Flight Headsets
4th Nov 2021
An aviation headset serves critical purposes - communication and protection. That is why every pilot needs one. It is also the reason why choosing the best one is crucial. When shopping around for a flight headset, focus on long-term flight goals instead of the present objectives only. In most cases, the essential factors to consider are comfort and durability. If you are a student, choose a headset that might serve you until you become a flight officer. The goal should be to avoid spending money on another headset within a year or two.
A good headset should also facilitate proper communication within the cockpit and with the outside world. Pilots should communicate with co-pilots, ATC, and passengers without any hitches. At the same time, the headset should protect pilots from the excess noise, usually common in airplanes.
Below are some of the features to consider:
Microphone
The microphone determines the sound that you hear. Its quality determines the quality of information that reaches the pilot and what other people hear when the pilot speaks. Whether on the ground or in the air, the microphone should enhance clarity and two-way communication. If possible, choose a microphone with foam muffs or other noise reduction components over it.
Plugs
The plug determines the connectivity of the headset. Although most aircraft have the standard twin plug connectivity, double-checking to be sure is crucial. Find out what is available in the cockpit before investing in a headset with the wrong plug.
Noise reduction
A flight headset can have active noise reduction or passive noise reduction capacities. Active noise reduction headsets have internal electronics that produce sound to counter the outside noise, but they mostly rely on batteries for power. They emit sound waves as the obverse of the waves coming from the outside, thereby canceling each other out. Passive noise reduction headsets have a foam that reduces noise. They have an over-ear design.
Some headsets have dynamic noise reduction that has better-performing digital electronic systems. They are more advanced and expensive than the ANR, with unmatched quality.
The best headsets have advanced functionalities - they block all kinds of background noise or any other interference that could arise within the cockpit. However, you can choose the one that suits your preference or budget.
In-ear and on-ear
When it comes to exterior designs, aviation headsets can be over-ear or in-ear. The former has larger speaker plugs to cover outside the pilot’s ear, while the latter are smaller and can fit inside the ear.
On-ear plugs have been around for longer, but the in-ear option still provides good noise cancellation. Over-ear headsets are also more superior in functionality and comfort, even when used for longer durations.
Bluetooth connectivity
Although Bluetooth connectivity is not an essential feature, it can still prove helpful in making calls. Most airlines do not allow it during training because it can be a distraction. You can do without it.
Fallon pilot flight headsets
Our headsets have the above features and are available in multiple variations. Whatever brand or design you want, whether it has advanced or basic functionality, we have it. Check out our headset stock today.