Pilot Checklist: Choosing Your Aviation Headset

In a world with so many choices and technological advancement, it can be difficult to sort through the numerous options to determine exactly what you want. The same is true for deciding which aviation headset you should roam the skies with. We’ve broken down the aviation headset buying process in a familiar pilot checklist format. Here we will review the most important factors to consider when buying a new headset: sound, comfort, price, plug type and a brief overview of additional features.

Sound

With sound, you have two distinct Noise Reduction Ratings: ANR and PNR. ANR or Active Noise Reduction, uses electronics to sense noise coming from your surroundings – like the drone of the engine or the sound of air moving around the aircraft. ANR cancels out that ambient noise by sending a wave of sound that is equal in amplitude, but opposite in phase into your headset. PNR or Passive Noise Reduction, relies solely on physical soundproofing (with foam and other materials) to passively reduce ambient noise. Each airplane’s noise signature is different, so be sure to research which Noise Reduction Rating works best for your aircraft.
Additional ANR and PNR Differences Worth Mentioning:

• ANR headsets typically weigh less.
• PNR headsets tend to be less expensive because they require less technology.
• ANR headsets block more ambient noise and damaging noise frequencies making it easier to hear communications and providing more protection from hearing loss.
• ANR headsets requires a power source – either panel power or batteries. If an ANR headset losses the power source it will continue to function as a PNR headset using only passive noise reduction.

Comfort

Although noise reduction is important, another significant factor in choosing the correct headset is how it fits and feels. In some cases, you may be wearing the headset for long periods of time, so comfort ranks relatively high on the checklist. One feature that may be important to you is the ability to adjust the clamping force of the headset. This regulates how much pressure the headset is putting around your ears and how well it blocks out sound. Generally, this is more important for PNR headsets, as they rely heavily on having a secure seal to block out sound waves.
The distribution of weight is also an important factor in how comfortable the headset will be. As a good rule of thumb, a lighter headset will be more comfortable for longer periods of time. Also, having most of the weight in the ear cups will give you better comfort results.

Price

For most people, money is one of the biggest decision-making factors. We didn’t rank price as the most important factor on our checklist because you should view your headset as safety investment. Try to remember that clear communication is paramount in flight and it is likely that you will use your headset for many years or possibly your entire flying career. Prices of aviation headsets can vary greatly, anywhere between $99.95 at the lowest, to over $1,000.00.
ANR headsets will generally run you more than PNR headsets, as there is a difference in technology level. But, you can find a good entry-level ANR headset for around $300.00.

Plug Type

Most major aviation headset manufacturers offer their headsets with a variety of connector plugs. You can determine what type of connector plug you need by the aircraft you are connecting to.
Types of Aviation Headset Connectors:

• Dual Male Plugs / GA Plugs - Fixed Wing
• LEMO Connector Plug/ Redel / 6-pin Connector - Panel Powered
• Airbus / 5-pin XLR Connector – Airline or Corporate
• Single Male Plug / U-174 with High Impedance– Helicopter
• Single Male Plug / U-174 with Low Impedance– Military

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your plug type is not compatible with your aircraft we also offer a wide variety of adapters to convert the connection.
 

Additional Features

Many aviation headsets come with more than just your standard noise cancellation and a flex boom mic. Some additional features you want to consider are:

• FlightLink Compatibility - FlightLink is an aviation app for iPad and iPhone that works with Lightspeed headset. FlightLink captures and retrieve incoming and outgoing communications in the cockpit so that you can record your audio for playback later.
• Warranties are also something you may want to consider looking into as an aspect of making your decision. Most warranties range anywhere from one to seven years, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers also offer lifetime guarantees.
• Some headsets will come with a carrying case as well. This can be a bonus, but it is not necessary as some flight bags already have a headset compartment. Or you may want to pick out a headset case separately that specifically fits your needs.

When it comes to headsets, there are many different options to choose from. Here at Fallon Pilot Shop, we offer in-store demo headsets giving you the opportunity to try the headset on your next flight. This allows you to test out the capabilities and comfort in real time. It’s a great option before committing to the purchase. If your local pilot shop does not offer a demo headset program, we suggest talking to fellow pilots and flight instructors to hear their first-hand experience with their headset of choice. Also, be sure to check out online reviews.
We offer a large variety of headsets from leading manufacturers such as Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark, Telex, Faro, and more! If you’ve completed our checklist and you are still not sure give us a call at (321) 345- 9464. Allow us to help you choose the headset that fits you best!