Ramp Services

NIFC Ramp Services manages interagency flight helmet repair service through the NFES for participating agencies and cooperators. 

Purpose: Gentex Certified helmet technicians at NIFC’s Ramp Services provide cost effective services to multiple agencies. To inspect, repair and refurbish the agencies issued SPH-5 flight helmet.

Ramp Services: Our helmet techs are Gentex Certified to inspect and repair the SPH-5 flight helmet. They are also certified to inspect the Gentex HGU-56 and Alpha Eagle. Currently these two models are for inspection criteria only. The Great Basin Cache currently does not carry parts associated with these two models.

Associated costs: NIFC Ramp Services provides free inspections to agency partners (BIA, NPS, FWS, BLM, except USFS. Ramp Services currently does not have a standing agreement with the Forest Service). If a repair is associated after initial inspection, parts will be affixed and charged accordingly to agency’s contractual agreement charge code. All SPH-5 parts are on hand locally, which in turns creates a more efficient process for the end user.

Process: Every Gentex SPH-5, HUG-56, Alpha Eagle DOI issued flight helmet requires a biannual / annual inspection. Annual inspections are required if the associated helmet sits in inventory in a sealed box without use within a 12-month period. If the flight helmet is used during operations, a biannual/180-day inspection is warranted. 

Once inspection criteria are issued, the helmet must be sent into Gentex, Ramp Services or be inspected by a certified helmet technician. 

If the choice is to send in your helmet to NIFC Ramp Services, these are the requirements for the process. 

1. Pack helmets with plenty of surrounding protection for the shipment.
2. Please take out any personal items within the flight bag, just send helmet and flight bag only.
3. If you have made custom amendments to the helmet, we cannot fix or in many cases inspect those modifications. We will not be able to replace those items or repair if needed. We only stock OEM Gentex parts. 
4. Once packed, please include your contact information and agency agreement charge code (in case of parts are needed for repair) and a pre-paid shipping label with shipment. It makes returns easier for the Great Basin Cache when they ship your package back to you.
   Please ship to: C/O Ramp Services BLDG #210
   3833 S. Development Ave.
   Boise, Id. 83705
5. Once shipped please call Ramp Services (208) 387-5529 or email: spuentes@blm.gov and let us know your shipment is on the way.

SPH-4/4B: The SPH-4/4B is past its Gentex recommended service life, specifically the shell. We will not conduct inspections of SPH 4/4B’s. With this recommendation, Ramp Services has decided to pull Models 4 and 4B from circulation and inventory stocks (See Gentex service table below). In this determination we understand some groups still have these models in their inventory for use. If you want to pull these from your inventory lists, please send them to us. In turn we will issue a survey justification letter, stating the reason for scrapping the model from your current inventory. This letter is an attempt to justify the purchase of a new SPH-5 flight helmet to replenish your inventory levels.

This schedule it is not intended to replace existing maintenance and inspection procedures outlined in Gentex/ALPHA manuals.

Helmets frequently exposed to hot and humid conditions, or salt fog and spray conditions, may require more frequent inspection and maintenance/replacement due to the harshness of these environments. Should other/non-protection critical components and assemblies need replacement, contact an authorized Gentex/ALPHA distributor.

* The purchase of any replacement parts, components or assemblies pursuant to this schedule shall not extend, replace or alter in any way any warranty (or any limitation of such warranty) provided by Gentex for the Gentex/ALPHA aircrew helmet systems components and assemblies or any warranty (or any limitation of such warranty) provided by Gentex for any replacement parts, components or assemblies. Replacement parts, components or assemblies are not intended to alter or enhance the performance of the Gentex/ALPHA aircrew helmet systems components and assemblies and shall not provide any capabilities beyond those identified by Gentex in any marketing materials or manuals.

Helmet Inspector Certification Classes: 

Here at NIFC Ramp Services we can host certification classes for agency inspectors.

• Classes are usually one to two full days of instruction. Time frames are accounted for by class size and number of helmets in need of inspection and repair. 
• Students must bring their own helmets, or their work groups assigned inventory of helmets. These helmets will be used as instruction guides while learning to work on flight helmets.
• All parts associated with repairs will be provided during instruction. At the end of class, parts will be charged accordingly to the agency’s agreement charge code.
• All tools will be available and provided by instructors. You are welcome to bring your own as well. Tools list: Variety of length and sized screwdrivers, both Phillips (star) and Flathead; Awl or punch; spackle or puddy knife.
• Helmet avionics tester will be provided during instruction.