Photo credit: 9/11 Memorial staff
Accession Number: IL.2013.19.4
Dimensions: 8.5 in X 7.25 in X 5.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 21.59 cm X 18.415 cm X 13.97 cm
Credit Line: Presented with permission of the City of New York and the New York City Police Department. All rights reserved.
Description
David Clark brand standard aviation headset used in NYPD helicopters. The headset has light-green padded earcups and a leather-and-wool-cushioned headband. Black electrical tape is attached to the earphone cords adhering them to the metal earcup mount. There is a black coiled headset cable attached to the M-1 DC microphone. NYPD has been etched into the headband and earcups. Additionally, the number "18" is scratched into the earcups, and "NYCPD 18" has been written on the foam filled ear seals.
Historical Notes
On the morning of September 11, NYPD helicopter pilots hovered in the vicinity of the Twin Towers, assessing the possibility of rooftop rescues. The North Tower roof was crowded with electrical equipment, and the helipad on the South Tower roof was obscured by smoke. Extreme temperatures prevented helicopters from getting close enough to the roof of either tower to attempt any rescue. Officers in the helicopters were, however, able to relay information about the fire to officials on the ground. After the South Tower collapsed, they warned that the North Tower appeared to be on the brink of falling.