JSfirm Member Press: Hillsboro Aviation to Use Xtreme ALSE Helmets for External Load Training

Xtreme ALSE has provided Hillsboro Aviation with six Alpha Eagle flight helmets, one of the most state of the art flight helmets on the market. Hillsboro Aviation’s pilots and instructors will use these helmets throughout the entire external load training course. The helmets help to increase the level of safety and comfort during training and allow the pilot to completely focus on the helicopter. They augment the training environment and give the pilot a feel for real-world helicopter operations. The Alpha Eagle helmet features a strong, ultra light construction made from epoxy resin aramid and carbon fiber achieving the ultimate combination of light weight and high protection. The helmet offers the best combination of head and hearing protection with technology like NVG compatibility, ANR and Dual Impedance options for use in air medical, law enforcement, commercial and military applications. The Kevlar/carbon fiber shell is lightweight and fully adjustable for a comfortable custom fit. It is equipped with a “Cool-Max” liner for improved hygiene and heat reduction. Hillsboro Aviation will have information about the Alpha Eagle helmets available for students, instructors and other pilots who are interested in purchasing them. Hillsboro Aviation developed its external load training course based on the extensive experience of its charter department which conducts external load operations such as firefighting, seismic exploration and construction nationwide. The course consists of 10 hours of ground training covering all areas of external load operations as well as 15 hours of vertical reference flight training experience where the pilot is exposed to 50, 100 and 150 foot synthetic lines. The pilot also has the opportunity to fly a variety of loads at the end of the line while learning how to pick up and drop off loads at specific locations. About Xtreme ALSE Xtreme ALSE, LLC is a full-service Aviation Life Support Equipment facility based in Clarksville, TN. Xtreme ALSE, LLC specializes in new Alpha helmet sales, refurbishments, inspections and communications. Xtreme ALSE, LLC is also an FAA approved Night Vision Goggle inspection and repair facility (FAA Certificate 9XTR500B). Xtreme ALSE, LLC is owned and managed by Brian and Elisabeth Henley. The company was formed as a result of Brian’s past Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) experience and his love and understanding of aviation safety. Brian has many years of experience as an Aviation Life Support Technician with the Army’s only Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the 160th SOAR (A). Xtreme ALSE’s employees are considered to be the very best in their respected fields. From the expert painters to the various technicians, only the most experienced personnel make up Xtreme ALSE. Xtreme ALSE is constantly looking for new and improved ways to enhance the safety and performance of aviation life support equipment. About Hillsboro Aviation Headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, Hillsboro Aviation has been in business since 1980. The company’s diverse operations include airplane and helicopter flight training, airplane and helicopter charter, aircraft sales, maintenance and avionics services. Its aircraft fleet includes more than 70 aircraft ranging from single-engine piston and multi-engine turbine airplanes to Robinson R-22s and turbine-powered Bell helicopters. Hillsboro Aviation is one of the largest combined helicopter and airplane flight training schools in the U.S. and one of the largest charter operators in the northwestern U.S. It is also the U.S. Independent Representative for Bell Helicopter, the northwestern U.S. dealer for Cessna single-engine piston aircraft and a dealer for the Robinson Helicopter Company.