On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 16:36:18 GMT, Greasy Rider© @invalid.com wrote:

I was browsing a newsgroup just now and saw a gentleman flying a P-51
Mustang with what appears to be just a common ball cap. I got to
wondering if he is that secure in his abilities and crash worthiness
of the air frame to simply wear a ball cap?

As a motorcyclist I feel very strange if I'm not wearing the very best
helmet that I can afford. Why would a pilot operate a high performance
aircraft with anything less?

I know that a high dollar helmet and other protective gear has no
guarantees whether it's a car, motorcycle, pony or aircraft.

Am I missing something? Is the pilot simply exercising his freedom to
take his chances? (The law won't let me do that in some states.)

What you may be missing is recognition of the fact that the helmet in
modern, high-performance aircraft functions primarily as an anchor
mechanism for electronics and an oxygen mask. It does shield the
noggin from the canopy bangs that potentially result from abrupt
maneuvers, but it doesn't add all that much to "crash worthiness."

In fact, most states will not accept a military flight helmet as a
substitute for a certified auto/motorcycle helmet.

But, they do make you feel cool when you put it on and drop the
visor--at least until the hot spots start showing up forty-five
minutes into a ten hour ocean crossing.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com