Helmet Modifications Are Important For Flight. Here's Why.
Every pilot worth his salt knows that his flight helmet is one of the essential parts of his kit. After all, your flight helmet protects the most critical parts of you, from your eyes to your brain. Just as necessary are the helmet modifications, you apply to your helmet. Every pilot worth his salt also knows that his helmet is only as good as the modifications he makes.
There are many different ways to modify a flight helmet, and each pilot has preferences. What helmet modifications are we talking about, and how can they help? Let AVI Survival guide you in choosing the best modifications for your flight helmet.
Helmet Size and Straps
One of the most important things is ensuring that your helmet fits securely on your head. If your helmet is too loose, it is much less capable of protecting you. Appropriate straps can help your helmet fit snugly. Another thing to keep in mind is that your helmet should not be too tight. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin. This tightness will help ensure that you are comfortable while wearing the helmet and that it does not restrict your breathing.
Night Vision Goggle Mount
Flying by night is difficult. There is a reason why pilots have to be specially trained for it. However, night vision goggles make that much easier. The only effective way to fly by night is to have a mount for your night vision goggles. This equipment is an essential helmet modification if you want to keep your flexibility to fly at all hours. There are a few different ways to mount your night vision goggles. The most common is the head-mount, where the goggles sit in front of your eyes like a pair of glasses. There are also helmet-mounted options available. These have the advantage of not obstructing your view and being less likely to fall off in an emergency.
Impedance
Impedance is the effective resistance of an electric circuit or other components to alternating current. Having this feature allows a pilot to switch between military and civilian frequencies. This ability is vital for communicating with aircraft or ground control on different frequencies. A good helmet also has a radio interface that allows the pilot to communicate with other aircraft or ground control. This critical safety feature allows the pilot to stay in contact with air traffic control and receive critical information about the flight.
Hearing Protection
Aircraft of all kinds are noisy. Hearing loss is a severe problem for pilots who fly without sufficient protection for their ears. Most helmets provide some level of hearing protection, but there are other helmet modifications you can make to insulate your hearing better. Ear cups are one such modification. They fit over your ear and provide an extra layer of protection from the noise.
Helmet Liners and Ear Cups
These helmet modifications are often overlooked, but that doesn't mean they are unnecessary. Helmet liners provide cushioning between your head and your helmet. While this helps with protection, its primary function is for your comfort. You can't afford to get distracted on a long flight because your helmet makes you uncomfortable. Likewise, ear seals provide a bit of extra protection for your hearing. They fit snugly around your ear and help to block out noise.
Bluetooth Adapter
A Bluetooth adapter lets you link your cell phone and aviation headset. Stuffing your phone between your helmet and your ear is no longer necessary, and you don't have to worry about cables getting in the way since it's wireless. Whether you're filing a flight plan, calling for fuel, or getting clearance from an airfield, having a Bluetooth adapter makes it much more manageable. The controls for your phone and music are directly on the adapter, and it accepts voice commands when you can't have your hands free. Capable of hours of continuous usage, this device is a must-have for any helmet modification.
Aircraft Egress Connector Helmet Modification
Also called a Bail Out Connector, this device connects your helmet or headset to your aircraft for communications purposes. If you have to make a fast egress from your aircraft, the Egress Connector will detach from your helmet with little pressure. These cords are typically capable of bending in any direction. Having an Egress Connector can save you vital seconds that you need when making a fast egress from your aircraft.
Find These Modifications at AVI Survival
At AVI Survival, we know what pilots need. We offer a line of highly-customizable helmets designed to your specifications. All of the modifications listed here and more are available. To learn more about our services, visit our website or give us a call today. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have. With decades of experience in the aviation industry, you know you can trust AVI Survival with your flight helmets. Don't put up with a bare minimum helmet anymore -put an order in for modifications from AVI Survival.
