We are a certified installer of Lightspeed Aviation's Zulu H-Mod ANR for Helmets. For installation in new helmets, or installation to upgrade your existing helmet communications. 

When it comes to the design and manufacturing of ANR (active noise reduction) headsets Lightspeed Aviation is a leader in the aviation community. By utilizing advanced technology Lightspeed carefully engineers its products to create a quiet environment for its users while providing maximum comfort and communication. Now with the Zulu H-Mod ANR system, which is specifically designed for installation in helmets, Lightspeed is offering that same technology and experience to customers who wear helmets. The most awarded headset company on the market, Lightspeed is committed to making flights both safe and enjoyable for its customers whether they use headsets or helmets.

6 Questions To Ask Before Upgrading Your Helmet Comms

Adapted from Lightspeed Aviation- July 2020

It happened countless times. Lightspeed would be exhibiting at a trade show and customers would ask when Lightspeed was going to make a Lightspeed system for helmets. Sometimes, the customer would even show how they had taken apart a headset and installed the components into their personal helmet. Responding to this neglected segment of hard-working aviators, who choose to, or are required to, wear a helmet motivated Lightspeed to design and build a system specifically for aviation helmets.

Working with many pilots and experts, the Lightspeed design team focused on the comfort and features requested most by the pilots they surveyed. In 2016 the first Zulu H-Mod systems began shipping, and about a year later Lightspeed released the second product, the LSA 56, developed in conjunction with Gentex specifically for the HGU-56/P helmet. The following is a list of the top six criteria they found important, and things to look for when you are considering your next helmet communication installation.

Does the system have Active Noise Reduction (ANR)?

A breakthrough technology that is particularly helpful in reducing fatigue, noise induced hearing loss, and improving communications, ANR is a must for today’s aviators. Lightspeed has been producing ANR headset systems in aviation (piston and turbine environments) since 1996, and now a mature technology, it has proven to be a factor in safer, more comfortable flying.

Is the system purpose built for aviation helmets?

As mentioned earlier, there is a temptation to install a “deconstructed” headset into a helmet. While inventive, this creates a series of other problems including poor fit and comfort, non-optimized ANR, and an abandonment of the manufacturer’s warranty. Both Lightspeed ANR for helmet systems were designed for this specific application. The fit and comfort were among the biggest challenges. A system inside a helmet does not rest on the head and ears the same way a headset does.

Is the installation done by a certified installer?

Getting the installation just right is a key to ensuring the system has the performance and longevity you expect. Lightspeed has hand-picked a global team of skilled technicians and helmet experts and certified them to install and service Lightspeed ANR in helmets. FlightHelmet.com was the first certified installer selected. You can rest assured that the job will be done well, and FlightHelmet.com will be there to help you through any issues that occur post purchase.

Is Bluetooth integrated?

In its early days, Bluetooth may have been viewed as a frivolous feature that pilots in a busy environment would not use. Today, however, it is a vital way to receive alerts from navigation apps and provide an excellent back communication source. Having this built right into the system provides these benefits with no additional components, cables, connections, etc.

Has it been designed for a safe egress in the event of an emergency?

One of the most important features unique to the helmet application is the need for an emergency egress. Lightspeed engineers developed a beautifully integrated “quick disconnect” that will automatically break free ensuring that you and your helmet exit the aircraft with no noticeable drag from the connection to the panel.

Does the manufacturer endorse and warranty the product?

Last, but certainly not least, a deconstructed headset from any brand installed into a helmet has voided the warranty. The installer may or may not offer a supplemental warranty but recognize that if it is not backed by the manufacturer, you may have no warranty at all. The factory warranty on the Lightspeed ANR for helmet systems is 3 years.

If you can solidly answer yes to all six of these test questions, you know that you have a premium ANR system for helmets that is purpose-designed by Lightspeed for any demanding task your work requires.

Ready to purchase your new FlightHelmet.com helmet with Lightspeed Aviation's Zulu H-Mod ANR? 

Purchase HERE or give us a call at 800-531-4898

Why should you choose FlightHelmet.com to purchase your Lightspeed installation in your new or existing helmet? Check out these testimonials direct from Lightspeed, many were installed or serviced by us at FlightHelmet.com

FlightHelmet.com was the first company that Lightspeed certified to install Zulu ANR in helmets back in 2015. Since then we have installed hundreds of units in almost every make and model helmet available on the market. Apart from our long-term extensive experience with Lightspeed, other helmet companies trust us to perform installations of Lightspeed Zulu H-Mod in their helmets. FlightHelmet.com takes pride in our reliability and guaranteed satisfaction of Lightspeed technology installations, and we hope that you will choose us to install the Lightspeed Zulu H-Mod in your helmet.

Yes! I want a new FlightHelmet.com helmet with Lightspeed Aviation's Zulu H-Mod ANR.

Purchase HERE or give us a call at 800-531-4898

Duncan G. and his son John in his Aermacchi AM3C warbird out of Cape Town, South Africa.

Check out what Russell Throstenberg has to say about his FlightHelmet.com helmet with Lightspeed ANR: 

Russell Throstenberg's plane "Miss Behavin" and his matching custom helmet with Lightspeed Zulu H-Mod ANR.

Ready for your new FlightHelmet.com helmet with Lightspeed Aviation's Zulu H-Mod ANR? 

Purchase HERE or give us a call at 800-531-4898

Do I need ANR In My Helmet?

For many of us that learned to fly a long time ago, we became quite happy with a comfortable pair of passive headsets or standard comms in a helmet. Then Active Noise Reduction (ANR) came along in the 1990s, and not everyone was convinced it was actually better in the cockpit than passive noise reduction.

Fast forward 25+ years – the technology has now matured and has proven itself to provide a variety of benefits that really do improve the flying experience.

Let’s examine a few of those:

Noise reduction in both piston and turbine environments

ANR is particularly good at reducing low-frequency noise, and there is a substantial amount of low-frequency noise in both piston and turbine aircraft.

Clearer comms

With much of that low-frequency noise out of the way, it is much easier to hear the comms clearly. This mitigates the need to turn up the volume on comms so that they are louder than the noise. This in turn provides genuine savings when it comes to noise-induced hearing loss.

Less fatigue

Studies have shown that by reducing the monotonous low-frequency drone in the aircraft, there is a measurable reduction in fatigue. We know this leads to fresher, better decision making.

Mechanical anomalies are more noticeable

One of the concerns we sometimes hear from pilots is that they will not hear mechanical anomalies that could warn of an impending problem. Interestingly, the opposite is actually true. Because the background noise is reduced, any acoustic anomaly is actually more noticeable when ANR is present. You can read anecdotal stories of this from pilots on various aviation forums and blogs.

Enhanced features

Lightspeed ANR systems for helmets have integrated Bluetooth and a Quick Disconnect. In its early days, Bluetooth may have been viewed as a frivolous feature that pilots in a busy environment would not use. Today, however, it is a vital way to receive alerts from navigation apps and provide an excellent back communication source. Having this built right into the system provides these benefits with no additional components, cables, or connections.

To facilitate a “hands-free” emergency egress, Lightspeed ANR systems for helmets include a beautifully integrated “quick disconnect” that will automatically break free ensuring that you and your helmet exit the aircraft with no noticeable drag from the connection to the panel.

Better comfort

With a proper fit, ANR systems can rest more lightly on the ears due to the fact that it is the electronic signals that are doing much of the noise reduction, not a strong clamping force. This leads to a much more comfortable fit. Lightspeed ANR systems are also designed with the human ear in mind, and the shape of the cups and assemblies are designed for maximum comfort.

Premium materials

High-quality parts and manufacturing processes are used throughout the system, but the most notable component is the unique Kevlar reinforced cables used in the Lightspeed systems. We introduced these cables in 2015 in our most expensive headset and have since migrated most of our products to these cables due to their extreme superiority in the field. They are the epitome of rugged, durable, and flexible.

Do you need ANR in your helmet? Of course not, BUT you will enjoy your flying much more immensely with it and will benefit from some of the on-board safety features that are also part of an upgrade.

Features and benefits of Lightspeed Zulu H-Mod

Yes! I am ready for my new FlightHelmet.com helmet with Lightspeed Aviation's Zulu H-Mod ANR!

Purchase HERE or give us a call at 800-531-4898