal with, and the gallet is tits. My lh250 needs some love but if I have to buy another helmet it will be the same. For what I do both the 350 and alpha are too big. Also the alpha makes you look like Stewie..,,

[co-joe]

...
You'd look great flying a screaming wienie with a helmet!

...

Are we talking san antonio sewer pipe here?

[skydivepilot]

Anyone have thoughts on the Gallet LH050 vs the LH250? I am leaning towards the 050 because of the lighter weight and less cost. I figure a single visor is good for spray jobs but can understand when a yellow visor might be nice.

[Adam Oke]

One or two visors is really a personal preference. Keep in mind that the visor is also for protection, not just to block the sun or turn crappy days low vis days into bright and sunny. Clear is good to run around with when it's too dark to have grey down. My visor is grey, and I try to wear it as often as I can. Admittedly, it gets put up when it's low light conditions as I only have a single visor.

I have two friends that had a duck come through the windscreen and smack them in the face. Both required stitches. I can't remember if the one buddy had his visor up or down, but I do know my other buddy had his down and it smashed his visor up. He's pretty glad it was down, to say the least.

[DSoup]

Could you use a motorcycle helmet to achieve the same thing?

[skydivepilot]

I am ordering a helmet tomorrow and have it narrowed down to the HGU-84 and Gallet 050 and I have decided to go with CEP vs ANR. The Gallet is $412 more expensive. Its a tough call without being able to try either helmet on. Both sellers have been great and said they will work with me on any fitting issues.

[Nark]

When you get your helmet, take the ear cups, put a piece of paper over them (so the Velcro doesn't stick to the inside of the helmet)
Place your helmet on, pull the visor down and adjust the entire helmet around where the bridge of your nose sits evenly behind the visor. Once the helmet is squared up, and is "zeroed" on your head, pull down on the papers, thus making the Velcro stick inside of your helmet.

Viola, you helmet should now fit.

The next step is getting custom ear molds for the CEPs. They have run me $70ish USD.

[skydivepilot]

Good tip. Thank you. I have still be weighing all my options but think the Gallet LH050 with CEP is the one I am going to pull the trigger on today. It is difficult to buy any helmet without trying it on first but Rob at Merit Apparel has been great and seems like he will continue to be after the sale. Aaron at Kitchener Aero has also been a big help. I wish I could buy a helmet from each of them. All the glowing reviews for Gallet have swayed me away from Gentex and towards the MSA LH series.

[aeroyt]

I have three used Gentex one in like new condition if you are still looking. pm me and I can send pic's of them

[redlaser]

I bought mine at the motorcycle shop, it even has a sun visor,

[Nark]

Why do you have one redlaser?

I thought you were a float pilot who mastered glassy water takeoffs?