First GA Aviation Headset

[ewan2k_uk]

Hey all,

Looking for some guidance on what to look for in buying GA headesets? ive been looking around and there are so many to choose from. Ive read about the Bose A20 but certainly cost a few pounds, but if they are worth the money then should it be a good buy for a first set?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ewan

[pudoc]

I would buy some good ol' David Clark H10-13.4. The Bose A20s and other ANR headsets are very quiet and comfortable, but it comes at a cost. I have also found with ANR headsets that if you wear sunglasses with them and turn your head you can get severe and painful vibrations in your ear. I assume it's because the sunglasses cause a gap between your ear and the headset and the ANR tries to reduce the noise.

I probably didn't have the A20 fitted correctly on my head, but that painful vibration was enough to send me back to David Clark's PNRs.

It does depend how much you want to splash out on it, I'd get a cheap set. You might not even like flying.

[Armchairflyer]

Had the same "problem" before starting my PPL. My seasoned instructor gave a simple and most helpful advice: "get the cheapest one that fits". Tried several ones and picked a David Clark H20-10, mostly because it had gel pads which are comfortable when wearing my glasses (all other ones I tried from different manufacturers were equally OK sound-wise).

So +1 for getting a cheap yet comfortable headset for starters. If you stick with flying and decide one day that you want a fancy high-end headset, you'll have your old one as a reserve or for a passenger.

[mad_jock]

If your just going to fly ppl then its good advise if your taking it further get the best noise canceling headset you can get from the start thats comfy.

You can't turn back the clock with hearing damage.

Tinitus is a real swine and something I have to live with after doing a 1000 hours of instructing with a cheap pair.

[Say Cheese]

I recently (2 weeks ago) brought a pair of David Clark H10-13.4's on the recommendation of my instructor. They work great, both my instructor and the tower can hear me and I can hear them.
They also fit well.
Highly recommended.

[DX Wombat]

Ewan, I appreciate that you are new here but may I suggest you do a search on headsets which will bring up lots and lots of threads and information for you. It will also save those of us who have posted on one or more of them from having to do so again. :ok:
Search - click search at top of page, then advanced search. In keywords box put "headsets" then look for "Search in Forum(s)" and put Private Flying in this then click the "Search now" button.

[Morris542]

I haven't posted on any yet headset thread so I'll do it here! I got myself a David Clark H10 13.4. I found a relatively cheap one on ebay, but not one so cheap that it is already past its best. I don't want it to fall apart as I plan to get a fair amount of use out of the thing! It's comfy and I haven't had any problems with it so far.

[BAe 146-100]

The David Clark's are extremely robust but they are a heavy fit on the ears (something I personally don't like), but if hardwearing is what your after for GA use rather than comfort they are the best.

[mad_jock]

You can also get spares for most bits of them and also fix with cable ties if you really have to.

[proudprivate]

I recently (2 weeks ago) b[r]ought a pair of David Clark H10-13.4's on the recommendation of my instructor. They work great, both my instructor and the tower can hear me and I can hear them.


Now that is a bit of a minimum requirement, I would say.

+1 on David Clark. The reason is it's a relatively affordable headset that is very robust. Once you have you're PPL, you can still decide on where to go from there (active noise cancellation or not) and use the DC as a headset for a friend.

When you're a flight instructor (many take offs at full power) or have an instrument rating (long flights) then you might want to upgrade.

MJ, sorry to hear you have tinnitus. You know that there are now specialist neurosurgeons in Antwerp (and probably also in the UK) than can cure it ?

[Steve6443]

For my 2c, I would definitely look at the Lightspeed Zulu - they are light, the noise cancelling is on a par with the Bose A20 and significantly cheaper but what settled it for me was the Bluetooth streaming of music - on longer distance flights, having music streaming in the background breaks the monotony. You can set it either that it lowers the volume when radio traffic is received and raises again once the airwaves are silent (which, if it's a busy frequency can mean you never hear the music) or just set it at a low background level. Makes flying alone more of a treat. Also, the set comes with a wired music input, should you not have a bluetooth phone but want to use a regular iPod etc.

Also, when choosing your headset, check the sound quality you are receiving. I had a Peltor headset and found myself repeatedly saying "say again" when ATC / FIS called me - with the Zulu, everything is crystal clear.... Oh yeah, the sound quality of music reproduction in the Zulu, especially with their FRC function, just has to be seen to be believed.

[mad_jock]

Sod that, a quack routing around in my head chances of keeping a class one would be minimal.

To be fair I had spent 15 o so years in heavy industry with grinders and the like all about although I don't have any damage in that range just the 2000-2400 rpm range in one ear and not so much in the other. And I was doing 4-5 hours a day in C172/PA28/PA38's.

It not that bad and falling asleep listening to radio 4 or an audio book is no great hardship. Back ground noise stops it.

[ewan2k_uk]

Thanks guys for all your input, just looked at the David Clark headset mentioed above and they look quite good. It is probably a good idea to buy "cheaper" to begin with then upgrade once progressed on with tle licence.

DX Wombat - yeah i do hear what you are saying and appreciate that a search should or can be done on various subjects on here, i think most subjects would already be covered but i feel its good to put a quick post out as others at this moment in time could be in the same situation or want to put their input across that havent already, thats what forums are for in my eyes, to talk with others and also to search for information. Dont mean to come across bad? :ok:

[brunodias]

i have a beyerdynamic 400

[Bonniciwah]

Are the Beyerdynamic 400 good? I like the look of them, as well as the price.

A guy at a flight shop told me the Pilot PA12.8T are pretty good. Reckons they're pretty much the same quality as the David Clark 13 10.14 but with slightly higher noise reduction, and built in phone/mp3 jack. It's also around $150 cheaper. Looking at getting a pair myself.

[G-F0RC3]

I bought a DC H10-13.4 Headset a few years ago when I started my training. I've never had any problems with it but I'm not sure how it compares to some others. It cost £260 approx.

[tmmorris]

+1 for the gel seals, whatever you buy, as a fellow glasses wearer.

I have a Sennheiser which I love, but the gel seals are the best feature.

Tim

[flyingtincan]

You might find that while you aretraining that you need to, or your instructor recommends, that you listen to thedifferent sound of the engine while climbing, flying level and descending. Soan expensive ANR headset may not be suitable, while you are training.

[ewan2k_uk]

Thats good to note actually, i will need to ask the question. :ok:

[maehhh]

Go and buy a proper one (ANR!)

I did a single lesson (my very first) with an PNR Sennheiser headset borrowed from the school. Next thing I did was buying a Bose X. It simply is a different league and imho worth every cent. And suddenly you can concentrate on learning to fly the aircraft since ATC / FI are crystal clear in your head. Oh and it is way lighter and needs way less pressure. And of course: more quiet!

You might find that while you aretraining that you need to, or your instructor recommends, that you listen to thedifferent sound of the engine while climbing, flying level and descending. Soan expensive ANR headset may not be suitable, while you are training.

Sorry that is BS. You can hear the slightest change in RPM / Engine Sound with a (Bose) ANR headset. Same for the stall warning / gear warning / whatever warning. I remember a night flight with an FI in the RHS and an ATC guy in the back, both of them wearing PNR headsets. When we entered a light rain shower I could in fact HEAR the rain on the screen (but couldn't see it, since it was pitch black...) which made me switch on the landing light to confirm my suspicion. Until then both of them didn't notice a thing... and still the overall noise level in my ears was way lower due to the ANR...


maehhh

[flyingtincan]

I did say while you are training (and you are not familliar with the different sounds). But I agree that radio work is a lot easier with ANR.

[ewan2k_uk]

So ANR Headsets that i can choose from, obviuosly the cost is quite large on some of these but i believe maehh summed it up in his post. Im willing to pay for a good set if its definately worth it, hard to select one now?

David Clark H10 13.4
Bose X
Bose A20
Lightspeed Zulu

:confused:

[Steve6443]

So ANR Headsets that i can choose from, obviuosly the cost is quite large on some of these but i believe maehh summed it up in his post. Im willing to pay for a good set if its definately worth it, hard to select one now?

David Clark H10 13.4
Bose X
Bose A20
Lightspeed Zulu

The best thing to do is go and try them on, I found the Sennheiser Digital S1 seemed awkward perched on my head whereas the Zulus were perfect. Once you have found out which are the most comfortable, everything else then comes in to play - in terms of ANR reduction, I'd say the Bose A20 are best, followed by the Zulu and S1 - however the difference is negligible, they are still leagues ahead of passive headsets.

One possible point to look at is entertainment - bearing in mind Lightspeed Zulus have Bluetooth Music streaming as standard which you have to pay extra for with the Bose A20, this feature was what clinched it for me and I went with the Zulus and haven't regretted it. It really is a different world having your favourite music streaming to the headphones whilst up there....... For info, I paid €800 for my Lightspeed Zulus, the Bose and S1 come in around €1000.......

[riverrock83]

As a student I have been hiring from my club David Clark's with Gel earseals.
As a glasses wearer the gel seals make a big difference, but so does how carefully I put them on and position the headset on my head (any gaps mean a big increase in sound). After a couple of hours flying with the DCs I was starting to get a sore head from the clamping pressure.

My plan (once I get my PPL) is to treat myself to something that will probably break my budget...
The advice I've got from others is to spend as much as you can afford as you wont regret it later. There are fitting differences between different headsets which mean that the A20 wont suit some people (and the same for the Zulu ) so try a number of different ones on in a shop. I'm told some shops also let you "try before you buy". Worth doing if making an investment (which is what buying a top end headset is).

Happy flying!

[brunodias]

i like and never had problems

[172driver]

Get the best ANR headset you can afford. Hearing loss is a one way street. When it's gone, it's gone.

Re not properly hearing engine and other noises: total BS. In fact, you'll hear everything much clearer.

[Dan the weegie]

I have to agree, I have some hearing loss at the lower end of the spectrum as per my last audiogram, not much and not serious but still I'd rather not have lost it.

A good ANR is unquestionably worth the investment. I have a Bose A20 (my hearing loss started before I bought it) it's fantastic. I forgot my headset at work the other day and put on a Dave Clark 10.13 that they have a spare in the cockpit and the difference was incredible. Bose A20 worth every penny!

[ewan2k_uk]

Yeah im looking towards the Bose A20 and yes it is very expensive but would be worth the investment.

Still it will be a good idea to visit a store and get them in my hands and try them on if possible, not sure what pilot supply stores there are in Grampian Scotland?

Ewan

[Steevo25]

Personaly, I think the choice of headset is such a personal choice that the question on which headset to buy is virtually un-answerable.

I started my PPL a few months ago and straight away I asked the same question. I had set myself a budget for my flying lessons and buying equipment. I added quite a bit on to my budget as I didn't expect to do as well as I did so had quite a bit left to spend.

At first I bought a set of cheap David Clarke headset in virtually the first week because thats what my instructor used, and then I inherited a set of Lightspeed Zulu 2 from my brother-in-law who failed his medical so basically decided not to fly again and let me have them. In the meantime my wife bought me a set of Bose A20 for my birthday so I ended up with 3 headsets. I also purchased myself some Sennheiser HME 95 due to the fact they were cheap, very compact and slipped easily in to my flight bag and thought that a passive headset would be great in an emergency and took up hardly any space.

Over all those months, I have equally used all those headsets and in all honesty I would say that anyone of them would be suitable for flying a GA aircraft (my ones being mainly Cessna and Piper). Even the cheap Sennheiser reduces the noise to far less than that I am exposed to from walking around the street.

But, everyone will have their own personal choice and to them one headset will seem better than another in one way or another.

I personaly prefer the ANR ones over the passive ones but only for the reason that with both my Lightspeed and Bose I can quite easily hear the stall warner whereas with the David Clarke I cannot hear it as easily. Also the ANR headsets just don't clamp as hard against my head.

If I was going to buy my first headset now knowing what I do then out of all the ones I have I would go for the Lightspeed by quite a big preference. I am not saying it is better than the Bose but it is certainly not worse under any test I could give them and with a £300 price difference between the 2 I really could not justify £75 for each letter of the brand name.

For what it's worth, this is my OPINION of the 4 headsets I have.

The David Clake I find very sturdy and I do like it. It does tend to become a bit uncomfortable after a while but not unbearable. It does a very good job of attenuation but for me, it also blocks out a lot of sounds that I very much want to hear. But I still think that this is an ideal headset if you are on a budget but still want a well known, proven headset.

The Sennheiser HME 95 I don't think is really suited for GA aircraft for regular use as the attenuation is not brilliant. But as I said, it does attenuate the sound to a lower level than if I was walking in the street and is fairly comfortable and compact. But for long term use I think it would get a little tiresome.

The Bose A20 is absolutely fantastic. It does have bluetooth which I dont really have a need to use. I probably would not have purchased this if it wasn't a present but that was really based on the cost of them. But now I have it, I really do like it. Attenuation is excellent as is comfort but as I already mentioned, I do think there are other headsets that are just as good but with a much lower price tag. But BOSE have established themselves in almost any audio market so are a popular choice at any price.

The Lightspeed I think is an excellent headset that I personaly would rate as good as the Bose but has a more reasonable price tag. There are certain resellers in the UK (not sure if I am allowed to mention them) that are, at this minute, doing a very special deal on the Zulu for just over £600 which is £375 less than you will get a Bose A20 with bluetooth for. I find there is absolutely no difference in comfort or noise levels between the Bose and the Lightspeed and would be just as pleased with either one. In-fact, I find the Lightspeed does actually have one advantage over the Bose and that is in respect of passive attenuation. or me with both headsets turned off with no ANR, the Lightspeed does a slightly better job than the Bose. Also, I like the fact that the Lightspeed comes with a very good, quality case that protects the headset a lot better than the Bose case supplied.

Anyway, as said, these are just my persoanl opinions and someone else could have these exact same headsets and forma completely different opinion.

Steve

[riverrock83]

Try Cumbernauld (http://www.cumbernauldairport.org). pooleys (http://www.flyleadingedge.co.uk/flying-club/pooleys-flight-shop)
I haven't bought anything from them but I don't know of any other shops around Scotland. I'd ring before turning up to see what they can offer you (the few times I've been there, there didn't appear to be someone manning it). They had a number of headsets on display last time I was there (don't know which one).

(I have no connection to Cumbernauld beyond flying in there a few times)

Edited to add:
There also appears to be one in Inverness at Highland Aviation (http://www.highlandaviation.com/shop/)

[zoeimogen]

I've just purchased a PA 17-72 DNC and very happy with it - in my case the limiting factor was that most headsets press uncomfortably on my ears and becomes painful after even 45 minutes in the air. I knew the Pilot ones were OK (They are wider around the ear) as I was using a Pilot headset from the flying school's collection when it was available - lesson here I guess being don't buy a headset you haven't tried on.

Long term I may get a more expensive one and use the PA 17-72 for any passengers, but for now the money is going on basics like flying time rather than shiny kit!

[Dan the weegie]

Mendelsshons (sp?) in Edinburgh is the place to go for headsets, they'll have every type you could want and will let you try them on.

Inverness definitely keep one or two A20s in stock.

[ewan2k_uk]

I'm heading upto Inverness on Friday so I will see what they have to offer and if I can try some on ;-)

[konradeck]

I have bought Navcomm NC300D (http://www.navcomm.eu/product_info.php?products_id=50) headphones. IMO they're way better than standard DCs when it comes to sound quality, while costing less than 1/2 of their price (approx. 140 €).
I've flown more than 80 hrs with them, without any problems. They've quite convenient gel ear-seals and come with cotton ear-seal covers.

If you want some more details -> PM :)

[Dan the weegie]

Ewan give the school a call in advance just to make sure they have one in stock for you to look at. :)

[ewan2k_uk]

I'm heading up anyway as going for a couple hours of flying ;-)

[fwjc]

I did most of my training with a second hand old style set of Peltors. These are still far and away the most comfortable to wear.

For open cockpit sport biplane flying I found ANR to be indispensable, and have now drifted more towards wearing them everyday. This is for the very same reason that mad jock describes - hearing damage and hearing loss is prevalent amongst most of my more senior pilot colleagues.

But, I didn't spend a fortune. You can get hold of a tatty set of Davy-Clarks cheap on eBay. Desn't matter if the speakers don't work, as long as the mike does. Then buy a kit from from Headset Services Inc (in the UK you can get them from places like Adams Aviation) which you install yourself. It upgrades the headset to ANR for a fraction of the price. It replaces the speakers, hence not needing the originals.

If you're watching the pennies but also want to protect your ears, I recommend this. I've used mine in all kinds of aeroplanes with no complaints, and yes I wear glasses. Gel seals are a must. If you can afford to go fancy I'm sure that the Bose, Lightspeed or any other that fits nicely will be great. But if not, the progression of cost against best result goes something like Davy-Clark or similar, Davy-Clark (or similar) + aftermarket ANR kit, bespoke ANR headset.