Section 3 – Overview and Helmet Types
Section 3.1 – Open Face Helmets
Section 3.2 – Full Face Helmets
Section 4.1 – Audible Altimeters
Section 5 – Sizing and Fitting
Section 6 – Impact Rated Helmets
Section 1 – Foreword
1. Congratulations! You are looking to buy some of your first skydiving equipment or perhaps an upgrade to your existing equipment. Whether you are a new A Licence or an experienced C Licence, the prospect of something new is always exciting.
2. However, helmets are more than protective headgear. They have different functions and fashions. Some require more experience than you would think to use and some of their features, such using Audible Altimeters, are mandatory requirements in some disciplines.
3. For this reason, it’s important you understand what you require from your helmet. Having something that is fashionable is of no use if it doesn’t fulfil the requirements of your discipline. Some of these requirements can literally save your life. This document explains the different helmets and options to allow you to understand the different types and options available from Manufacturers. It is not a substitute for speaking with Instructors however it will allow you to understand what is available.
4. Whether you have just completed you’re a new A Licence or you are progressing to your C Licence, I trust you will find this helpful and it will explain the common types of helmet allowing you to get more out of your equipment whatever your needs and requirements. Blue Skies.
Section 2 – Disclaimer
5. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, it is not advice nor is it a substitute for speaking with Instructors and other suitably qualified and experience people. The purpose of this document is to provide information, explain some of the different options available from a range of manufacturers and some things you may wish to consider before making a purchase, not to advise you on your requirements. This is not an exhaustive list.
6. Prior to buying any equipment, new or used, it is strongly recommended you speak with qualified Instructors and other suitably qualified and experience people. about your needs and the equipment you wish to purchase. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended you have any used equipment inspected.
7. This document does not endorse any manufacturer and the inclusion of a piece of equipment in this document whether by written, visual or any other means, does not constitute an endorsement and/or recommendation. The creator of the document would like to thank the owners of the equipment who kindly allowed photographs to be taken.
Section 3 – Overview and Helmet Types
8. During your Accelerated Free Fall or Static Line Programme, you would have worn a basic open face helmet. Now you’re qualified, you may want something you can customise or express more of your personality. All helmets have the same basic function which is to protect your head however; there are some key things to consider depending on the discipline you pursue. A professional camera helmet is going to be much different than a speed skydiving one. It is important your helmet fits properly both now and in the future, foam compresses so a snug fit now could become more generous.
Section 3.1 – Open Face Helmets
9. If you have recently qualified as a skydiver, you will have worn an Open Face Helmet and some skydivers still prefer them so don’t be quick to discount them irrelevant of your experience. Students and A Licence skydivers wear them because they are simple; there is no visor to mist up or mechanisms to break.
10. Open Face Helmets are affordable and a good choice if you have recently qualified. Starting at circa £99 for a new one, you can get what you need and still have capability to add in Audible Altimeters and a Camera mount as you progress.
Section 3.2 – Full Face Helmets
11. Full Face Helmets enclose the entire head and you must be a BS A Licence or above to wear one. Full Face Helmets are useful in winter for protection from cold weather and allow a skydiver to wear sunglasses underneath. A Full Face Helmet must be acceptable to the Chief Instructor (CI) so motorcycle helmets will not be allowed.
12. Full Face Helmets are generally more expensive than Open Face. The main differences are style and materials with some made of Carbon Fibre and others plastic. Like with any helmet, ensure it fits and is suited to your needs. Some Speed Skydiving Coaches make wearing a Full Face Helmet with two Audible Altimeters mandatory.
13. Full Face Helmets can easily be fitted with cameras both on top of the helmet and on the chin. Some manufacturers have integrated a cut away into their helmet with others providing a retrofit kit. More will be discussed in the camera section of the document.
14. While Open Face Helmets have their advantages, it becomes harder to hear people and you can lose some situational awareness. Ensure you remain observant at all stages of your skydive. A misty visor will impair your vision so ensure you understand how to overcome this during your skydive and you can operate the visor with ease including when wearing gloves.
Section 3.3 – Frappe Hats
15. Frappe Hats were originally used by the French Ski team and have been used by skydivers for years. If you did a Tandem Skydive, you will have worn a Frappe Hat. For experienced skydivers, you must be at least a BS C Licence to wear one. Although not popular amongst many skydivers, they retain popularity among a small group of sports users.
Figure 1: An example of a simple Open Face Helmet © Tom Hill
Section 4 – Accessories
16. Some helmet manufacturers provide accessories whereas others are produce by 3rd parties. Nevertheless, the design of the helmet will determine how you mount your accessory, if at all. Some you may never use however you may wish to keep your options open especially if you are relatively new to skydiving.
Section 4.1 – Audible Altimeters
17. Audible Altimeters are a key piece of skydiving equipment. Although they are not a substitute for wrist mounted altimeters, they help a skydiver maintain situational awareness and can provide a key safety function. For example: if a skydiver becomes engrossed in line twists, an Audible Altimeter beeping at an altitude set by the skydiver can remind them to initiate emergency procedures.
18. Some helmets have external mounts for Audible Altimeters whereas others use internal pockets. You must check the Audible Altimeter will fit in or on the helmet and if it doesn’t, check if the altimeter or helmet manufacturer offers a solution. You must ensure the Audible Altimeter aligns with your ear.
19. Many helmets can accommodate Audible Altimeters by design so fitting one should not be an issue. If you plan to use a camera in the future, the BS Camera Manual states it is essential to use an Audible Altimeter.
Figure 4: On the left, an Open Face Helmet with an external mount for an Audible Altimeter and on the right, an Open Face Helmet with an internal pocket. © Tom Hill
Section 4.2 – Camera Mounts
20. You may be dreaming of wearing a camera however it is not as simple as glue one to the helmet and start filming. Cameras are a massive distraction and have accounted for several fatalities including people who have not done up their harness. Modern cameras are much smaller but still present several risks. With the right knowledge and equipment, these risks are reduced.
21. You must be a BS C Licence or above and received a camera brief before using one and had the camera set up approved. Your Chief Instructor will be able to provide a briefing. This section does not cover professional camera flying as that requires specialist equipment, this is for recreational skydivers. The BS Camera Manual states it is essential to use an Audible Altimeter.
22. Some helmet manufacturers offer an accessory to mount the camera whereas others rely on sticky pads. One of the key parts is minimising a snag hazard although an instructor will be able to offer more bespoke advice. With manufacturer designed mounts, it can be as simple as using a couple of screws. With sticky pads, you will need to determine the most appropriate place to mount your camera. With Full Face Helmets, you may not be able to move the visor all the way up so do consider this.
Figure 4: On the left, an Open Face Helmet with an external mount for an Audible Altimeter and on the right, an Open Face Helmet with an internal pocket. © Tom Hill
Section 4.3 – Camera Release
23. A camera release is a critical part of a camera set up. It must allow the camera to be jettisoned in the event of an emergency, for example an entanglement. Some mechanisms may only release the camera whereas others release the entire helmet.
24. Some manufacturers’ offer a camera release mechanism as standard whereas others have a kit you can retrofit with basic tools. You may decide to make your own however if you do this, consult an instructor. Whatever you decide, you must be able to operate it in an emergency.
Section 5 – Sizing and Fitting
25. It is important you get a helmet which is correct for your needs and fits you properly. Although some points are personal preference, some helmets will fit you better than others and one manufactures Extra Large may be smaller than an others. Heads are shaped in different ways with some long and others wide and some helmets fit better than others because of this.
26. The easiest way is to find what is right is to try on helmets. If this is not possible, then measuring the circumference of your head is the next best thing. Helmets often have foam shim padding meaning you can remove or add them as required. You should have a shimmed helmet that is a fairly snug fit so when you remove shims it will be comfortable. Remember, foam compresses over time so you may need to add in shims in the future so consider a different size if your helmet just fits when completely padded.
27. Some helmets have different positions of chin straps and in the case of full face helmets, different visor styles. Some full face helmets enclose the chin whereas others have a complete visor similar to a space bubble. It is down to what you prefer although do consider how close your mouth is to the visor. If you’re steaming up the visor, perhaps you should try a different manufacturer.
Section 6 – Impact Rated Helmets
28. Impact rated helmets have become available and will help protect your head against small bumps. No helmet will completely protect you and it is not an excuse to become more dangerous or more daring however, it will offer more protection if you for example: hit the side of a tunnel. For those rated to AFNOR XP S 72-600 (skydiving and wind tunnel),snag testing is part of the rating too.
29. You must research your helmet ratings. Some helmets are rated to EN966 as well as AFNOR XP S 72-600. EN966 is an airborne sports rating which requires a penetration test whereas AFNOR XP S 72-600 does not. However, AFNOR XP S 72-600 requires a snag test whereas EN966 does not. Moreover, visors certified to the personal eye protection standard EN166:2004.
30. Remember, to be awarded the rating the helmet must pass a series of tests and it is impossible to test every accessory a skydiver may fit. Any fitting of an accessory or modification to an impact rated helmet will almost certainly void its rating. This is in line with other sports such as skiing and motor racing.
31. Impact rated helmets are a sensible choice for any skydiver however like any equipment, you must understand its limitations. It wont protect you in every condition and may come with regulations you must comply with. Ultimately, a helmet which is designed to protect your head and eyes will serve you best when you need it most.