An improved, lightweight helmet and visor assembly suitable for use in higherformance aircraft during flight and ejection, if necessary, of the pilot. A plurality of holes are formed in the forward area of the crown region of the helmet shell beneath a visor guard and along the side edges of the visor guard to relocate the center of gravity of the helmet, reduce the aerodynamic pressure of windblast during ejection, increase stability during high acceleration, increase ventilation and cooling, and increase comfort to the pilot while maintaining the structural integrity of the helmet.