In the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), we are given the opportunity to learn to fly our own group airplanes; the airplanes are small Cessna 180s. The Civil Air Patrol resembles an ROTC program except it is out of school and we get to do more activities, like flying airplanes and helicopters. One very important tool used when safely operating any aircraft is Aviation Headsets. With aviation headsets, we are able to communicate, not only, with other aircraft, but also any other surrounding airports that we may require assistance from. Occasionally, the aviation headsets that we use are built in to helmets. When we go on group outings in the helicopter, we are mandated to have safe Helicopter Helmets. The helmet sometimes has a built in headset, so that we can speak to others in the group.

When you are in the middle of flying changing the controls on the radio or headset is the last thing you want to do, but if you can acquire an efficient headset, you will be in good shape. Aviation headsets usually secure around your skull like earmuffs and have a connecting piece around your chin with a padded microphone. The headset then has a connecting cord that plugs into the airplane or directly to the radio so that you can speak with other passengers or other aircraft personnel. This piece of equipment really makes the pilot’s job easier as it also increases radio efficiency.

Another extremely necessary unit of equipment to have when flying aircraft, specifically helicopters, is a helicopter helmet. The most efficient route of protection, just like riding a bike, is to wear a helmet. Of course on a helicopter you will also have extra emergency gear but the helicopter helmet is important for many things. Occasionally Helicopter helmets come with aviation helmets built in so that you can speak with your passengers. As a pilot, I am in a large group of people. Sometimes it is very hard to speak to someone because the aircraft is so loud. The aviation headsets built into our helicopter helmets help the communication.

Safe aviation is very important and any experienced pilot will tell you that it is of the utmost importance to protect your self when flying aircraft. With reference to some of the most recent plane accidents, one can observe why it is so important to wear safety gear while on an airplane. One accident in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program included a big animal crashing through the windshield of a small aircraft. The cadet and senior member personnel were thankfully wearing safe gear, so no one was hurt; well, except for the bird.

All in all, aviation headsets and helicopter helmets are essential to one’s safe flying experience. Whether you are in a large group or by yourself, it is important to acquire the correct equipment. Helmets are going to keep you safe if you are in an accident and aviation headsets will give you the right tools you need to communicate safely and effectively while you are enduring your journey of flight.