Which headset for PPL course?
 

I'm thinking about buying a headset for my PPL training but I'm stuck where to get it, and what kind? I don't suppose airline pilots use their own while flying?

Speedbird,. .. .I'm not going to suggest any particular brand, because I can see an endless discussion starting if I do so.. .. .A headset that fits well and has a good noise attenuation will help you hear your instructor and ATC better, and as a result can help to avoid misunderstandings etc. In the long run this will save you valuable training time. If you can save 1 hour of dual ME/IR instruction by buying a good headset you have earned your money back.. .. .You could even consider getting a noise attenuating headtset. I have recently been experimenting with these. Switching them on makes any communications a lot easier to understand(it sounds like the voices just pop up out of the background noise when I flick the switch), and also helps considerably in reducing fatigue when flying a couple of hours on a day.. .. .Good luck with your training.. .. .Regards

Check your flying club notice board for top quality second-hand headsets. IFR sold me his DC 10-40s for about the same price I'd have paid for a "student" headset.. .. .--Mik

David Clark 13.4!! Nothing else comes close - I've had mine for about 10 years now and it's been 100% reliable. About £260 inc VAT though nowadays.

I did my PPL using the clubs headsets, always had problems understanding ATC and even my instructor. I treated myself to a set of David Clark 13.4 when I got my PPL and the difference was unbelievable. Try borrowing a set before you buy!

^^^^^^^^^^^^. .. .What Beagle said..

In by first 5 years of flying i had three headsets fail then twelve years ago i got a DC and its still going strong .......If you buy cheap you will buy twice !.......or three times.

I'd agree with Mik - get second hand DC10-40's if you can find them. I don't think that they're available new (Transair and Pilot Warehouse don't list them, which was the extent of my research.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" /> ). . .. .Failing that DC10-13.4's are great.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

On the 'The Hangar' site there is a D.C H-10-40 for sell, seems good.. .. .A & C, can you drop me a line or call me (if you still got my number, I have lost yours). .. .Ac-DC. . . . <small>[ 17 March 2002, 16:54: Message edited by: AC-DC ]</small>

<a href="http://www.flyingshop.com" target="_blank">www.flyingshop.com</a> (Biggin Hill) also carry a reasonable stock of equipment, Although it's taken a while for them to get their stock back in order after being burgled just over a month ago <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

I have also come to the conclusion that DC 13.4's are worth the extra dosh - make sure you check their compatability with your instructor's kit, though.. .. .Mine said that 13.4's wouldn't be compatable with his (an impedance issue, I believe) so I've not bothered buying to-date as I won't be able to use them! It's be terrible to buy a new toy and not be able to play with it! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> . .. .Hersh

Hersh, I've been told the same by my instructor. She says the DC's are usually OK with most other headsets but sometimes just don't seem compatable for no apaprent reason.. .. .More important than make/model - can anyone recommend a good place to buy, close to either the North West or Yorkshire. I'd like to try some different makes for fit/comfort rather than buy mailorder or on the net. Hopefully going to spend MANY hours wearing them - weather permitting, so comfort is also important. Don't want do drive miles (although, of there's a particularly good shop 'daarn saarf' I could call in while working down there). Thanks in advance.. .. .One more point. I've also been advised to avoid ANR sets at this stage 'cos it's useful to be able to listen to the engine note etc. and catch any unusual noises. I've never thought the environment was too noisy wearing the cheap sets the club provide. Any comments from any of you more experienced types?. .. .Sorry for, yet again, hijacking someone else's thread but I think we're asking the same question anyway.

Unless you're being ripped-off (or a ....head), you won't need to buy for PPL training.. .Any decent school includes loan of headset in the course price.. .Decide which to buy when you've passed and, hopefully, are wiser.

Knobby - don't know about Oop Narth, but Dahn Sarf the Transair shops seem happy to let you try all the headsets and wander round in them (in the store). There's one at Fairoaks Airport ni Surrey and one in Victoria, Central London.. .. .Hersh

Thanks Hersham. Didn't realise there was one in central London - I'll give it a try next time I'm passing.

Query - absolutely right. Headsets should certainly be supplied as part of any good PPL course.. .. .But if anyone wants to invest in their own, I would recommend a DC 13.4!!. .. .There is a pilot shop at 50a Cambridge St, about 5 minutes walk from Victoria station.

I can't fault my Peltor 8006's. Bit bulkier than the David Clarks, but they fold down small if need be. Far better seal round your ears in my opinion, more comfortable (10 hours one day from Mackay to Alice Springs in Oz), and no compatibility problems in the 10 or so different aircraft I've flown in over 130 hours or so. Only cost me £130 too, but that was from Cloudtop, who I think have gone bust...

Actually, WGW, I'd pretty much settled on the Peltor 8006's. I've used a pair before and I agree they were really comfortable and very clear. They seem to have the right balance between comfort, quality and cost.. .. .My school DOES supply headsets but it would be nice to have my own - I'll have to eventually - may as well get used to it now.. .. .Still hoping to hear from someone about the alleged incompatability of DC headsets with other brands, though. Anyone shed any light?