SonexBuilders.net

Somebody asked about helmets. Here is a picture of the helmet I am using for the flight testing of my Xenos, among others. It is a Bonehead Composites sky dive helmet and very lightweight and comfortable. I added the visor I bought separately from another helmet supplier which I have forgotten which one, Maybe Gentex?? Bonehead now makes a helmet specifically for flying. So you don't need to retrofit one.

I use Clarity Aloft for the headset. I also made a single seat with maximum space in the back for my backpack Strong parachute.

This picture was taken as I was flying the Steen Skybolt "Yellowbird" with a CFI to meet insurance requirements. I now only have a couple more hours of solo needed before I can carry passengers. So if you want a ride in a Skybolt, come on down!

Rick Caldwell
Xenos 0057

Tough in my Sonex sitting left side. I have the lowered seat mod. I use a thin band headset to stop it scratching the plexi. In this shot I am sitting direct to the metal seat pan as I am wearing a parachute and it doesn't work with the cushion. And today my winter hat - which would be about the amount a helmet would add. I'd be clonking off the plexi.

Fearsome helmet. Looking good.

For what's its worth...Purchased this Sky Cowboys helmet for towing gliders in the Pawnee & L19 and will likely use it during the Sonex test period. Its essentially a SAR helmet with the Peltor headset adapter. I was easily able to adapt my DC Onex headset to the helmet. The visor and cam mount were optional. This helmet seems to be popular within the STOL community.

peter