peter Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Probably wishful thinking but I am feeling as though I'm on the home straight constructing my Onex and am now starting to plan the "flying phase" of the project. After meeting Tony with his new Sonex I have bought and now fly routinely in a fire resistant flight suit and I am considering a helmet . Any thoughts or comments re using helmets in an enclosed cockpit, ie built in headsets, comfort, hot to wear??????? Thanks Peter 2
Old Koreelah Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Ag pilots recommend we always wear a helmet. Makes sense. If you prang, your head is likely to cop a thumping and that's not a good time to be dazed and confused- or unconscious. Several aviation helmets are available. You can pay from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars. Being a cheapskate I use my wife's old bicycle helmet, with cut-outs for the DC headset, which is bolted to the fibreglass shell. Comfortable, ventilated, safe. 2
kasper Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Two things I am aware of flying with my Flycom helmets in enclosed cockpit: 1. canopy clearance - I am not overly tall in the body but can't fit comfortably under a Eurostar canopy with enough clearance without taking out all seat padding - only flew like this because I didn't have a headset on the day, only my helmet 2. heat - under the bubble canopy of the Eurostar it was too hot after half an hour of English summer - wouldn't like to try it in OZ Pluses were of course added head protection if it went pear shaped and I find integrated headsets in a helmet a better sound excluder than just a standard headset. 1
Downunder Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Here is a previous thread about them... http://www.recreationalflying.com/threads/flying-helmets.63851/ I recon a modified snowboard helmet would be ideal for an enclosed cockpit. 1
robinsm Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 nope, very little side clearance, too hot, too uncomfortable and restrict vision. Just sayin.
aj_richo Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Hey Peter, I used to fly my old 95:10 machine with a dual visor jet helmet. Hot, heavy and after an hour somewhat uncomfortable but I thought looked pretty cool ha ha I could use it again but it would probably bump the canopy on the LH side. Have been looking around for a lighter more compact version but its not high on the priority list. Cheers Tony
Old Koreelah Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Hard helmet bumping canopy is a minor issue, easily fixed by lowering seat or installing stick-on rubber pads. Bare head bumping canopy (or tarmac) is more of an issue.
aj_richo Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 The Sonex seat cannot be lowered once installed.. stick on pads would definitely not look cool ha ha
Deskpilot Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Been thinking about thisd myself and wonder if a car rally type would suffice. Built in mic and phones.
KRviator Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 A flying helmet is something I've seriously considered for the RV, for a couple of reasons. Protection in the case of a crash is the obvious one, but providing a measure of eye protection in the case of a birdstrike is also high on the agenda. A lot of modern sport aircraft can get along well over 150mph, some even 200mph or beyond and there's stuff-all chance a thin piece of plexi is going to withstand any sort of impact there, even small birds are likely to make it through. Doug Reeves, head honcho at VansAirForce makes a compelling argument']compelling argument[/url] for helmet usage, taking into account where he lives, tyle of flying, etc. It's certainly something to consider, even if we do fly in an enclosed cockpit. 1
Downunder Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I think someone (maybe turbo) posted some info about head trauma being the most common reason of fatalities in light aircraft..... I would like to see the RAA encourage helmet use but not make it compulsory. Maybe the RAA could sell a helmet through their store, suitable for our use, and give a discount on membership? 1
daza Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 Have a look around at what the Trikers are wearing, enclosed or not, attached headset or not... Lots of options, and certified for aviation use. eg http://www.icaro2000.com/Products/Helmets/UL-models/UL-models.htm Daza. 1
Downunder Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 Like the UL Fly one. Would prefer a peak on the front though.
SDQDI Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 http://www.flighthelmets.com.au/home/ I had looked at these before I got my Zulu headset. Never chased a price but I would guess they wouldn't be cheap but it is your head, and ears.
ayavner Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 As they say, if you have a cheap head, buy a cheap helmet! :)
bexrbetter Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Get down to your local large motorcycle dealer, good variety of helmets and cheap intercoms.
Guest Andys@coffs Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Im not sure leather on its own is a great form of protection from anything other than wind..... To me if you have to remove seat padding to make it all fit you might well end up with a safer noggin but a more damaged spine..... I believe the seat cushioning is an essential element of the +G absorption/dissipation....If it isn't there then your spine has to do it. Andy
Guest Howard Hughes Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Im not sure leather on its own is a great form of protection from anything other than wind..... They are hard shelled leather (US style), not soft shelled (British style)!
dazza 38 Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 You'd look way cooler in one of these! The Campbell aero helmets are great, but you have to sell your first born to be able to afford one.
gandalph Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 The Campbell aero helmets are great, but you have to sell your first born to be able to afford one. Can't see a downside to that deal! It's ok. I'm safe. My firstborn doesn't read these..... 1
ayavner Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 You'd look way cooler in one of these! Is that Jack Flyer??
Chocolate Posted May 14, 2015 Posted May 14, 2015 Just ordered an evo 052. I ll let youknowhow it is for comfort, but it's the lightest on the market.
microman Posted May 14, 2015 Posted May 14, 2015 The Campbell aero helmets are great, but you have to sell your first born to be able to afford one. Dazza is right - the Campbell Aero helmets ( made locally here in Canterbury, New Zealand) are quite famous - sold to warbird jockeys and open cockpit pilots all round the world - but they cost - around US$2000 last I heard. 1
Guest Howard Hughes Posted May 14, 2015 Posted May 14, 2015 Dazza is right - the Campbell Aero helmets ( made locally here in Canterbury, New Zealand) are quite famous - sold to warbird jockeys and open cockpit pilots all round the world - but they cost - around US$2000 last I heard. At 15 litres an hour, that's a lot of flying!
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now