Who Needs a Flight Helmet? The Essential Role of Aviation Helmets

A flight helmet is a vital safety device for pilots and crew. Often the pilots and personnel are required to wear a flight helmet while others have a personal choice. The bottom line however is that aviation professionals and passengers face unique risks that can make a flight helmet indispensable especially in a helicopter. Another truth is that like a helmet in a motorcycle crash, the person involved in the incident/accident is often in better shape because they chose to wear the helmet. In this article we are going to talk about the major reasons why a flight helmet is helpful if not critical in aviation and highlight some roles and careers where flying with a helmet has become standard and often required. 

Let’s begin with helicopters.

Helicopter Crew and Pilot Helmet Uses:

• Low-Altitude Hazards: Flying at low altitudes increases the risk of collisions with power lines, trees, and other obstacles. A strong, impact-resistant visor provides crucial eye protection from debris and potential impact and bird strikes. An protective helmet shell can reduce the likelihood of concussions, loss of consciousness, and other head trauma. 

• Crash and Rollover Scenarios: In the event of an accident, a flight helmet can shield the head from impact, especially from rotor blades and cockpit instruments and also impact to walls and floors, metal, lose items moving around the interior and the ground below when either rolling out in an emergency, crashing through or compacted inside the aircraft. Sorry to be so graphic, but we are talking about aviation safety. 

• Noise Reduction: Helicopter cockpits and interiors are loud. Outside near the helicopter is also loud. Built-in noise-canceling features are essential for clear communication and hearing protection.

• Visor Protection and Visibility: An impact-resistant visor shields the pilot's eyes from debris, wind, and elements, ensuring optimal visibility and situational awareness. While visors also offer UV protection and anti-fog coatings that can enhance visual clarity and comfort.

• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Compatibility: For pilots operating in low-light or nighttime conditions, helmets with NVG mounts and counterweight systems provide a stable and secure platform for these essential vision enhancement devices. Be aware that all helmets are not created equal in this regard and you need to make the NVG does not block the movement of the visor up and down. 

• Turbulence Protection: Flying low or near terrain, especially around obstacles like buildings or mountains, can create unpredictable updrafts and downdrafts, increasing turbulence. A helmet prevents head injuries during these sudden jolts.

Now that we have outlined some of the general reasons a flight helmet can be helpful for flying in helicopter and rotorcraft flying, let’s talk a bit about helmet safety and a specific segment of pilots who fly fixed wing aircraft and what they might encounter. 

Fixed-Wing Applications: Agricultural Pilots and the Need for Helmets

• Chemical Exposure: Spraying operations involve handling and spraying chemicals. A helmet with a sealed visor protects from accidental or incidental chemical exposure.

According to the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), a helmet with a sealed visor can be a vital piece of protective gear, as it offers an important barrier against accidental contact with chemical sprays, especially in the pilot’s eyes. 

*Check out these pilot helmets and see the different types of visor configurations, colors and styles, from clear to yellow to impact resistant, anti-fog and EVO gradient lenses. 

• Bird Strikes: Flying at low levels also can increase the risk of bird strikes. A sturdy helmet with a rapidly deployable visor can mitigate the impact and potential injuries from such strikes

Fly safe: Protect your vision in the event of a bird or UAV strike – keep your visor down - Read more from this article from the NAAA here>>

• Sun Protection: Long hours in direct sunlight require a helmet with a tinted visor or compatibility with sunglasses.

Sun glare and terrain can create visual obstructions, hindering the ability to spot wires and other hazards. Utilizing helmet visors and sunglasses to reduce glare is crucial, especially when flying into the sun or near power lines. Read more from this article from the NAAA here>>

• Breathable Material: Hot climates can make flying with a helmet challenging. That is why breathable material is important. Helmets like the Evolution Helmet focus on breathable liners and moisture wicking materials. 

Expanding the Scope: Flight Helmet Use in Other Aviation Sectors

Having discussed helicopter and agricultural applications, let's explore how flight helmets benefit other aviation sectors.

EMS Crew and Pilot Helmets Uses:

• Turbulence and Hard Landings: EMS flights can face quick takeoffs and landings in rough conditions. Helmets protect against head injuries that might occur in these situations.

• Communication Clarity: Clear communication is critical when coordinating with medical crews and air traffic control. When onboard communication between pilot and EMS personnel is critical. 

• Equipment Compatibility: Many EMS flight helmets are designed to work seamlessly with night vision goggles (NVGs), helping pilots navigate in tricky conditions. 

• Safety During Patient Transfers: Helmets protect medical personnel from bumps or falls during in-flight transfers.

Law Enforcement Crew and Pilots Helmet Uses:

• Tactical Operations: These pilots often use night vision goggles (NVGs) during surveillance or pursuit missions, requiring NVG-compatible helmets.

• Noise Control: High noise levels in law enforcement operations can hinder situational awareness, so noise-canceling helmets are very important.

• Impact Protection: High-speed maneuvers and the risk of hostile encounters make a robust helmet essential for head protection.

Offshore Helicopter Passengers, Crew and Pilots Helmet Uses:

• Overwater Flights: In case of a crash at sea, a helmet can help protect the head and keep the person conscious.

• Emergency Egress: A helmet provides protection and prevents disorientation during rapid exits from aircraft after water landings.

• Durability in Harsh Conditions: Saltwater exposure and harsh environmental conditions require helmets built to withstand the elements.

Aerial Firefighting Aircrew & Pilot Helmet Use

• High Heat Exposure: Flying close to flames means exposure to extreme heat. Helmets built for high-temperature conditions are essential. Visors protect the eyes in high heat.

• Impact Protection: Low-altitude flying and proximity to terrain increase the risk of collisions. A solid helmet is crucial for protection.

Government Agency Pilots Helmet Uses:

• DOI Certification: Many agencies require helmets to meet specific DOI safety standards.

• Mission-Specific Features: Depending on the mission, helmets may need features like NVG compatibility and more.

The Bottom Line

Thank you for reading our basic introduction on the reasons why pilots, crew, passengers and personnel are utilizing helmets. We've also provided a glimpse into the diverse sectors where flight helmets play a crucial role. Stay tuned for more articles, talking more in-depth on how each sector (Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, etc) utilizes a flight helmet, their features, benefits, survival stories and their limitations. Please comment to let us know what you think and how you have utilized a flight helmet in the past and what you hope for in the future of flying helmets.