So today I saw a guy on a bike wearing a Air Force fighter helmet....is this allowed?

[tngdesi]

On the way to work, I saw a guy riding a Suzuki GXR while wearing a Air Force/Navy fighter helmet. Full on mask down, oxygen mask attached also. I know that these helmet are designed to protect a fighter pilot in a crash, but are these things allowed for motorcycle riders?

[PlatinumGLS]

In states where helmets are not required, it doesn't matter what he is wearing. But in a state where helmets are required, the lid must be DOT approved.

[mad8vskillz]

maybe ok, but a little ghey, no?

[Cabby-Blitz]

The real question is, does the Air Force allow it? Are they not really expensive helmets?

[turbinepowered]

The real question is, does the Air Force allow it? Are they not really expensive helmets?

They *are* available as surplus items, if somewhat expensive surplus items. For the scratch you'd put down for a used flying lid, you could probably buy a good middle-run real helmet.

[NewFlesh]

There are some companies making approved helmets in "fighter pilot" style...maybe it was one of these?

[gr8shandini]

Yeah, there are a few flight helmet replicas out there:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...elmet/draxtar/

And yes, you can get the real deal, but they are quite pricey:

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/dept-29...g-Helmets.html

They're also really more of a way to hold your visor, mask, and comm gear together. They'll protect you from flying debris from a bird strike, or if you punch out, but I wouldn't want to take a solid hit to the noggin in one.