Show off your Helmets!

[JohnCFord]

Please post pics of your helmets!

I am iterested in the flight helmet of your choice. I have noticed that just about all Warbird pilots wear a hard shell helmet in fighter/trainer type aircraft. Is this an FFA regulation or just a safe practice on the part of pilots themselves? I plan on getting some rides this year (AT-6 Texan) and because I already have a "zoombag" I thought I might look into getting a helmet as well. I'd like information on styles, types, and manufacurers. I hope this turns into a fun thread to follow.

Cheers!

~J~

[oscardeuce]

I painted mine myself!

[RyanShort1]

This is my helmet - the former helmet of Bill Greenwood.

It's in the process of getting a facelift.









To clarify, the star has nothing to do with football, which I don't watch, and everything to do with the Texas state flag since I'm running "Texas Tailwheel" as my business.

There are no regulations that I know of regarding the wearing of helmets, but once you hear a few stories, see a few things, and have access to a helmet, it "grows" on you. Everyone at the little airfield I'm at thinks I'm crazy for wearing it, but then I saw a Cessna 172 crash once where I believe it could have made a difference. My mind's made up, and I intend to keep wearing one. It's actually fairly comfortable, too, and if I can tolerate it over a Texas summer of busy flight training, it can't be as hot as some claim. This one is a David Clark model.

Ryan

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

Please post pics of your helmets!

Is this an FFA regulation or just a safe practice on the part of pilots themselves?
~J~

I'm not sure that Future Farmers of America really care either way, unless you're going to crash into a cow or something.




BTW those helmets are sick! Hell, if I had a helmet as cool as those too I'd wear it in my car let alone when I go flying!

After working for a few summers at a local FBO I've seen more than enough accidents where pilots/passengers have firmly planted their faces/heads into instrument panels and other cockpit objects that would have me wearing one as well if I had it.

[JohnCFord]

Good job, OscarDuce and Ryan! Anyone else? Oscar, who is the manufacturer of your helmet!

Anyone else want show off?

~J~

[WarbirdRadio]

Personally, I like the Campbell Aero Classics. High safety standard, light weight and features modern equipment inside. Ivan and Sandy are great to deal with and very knowledgeable.

Matt

[aerojock]

The first one looks a lot like one on Top Gun.

[oscardeuce]

Good job, OscarDuce and Ryan! Anyone else? Oscar, who is the manufacturer of your helmet!

Anyone else want show off?

~J~

Gentex

[L2Driver]

Nothing fancy with mine. I'm a firm believer in helmets and have worn three over the past few decades. All were issued to me and converted to civil use over the years. All Gentex products: HGU-26 (1979); HGU-55 (1984); and SPH-4 (1985).

My HGU-26 from the early 1980s. It had a boom mic in lieu of the mask for non-mil flying at one point. Retired and on display in my office.


My SPH-4 was used in my L-2 until very recently.


I recently found/refurbished my old HGU-55 and it's waiting to fly. I think my plane is pi$$ed at me. I haven't had a single day of decent flying weather since I retired my SPH-4. This helmet has literally not flown yet and I made the switch back in October!

[CAPFlyer]

It's because your SPH-2 looks more "the part" than that fancy HGU-55.

[L2Driver]

It's because your SPH-2 looks more "the part" than that fancy HGU-55.

That seems to be the prevailing theory at the airport, too! Maybe if I paint the -55 OD green my plane will be fooled??

[RickH]

I have a plain white HGU 26. It gets loaned out quite a bit to folks flying in the Collings jets. We use the MBU-12 or -22 masks with the jets or a boom mike when I wear it when flying the Huey. My stuff flies more than I do these days !

[JohnCFord]

Nothing fancy with mine. I'm a firm believer in helmets and have worn three over the past few decades. All were issued to me and converted to civil use over the years. All Gentex products: HGU-26 (1979); HGU-55 (1984); and SPH-4 (1985).

My HGU-26 from the early 1980s. It had a boom mic in lieu of the mask for non-mil flying at one point. Retired and on display in my office.


My SPH-4 was used in my L-2 until very recently.


I recently found/refurbished my old HGU-55 and it's waiting to fly. I think my plane is pi$$ed at me. I haven't had a single day of decent flying weather since I retired my SPH-4. This helmet has literally not flown yet and I made the switch back in October!

Wow, I hope you get back in the air soon.

~J~

[L2Driver]

Wow, I hope you get back in the air soon.

~J~

Me too! It was funny for a week or two. Not so much now.

[Scott Rose]

This one belonged to my father.