Search Results for: headset

Should you go with insert headsets or over-ear headsets?

We have discussed the best aviation headsets off and on through the years but a student pilot named Erin has recently posted a query about insert headsets verses over-ear headsets on Ask a CFI because she has been having trouble with rented ones staying in place during flights because of her small stature. Obviously her main consideration will be finding a pair of headsets that are small enough to stay on her head but she also noted that in her research:

I came across insert headsets (like Clarity Aloft and Halo). Clarity Aloft boasts of noise reduction of 35-45 dB which is better than any price comparable over-ear headsets. Some discussion with my CFI, however, has led me to believe they won’t be sufficient for my training (a C172).
I’m wondering if anyone here has any experience with the insert type headsets on training planes. And, if not, does anyone know of an over-ear headset that would be small enough…the lovely statistic about size is not included on most websites.

Rich Tyler responded by writing that he has flown with Dave Clarks for almost 15 years, but on long flights they start to get uncomfortable and they are not the best at cutting out excessive noise. His father in law also had a Bose noise cancelling headset, but Rich felt they never sat in his head properly and he was somewhat paranoid about not hearing something – especially if the batteries run out because they can be eerily quiet. In addition, Rich has tried a Clarity Aloft and was very impressed, but he couldn’t justify the money for a pair. Instead, Rich opted for a Halo which still allow him to hear the engine enough to feel comfortable. With that in mind, Rich suggested trying an in-ear headset if possible before committing as some people don’t like them.

Another female pilot named Summer then posted that she has a pair of Clarity Aloft headsets. Summer pointed out that over-the-head headsets give her a headache and that she frankly believes headset manufacturers only cater to the male pilot population. She also added that with Clarity Aloft, she can go flying to places and “not have shitty hairstyle by the end of my trip.”

Finally, Paul Robichaux commented that he has switched to a Halo from a Pilot USA Liberty and he loves them. He also added that the customer support at Quiet Tech has been excellent and you can probably just call or email them to see if they’d give a 30-day trial or something.

With the above response in mind, do you use insert headsets or over-ear headsets? Moreover, which brand of headset do you prefer?

Are Bose headsets worth the expensive price?

We have written about aviation headsets before (See: Lightspeed Zulu vs Bose X headset and What is the best aviation headset?) but recently a pilot or would-be pilot posted a question on Ask a Flight Instructor about what headset to buy as he had a rather expensive Bose headset in mind:

I’ve recently been looking for a headset to buy and i was referred to the BOSE set. It is a little pricey so i need advice from someone who has tried a pair to see if they are worth it?? or should i get david clarks? if not, why??

Paul Tocknell responded by noting that he has tried countless pairs of aviation headsets with the Bose A20 being (by far) his favorite BUT he has also been content using a good pair of David Clark H10-13.4 that cost a third of what a pair of Bose would costs and that there is a nearly $700 difference between the two – money he would rather spend on an extra endorsement or rating.

Meanwhile, Gary Moore also agreed with Paul and noted that he has been been flying with the same pair of David Clarks for nearly 25 years but he did concede that Bose headsets are great headsets and very comfortable.

Finally, Sam Dawson suggested trying aviation headsets on long flights if possible before making a final purchase decision. He mentioned on one flight where the aircraft had Bose headsets, he let his wife use them but:

After 1 hour her head had a bad hotspot and she made me switch. After 30 minutes wearing the Bose I too had a hotspot.

So for him, he is sticking by his (cheaper) Lightspeeds.

However, no one mentioned having any hearing or ear problems and what the best type of aviation headset might be for someone who has such problems. Hence, we want to ask you our readers what you think: What headsets do you use and if you use a Bose headset, are they worth the price? Moreover and if you have any type of hearing or ear issues to begin with, what aviation headset have you found to work best in your particular instance?

What is the best aviation headset?

A key piece of gear for any pilot will be an aviation headset. After all, you will need to be able to clearly hear ATC instructions as well as protect your hearing over the long term.

Hence Mark, a reader of the Ask a Flight Instructor Website, recently posted the following question on the site:

Do any of you who wear headsets all day, have input on David Clark H10-13s VS H10-13.4 VS Telex echelon 25xt VS David Clark H20-10
or any other light comfortable passive headset to buy

Maggot/CFII responded by suggesting to look at a “D. Clark 10-60, shop “ebay”, and look at the mike to make sure headset offered is not ancient.” Apparently, she got a very good deal on a new one well below retail price.

Kent Shook then noted that a headset buyer should always go for active noise reduction as they will not only protect your hearing, they are much more comfortable to wear. In fact, he had used a passive headset during primary instruction in order to save money but then he ended up buying an ANR headset later on anyway because “the passive headset’s clamping force would cause a headache after about 1.5 hours of flight.” He also suggested a particular headset from Gulf Coast Avionics or Pacific Coast Avionics that is essentially a Lightspeed QFR Solo with ANR for US$249.00.

Meanwhile Shannon Coleman posted that she used the DC H10-13.4S for years and wore them for several hours a day while towing banners and instructing. And while she also wrote that they aren’t bad, they do tend to get tight by the end of the day. She later upgraded her DC’s with Headset Inc’s ANR kit and loved the results.

Finally, Micah posted that he has used DC H20s 8+ for years and that they are excellent but he also added:

The problem with headsets, it seems, is that there are few good ways to try one out. Unless you can borrow a set to test, you’re going to test it after you buy it.

Hence, we want to ask you our readers: What type of aviation headset do you own or recommend owning? Moreover, where did you purchase your favorite pair of headsets?

Lightspeed Zulu vs Bose X headset

Having the right pair of headsets is a must for any pilot – especially for professional pilots who can easily spend several hours a day in an aircraft cockpit. Hence, Paul of Ask A CFI.com has written an extremely detailed review comparing his favorite headset, the Bose X, with the new Lightspeed Zulu headset. Since the late 1980s, Bose has had a patent on active noise canceling (ANC) headsets and hence, they have largely held a lock on the market. However according to Paul, the new Lightspeed Zulu gives Bose a run for its money. He tested the pair in a Beechcraft Premier and his post includes a detailed summary of his evaluation.

Paul’s Verdict? He would choose the Lightspeed Zulus if he had to sit for less than 3 hours in a piston engine airplane while in a jet aircraft he prefers his old Bose X. However, neither pair comes cheap. Paul purchased his Lightspeed Zulu for US$850 from MyPilotStore.com while the Bose X headset is available for US$995 from Amazon.com.

Nevertheless, having the right headset that is comfortable to use with the plane that you will be flying is well worth the price of avoiding a pounding headache after every flight.

Lightspeed Zulu Headset and the Bose X Aviation Headset

What is the real cost of flight training and flying?

If you are wondering what the real costs of flight training or flying as a general aviation pilot are, a would-be student pilot nicknamed aggieflyer has asked a great question on the Ask a Flight Instructor website about what those costs would be:

I know to get a private pilot certification cost anywhere from 5k to 9k.
What I am trying to figure out is the real cost of flying a plane after I get my certification. I see online where Cessena rents for $100-$125/hr WET.
What are other cost associated with flying everytime? Do i need to buy insurance coverage when I fly, what are added cost? do i need to pay landing fees at airports I land? Do i need to be a flying club member? Any FAA fees? Additional passenger charges etc

John D. Collins responded by writing that he owns a Bonanza which costs him the following:

Maintenance: $3,000
Insurance: $1,200
Hagar Taxes: $1,100
Hangar Condo Fees: $600
Fuel: $4,500 (Assuming $6 per gallon x 15 gallons per flight hour x 50 hours per year)

His total flying costs comes to $10,400 per year or $210 per hour, but he estimated that a C172 would be half that value. He also commented about airport and FBO fees and that most general aviation pilots learn to avoid those that have them (not difficult to do in the USA) or minimize their exposure to them.

Jim F. then posted that a student pilot should expect the cost of flight training to be much closer to $10,000 than to $5,000.

Renting a 172: At Least $120 an Hour (Potentially less for a 150/152, Cub or Tail-wheel)
Renter’s Insurance (Even if You Don’t Have Much Assets): $250
Equipment (e.g. Headsets, Charts, Books etc.): $1,000
Charts: Annual Updates
Gas (As In To and From the Airport) etc.: Varies

Jim suggested adding a few dollars or if you end up doing a significant amount of flying, adding $5 to $10 to the hourly rental charge to anticipate all of the other costs you will incur as a general aviation pilot.

Bob Watson added that the cost of a flight instructor will also need to be included in a flight training cost calculation. In the Pacific Northwest where he lives, a flight instructor will cost $40 to $70 an hour and you will need to assume 20 to 30 hours of instruction in an aircraft plus 10 to 15 hours of instruction both before and after a flight – adding around $2,000 to the cost of flight training.

Finally, Brian commented that you will first need to determine if you are the type of person who learns quickly. If so, then you should assume 50 to 80 flight hours for training plus roughly the same amount of ground time and you will need to find out what a flight instructor charges per hour. Multiplying those figures will equal your total flight training costs.

With the above flight training and flying costs in mind that are more appropriate for the States, we would love to ask any UK or Europe based readers: What were your flight training costs and what are your annual flying costs?

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp…

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,
Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.

The aircraft were fastened to tie-downs with care,
In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.

The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,
With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.

I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,
And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.

When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,
I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.

A voice clearly heard over static and snow,
Called for clearance to land at the airport below.

He barked his transmission so lively and quick,
I’d have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick";

I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,
The better to welcome this magical flight.

He called his position, no room for denial,
"St. Nicholas One, turnin’ left onto final."

And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!

With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,
As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:

"Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!
On Comet! On Cupid!" What pills was he takin’?

While controllers were sittin’, and scratchin’ their head,
They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,

The message they left was both urgent and dour:
"When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower."

He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,
Then I heard "Left at Charlie," and "Taxi to parking."

He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh
And stopped on the ramp with a "Ho, ho-ho- ho…"

He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,
I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.

His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost
And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.

His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,
A nd he puffed on a pipe, but he didn’t inhale.

His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,
His books were as black as a cop dusters belly.

He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,
And he asked me to "fill it, with hundred low- lead."

He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,
I knew he was anxious for drainin’ the sump.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.

He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,
Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.

And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,
These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.

He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,
Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, "Clear!"

And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,
He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.

"Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,
Turn right three-two-zero at pilot’ s discretion."

He sped down the runway, the best of the best.
"Your traffic’s a Grumman, inbound from the west."

Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed through the night,
"Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight."

(forwarded) by Bob Livingstone and again forwarded by Micheal Clayton and eventually posted here.