The EN 966 standard is a European standard for helmets used in air sports, such as paragliding, hang gliding, and similar airborne activities. EN stands for European Norm, and the standard sets out the testing requirements that an air sports helmet must meet to be sold as meeting EN 966 in Europe. A helmet that meets the standard has been tested for the kinds of impact and use that air sports involve.
Air sports put different demands on a helmet than cycling or motorcycling do. A paraglider or hang glider pilot may need a helmet that is light, comfortable for long flights, and able to protect the head in a landing or a fall, while still allowing good hearing and vision. This guide explains what the EN 966 standard covers in general terms, which helmets it applies to, how it differs from other helmet standards, and what to look for when you choose an air sports helmet.
What Is the EN 966 Standard?
EN 966 is a European standard published for helmets used in airborne sports. The standard describes the tests an air sports helmet must pass and the way the helmet must be built, so that a buyer in Europe can recognise a helmet made for this kind of use. In general terms, it covers the helmet’s ability to absorb impact, stay on the head, and provide the coverage a pilot needs.
European standards use the EN prefix followed by a number, and each number refers to a different product or activity. EN 966 is the one for air sports helmets, while other numbers cover bicycle helmets, climbing helmets, and other kinds of protective headgear. The number matters, because a helmet that meets one EN standard is not automatically suitable for a different activity. The label inside the helmet should name the standard it meets.
It is worth knowing that EN standards are used across many European countries, and a helmet that meets EN 966 can be sold in those countries as meeting the standard. The standard is a technical description of what the helmet must do, and makers have their helmets tested by independent laboratories to show that they meet it.
What Does EN 966 Testing Cover in General Terms?
In general terms, the EN 966 standard covers the things that matter most for an air sports pilot. The main part is impact testing: a helmet is tested to see how well it absorbs the force of a blow, so that less force reaches the head. The helmet must keep those forces within the limits set by the standard. This is the core of what the standard checks, because reducing the force that reaches the head is the helmet’s main job.
The standard also covers the retention system, which is the straps and fasteners that hold the helmet on your head. In air sports, a helmet that comes off in flight or in a fall is no use at all, so the straps must keep the helmet in place under test conditions. The helmet’s coverage, its field of vision, and its ability to let the pilot hear are also part of the picture, because a pilot needs to see and hear clearly while flying.
If you are learning about how helmets handle different kinds of impact, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the technologies used in modern helmet design. A standard like EN 966 describes the tests a helmet must pass, while a technology like MIPS describes how a helmet is built to manage rotational forces in a crash. A helmet can meet a standard and also include extra technology, and both are worth understanding when you compare helmets.
Which Air Sports Use EN 966 Helmets?
The standard is written for airborne sports, and the best-known examples are paragliding and hang gliding. In both of these sports, the pilot launches from a slope, flies through the air, and lands on the ground, so the helmet needs to protect the head during launch, in flight, and at landing. A helmet that meets EN 966 is designed with those stages in mind.
Other air sports may also use helmets that meet the standard, and some pilots use an EN 966 helmet for more than one airborne activity. What matters is that the helmet matches the activity: a helmet made for paragliding may not be right for a powered sport with higher speeds, and a helmet made for another sport may not give the coverage a paraglider needs. Always check the maker’s description of what the helmet is designed for, and choose a helmet that matches how you will actually fly.
How Do You Know a Helmet Meets EN 966?
Look for the EN 966 marking inside the helmet. A helmet that meets the standard carries a label naming EN 966, usually fixed inside the helmet near the size label or the maker’s label, and the marking may also appear on the box the helmet came in. The label should look clean and properly printed. A label that looks smudged or stuck on as an afterthought is a reason to ask questions before you buy.
You can also check with the maker or the seller. A reputable shop that sells air sports gear should be able to tell you which standard a helmet meets and show you the label. If a seller cannot answer, or if the price seems far lower than similar helmets from known makers, it is sensible to be cautious. A helmet is safety equipment, and a deal that looks too good to be true often is.
Should You Choose an EN 966 Certified Helmet for Air Sports?
In general terms, yes, if you fly in Europe or buy your gear there. An EN 966 certified helmet is a helmet tested to the European standard for air sports, and that is a meaningful mark of quality for a paraglider or hang glider pilot. Many flying schools and clubs look for the standard when they advise new pilots, and it is a reasonable thing to look for.
That said, certification is only one part of choosing a helmet. Fit matters just as much: a helmet that does not sit level, feel snug, and stay in place with its straps fastened cannot protect you well, whatever standard it meets. Comfort matters too, because a pilot may wear the helmet for hours at a time. The best choice is a helmet that meets the standard, fits you well, and suits the kind of flying you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does EN 966 stand for?
A: EN stands for European Norm, and 966 is the number of the European standard for helmets used in air sports, such as paragliding and hang gliding. It sets out the testing and build requirements those helmets must meet.
Q: Is EN 966 the same as a bicycle helmet standard?
A: No. EN 966 is written for air sports helmets, while bicycle helmets meet a different European standard. A helmet that meets one standard is not automatically suitable for a different activity.
Q: Does an EN 966 label mean a helmet is the safest choice?
A: It means the helmet passed the tests in the European standard for air sports helmets, which is a strong sign of quality. Fit and comfort still matter, so choose a certified helmet that fits you well and suits the flying you do.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
