Test Pilot Helmets
Everyone has a trademark of some kind. Mine is my homemade helmet from 1946 when I was a test pilot for Chance Vought Aircraft in Stratford, CT.
At that time, much equipment for test pilots was primitive compared with today. One piece which was very inadequate was our helmets. The ones we used early on were cloth, as were all Air Force ones. Since jets had not been introduced, and hard hats for pilots were not conceived, Chance Vought customers, Naval and Marines, were still wearing cloth helmets.
The need for a hard hat, however, was there for me as I began flying higher and faster on experimental testing. With a cloth helmet at top speed, if I hit an air pocket, I would be knocked out. So I created my own (which is the picture). Since I had played football in college, I was able to obtain an old football helmet (orange because Princeton’s school colors were orange and black). I took the helmet to the mechanics at Chance Vought, and they wired in the head set. Then I had it painted with my call name – “Ozark” which tied back to my Arkansas roots.
About The Author
Later in my life, in other industries, I have found "an edge" exhilarating and important. If reading His Edge leads you to develop "an edge," you will have captured the esprit of the esprit de corps found in the successful people around you.
~Wayne Harding _______________________________________________________________
I have just received a copy of your book and look forward to reading it. It was immediately taken ...
I feel like I can see the action and emotions that you express through your written word! 
That is a great story! I think it is made better by the fact Al had to clean up ...
Great post about Al and the G force a person can withstand. Thanks for sharing Wayne Jr. 
Great stories and experiences. I especially enjoyed reading about your Lindbergh story. Will you writing another book? ...
A really terrific book which relates first-hand experiences of a member of the Greatest Generation. Thank you for your ...
I loved the book for a variety of reasons.
The history alone offers wonderful glimpses into the past and brings ...
Comment by Wayne III on 2 June 2009:
I’ve seen this helmet in person (I’m one of Wayne Jr’s sons) and it’s a piece to admire… Just a bit of protection between the pilot and the canopy…
Comment by Karen H. on 2 June 2009:
Interesting blog. Love your website layout. The story of how you made your own helmet is fascinating. Sounds like it was very dangerous before a solution was found! Good job.
Karen H.
Comment by Sean Harding on 3 June 2009:
Hey Wayne Jr! You were so brave, and I know for a fact that Chance Vought was extremely lucky to have you as a pilot. Not only are you very brave, but you are very innovative too. I cannot believe people wanted to be tests pilots knowing they had little, or no, protection!!! Thanks for passing your bravery and innovation onto us
Comment by Jane V on 13 June 2009:
I so enjoyed reading this book . It brought back fond memories of my Father , who I regret not asking more about his service in the War . As another famous American said , ” Thanks for the memories ” .
Comment by Paul Z on 22 June 2009:
Loved the book - thanks for sharing. Great view into WWII and post-WWII America through the eyes of one test pilot pushing himself and his plane to the edge.