Helmet ID

[Scott Rose]

I finally snagged some quick and dirty pics of my fathers helmet. Its been in storage since 1982 so its a little the worse for wear. The mice have gotton to it and the foam spacers disintegrated The styrofoam core is a little frayed around the edges but is generally intact. ALL the electronics are garbage and will have to be replaced. I would like to refurbish this for use in warbird flights. First off I have to identify what model it is. Does anybody know what type and model this helmet is?

[Paul Draper]

It looks like an APH-6B. I have a similar helmet that sits on a shelf at home it's got a really neat original tape job on it. It needs both visors (broken) and is missing the electronics. But, otherwise is very nice.

However, I won't actually use this helmet for flying...Don't know the history of it (it was a gift) and therefore don't trust it (age) to protect my melon. But for free, it makes a cool display on my bookshelf.

[Scott Rose]

Thanks for the Id, I googled the designation and found a site that had pictures and I would agree that it is a APH-6B.

[airnutz]

Scott,
That's a great looking "bucket"..but you might check with the manufacturer
as to the possiblity of resurrecting it for use. Some years back, in the
motorcycle community we were warned about using "old helmets". Those
with seemingly minor dings /or without dings, but very aged..were
suspect in their integrity.

This was a dissapointing revelation for me, as I have an 80's vintage Shoei
that I paid 200bux 'er so for back then. There was something mentioned
about the ageing of the resins. Just a "heads-up"...so to speak!

I am thinking of resusitating my bike this winter...but I'm scared to look
at what they are asking for a new "quality" bucket..much less the toll they
want for another Shoei full-face!

[dj51d]

I'm scared to look
at what they are asking for a new "quality" bucket..much less the toll they
want for another Shoei full-face!

A new full-face runs about $250-$700 depending on model and year. Of course motorcycle helmets are built to a far different standard than flight helmets.

[airnutz]

dj51,
true..the bikes and a/c, are different standards, but I am curious as to the
"lifetime" of the respective products.

The only thing worse than NO protection..is THINKING that you have proper protection! Thanx...

[bdk]

There was something mentioned about the ageing of the resins.

I suppose it depends on the resin used, but aging is not really a problem for relatively modern composite structures using fiberglass or Kevlar. Some of the really old 50's stuff may have been made from Micarta (cotton fabric with Phenolic resin), so I would avoid that.

Probably an old wife's tale about the resin, but the designs have improved dramatically over the years. Get a new helmet for the higher impact standards they are made to, not because of the age of the shell materials. On the other hand, the foams used inside the old helmets may have deteriorated dramatically over time, but that probably results in a comfort issue that is unmanageable first.

[HELLDIVERS]

HI A COUPLE OF TIPS FOR YOUR HELMET ,A LITTLE SOFT SCRUB AND A SPONGE WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IF YOU WANT TO REPLACE THE FOAM LINER FIND A FRIEND IN THE MILITARY OR WATCH EBAY FOR A KIT THERE AROUND TO REMOVE THE OLD FOAM A SMALL AMOUNT OF GAS WILL DESOLVE IT IN MINUTES WITH NO EFFECT TO THE SHELL.THE ELECTRICS MAY STILL BE SERVICEABLE OR UPGRADE THEM WITH A MODIFIED DAVID CLARK SET. THANKS MIKE

[Jeffrey]

I am thinking of resusitating my bike this winter...but I'm scared to look at what they are asking for a new "quality" bucket..much less the toll they want for another Shoei full-face!

Now there's an interesting thought. how much difference is there between the specs for an aircraft and a motorcycle helmet?

[airnutz]

BDK,
No, not an "old wives tale" in reference to "bike" stuff...some of it involved
ultra-violet degradation..some of it involved "seemingly small" impacts
amounting to "structural integrity breach". This was before Kevlar was
common. Perhaps, the "bucket builders" were trying to scare us into
purchasing new stuff..I can't say..but the "guys who knew" were warning
us also.

Jeffrey,
As far as the difference between bike specs and aircraft..I would venture
to say.."about 6-times the paperwork"! No, but seriously..I would be
interested to know the difference between the 2 requirements. And the
long-term shelf-life premium they place on their products.

EDIT
Perhaps, I should have said, "And the long-term
Working-Life premium they place on their products"

[Scott Rose]

This helmet is plastic rather than resin or composite based, I doubt the structural integrity of the helmet is too compromised with age. The styrofom core is basically intact. The foam spacers are gone and would have to be replaced.

With that said, I doubt if this helmet would provide serious impact protection even if it was new.

I'm interested in using it, for the occasional flight I might be able to scam (only flown twice, thanks to Ryan and JimH!) but hopefully will be flying at least once this year with somebody... hint... hint

If I find the ppurtunities are more frequent then I will consider investing in one of the new helmet types and retire my fathers helmet to display status

Thanks for all the info guys!.

[bdk]

No, not an "old wives tale" in reference to "bike" stuff...some of it involved ultra-violet degradation..some of it involved "seemingly small" impacts amounting to "structural integrity breach". This was before Kevlar was common. Perhaps, the "bucket builders" were trying to scare us into purchasing new stuff..I can't say..but the "guys who knew" were warning us also.

I certainly can't say about motorcycle stuff. I am only referring to modern composites in general (Epoxy, Phenolic, and Polyester resins with glass or Kevlar fabric). The paint should have a UV blocker in it anyhow if it is done correctly.

I don't think that a plastic helmet (like a bicycle helmet) would provide much protection in a high speed crash.

Aircraft helmets are governed by military specifications, while motorcycle helmets have to meet at least DOT and usually meet additional industry standards. They are really meant to do different things with the full face road racing m/c helmet meant to provide more neck support than an aircraft helmet. Most m/c road racers don't have a need to look up for the horizon in a loop! Maybe some of those extreme dirt biker guys do now though.

While we're on the topic of UV degradation, does everyone know that a major reason parachutes get taken out of service is for UV degradation? That means if you keep your aircraft out in the sun for long periods of time you should take the parachute out of the seat and put it in the baggage area. Moisture is bad for them as well.