Severe thunderstorms in Florida during the summer of 2003 delayed Skip Aldous from taking off for Spokane, WA. Skip, opposing solo for the Lima Lima Flight Team, was scheduled to meet his fellow pilots of the world-renowned aerobatic formation team in Spokane for an air show. Having to depart 24 hours later, it was obvious that to arrive in time for the first show, he would have to fly straight through—six legs and more than 14 hours.
"I flew my T-34 from one corner of the country to the other, and arrived pain-free and ready to perform because of my Oregon Aero Complete Aviation Helmet Upgrade and portable seat cushion," said Skip. "At no time did my helmet start to hurt my head or did my rear go numb, and when I landed in Spokane, I found that I could still walk. I KNOW I couldn’t have done it without Oregon Aero."
All of the Lima Lima Flight Team's pilots use Oregon Aero helmet upgrades and portable seat cushions to help them perform their best. They also use our Shock-Absorbing Shoe Inserts in their footwear for additional comfort in the air and on the ground.
Aviation Helmet Upgrades Testimonials
"I have just finished the installation of this kit (SoftSeal/HushKit® Combo) on my HGU-55P helmet. My feedback to you: SUPERB!"
— Capt. H.R.A., CAP
"Over the past 15 years I have flown over 30 different fixed and rotary wing aircraft across the spectrum of Combat to Developmental Test and Evaluation. The single biggest operational enhancement I have personally experienced is the Oregon Aero® ZetaLiner® Helmet Liner.
The ZetaLiner® Helmet Liner instantly eliminates the helmet induced fatigue, qualifying it as a ‘Combat Enhancement’. The fatigue associated with tactical NVG evolutions is primarily (caused by) a poorly fitting helmet.
Two additional Oregon Aero products are notable, the SoftSeal® Ear Cushions and SoftSeat® Cushion. The...cushions contribute significantly to managing fatigue and ensuring a consistently tailored fit each time you strap on an aircraft. I recommend the ZetaLiner® (Helmet Liner) to anyone required to operate in a high workload environment wearing a helmet, especially if NVD’s are also required. It will make a believer out of you immediately."
— D.A., AH-1W WTI/ETP
"After the first flight with your ‘HushKit®’ in my SPH-5®* helmet, I knew I’d never go back to the original equipment. I’ve been able to turn the radio/intercom volume down by at least 25% and get better audio clarity. The SoftSeal® ear pieces felt great even after a three-hour flight."
— J.M., flight medic
"The installation of your kit (for an SPH-4®* helmet) greatly decreased the amount of outside noise. This allowed me to decrease the ICS volume for the first time."
— R.R., flight paramedic
With Oregon Aero upgrades, pilots of fixed wing fighters report reducing their audio output setting from 90-95% to a new average setting of 35-45%, with significantly improved comprehension.
— North Dakota Air National Guard, Oregon Air National Guard, and others
"I am a Marine helicopter pilot at Quantico, Va....I just wanted to say ‘thank you.’ The first day I used my helmet (with Oregon Aero® Aviation Helmet Upgrade components), I flew over five hours. With my old helmet liner I would have been assured of deep red marks on my forehead, circles around my ears, and a nagging headache. After using your helmet and Ear Cup liners, I was surprised to find no red marks or nagging headache. Also the comfort and fit of your products cut out outside noise much better than before. I...am still passing round the good word about your products."
— Major A.J.G., Ground Safety Officer HMX-1
Aerobatic performer Norm DeWitt wears an Oregon Aero® helmet upgrade while flying his Zivko Edge 540 (shown here) and his Christen Eagle II. The upgrade "significantly improves the shock absorption capability of my helmet and reduces cockpit noise," says Norm. "I was also impressed with their outstanding customer service."
“WOW! I first used my helmet upgrade while doing recurrency training in the Texan II, and it was FANTASTIC! There was a huge difference in the reduction of outside noise and on flights with the instructor in the back. I could hear him breathing oxygen real loud. That's ok, I turned down the intercom. I could hear the radio much better. And, it was much more comfortable. I love it. Thank you.“
- Patty Wagstaff, premier aerobatic pilot,
Oregon Aero customer since 1990.
When I’m on the ground, I use ShockBlocker® Insole Inserts. They give me added comfort and increased shock absorption while I’m running. I highly recommend these products for anyone.”
-- Sean Tucker, aerobatic performer
