Home >> Collecting >> Collecting Memorabilia

How to Get a Flight Helmet

Flight helmets are an iconic piece of equipment worn by military pilots. Helmets cushion the pilot's head against impact, protect his eyes from the sun and contain headphones and microphone equipment. This is a far cry from the early days of flight helmets; until the end of the Second World War, they were simple leather caps that were designed largely to keep the pilot warm at altitude. For non-pilots, flight helmets are an attractive collector's item, especially when painted in the colors of a specific flight unit. Getting one is easy, although expensive.

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your head by wrapping a flexible measuring tape around it at forehead level. Although flight helmets don't have one consistent sizing chart -- pilots are usually custom-fitted -- you can get a rough idea of your size using a motorcycle helmet sizing chart. A "small" fits a measurement of 21 5/8 to 22 inches, a "medium" fits 22 1/2 to 22 7/8 inch heads, and a "large" fits 23 1/4 to 23 5/8 inch heads. Extra-small and extra-large sizes are available for people with heads outside the common size range, but they might be difficult to find.
- 2
  Check local military-surplus stores. Some may stock helmets; even if they don't have the type you want, they may be able to help you estimate your size and the proper fit.
- 3
  Browse helmet catalogs online. Several merchants specialize in flight helmet sales, and the helmets usually ship with an oxygen mask and a visor. Custom Flight Helmets, Military Flight Helmets and the Flight Helmets website all stock used and new flight helmets and will ship them to you. Of the three, Custom Flight Helmets has the widest selection of paint designs, while Military Flight Helmets sells only via online auction.
- 4
  Select a size, color, and shipment method and provide a major credit card number. Helmets are expensive; as of November 2010, a basic helmet was about $400, while custom painted models cost $650 or more.
- 5
  Check with the helmet supplier on its return policies. Ordering a helmet online risks having it fit improperly. Confirm with them that you can exchange it for a different size if necessary.

Collecting Memorabilia