Original Message

I'm astonished that some professional pilots don't own their own helmet, etc.

I liked the Gallets the company provided so much that I bought mine. Light, tight, fairly easy to customize and works well with NVGs mounted. Winters, when the helmet is stiff, donning it is a task.

The first jackets AMC provided were good leather flight jackets, mine still looks good 15-20 years of service. I don't know what the company provides now- I understand that the union is weaker. But, I wear nomex jackets when I fly.