Bose A30
Thread Starter

Joined: Jan 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 41
Likes: 9
From: uk
Bose A30
Couldn’t find an appropriate category for this post apologies.
I’m shortly joining an A320 operator and looking to update my old dual plug A20s
1. I’ll still be looking to do some private flying - would it be recommended to buy dual plug or XLR with appropriate adapter.
2. Any info on the issue with the XLR A30s and if this has been resolved
3. Any idea why the XLR Bluetooth has been sold out with Bose direct for so long and when they are expected to be back in.
Many thanks
I’m shortly joining an A320 operator and looking to update my old dual plug A20s
1. I’ll still be looking to do some private flying - would it be recommended to buy dual plug or XLR with appropriate adapter.
2. Any info on the issue with the XLR A30s and if this has been resolved
3. Any idea why the XLR Bluetooth has been sold out with Bose direct for so long and when they are expected to be back in.
Many thanks
Thread Starter

Joined: Jan 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 41
Likes: 9
From: uk
My A20 is 11 years old now and very warn out. Not one part of it is original.
The cable has now also started fraying all over and I’m having intermittent audio issues. I’ll get a quote to fix but will probably make more sense to just upgrade (tax deductible)
The cable has now also started fraying all over and I’m having intermittent audio issues. I’ll get a quote to fix but will probably make more sense to just upgrade (tax deductible)
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 432
From: In your head.
They are too similar to each other to bother changing if you ask me.
Get your A20 refreshed by Bose. It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying a new A30.
Get your A20 refreshed by Bose. It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying a new A30.

Joined: Apr 2013
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 368
Likes: 88
From: Neither here or there
QC25/35 with uFlyMike. Much much lighter, more comfortable, dual use and save yourself a fortune. And for the people who say "but it's not approved", there is no Airbus requirement for an "approved" headset since about 2006. Been there, fought the battle, won. Twice.

Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 49
Likes: 6
From: Leeds
But do you have company requirements for an "approved" headset?

Joined: Dec 2013
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 990
Likes: 554
From: US
As long as it’s not written into your companies FOM.

Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 78
Likes: 48
From: Home
I bought an A30 thinking it would be an upgrade to the A20. It most definitely is not. Slides off my head too easily and the cable looks like it might just see out the first year before it packs in. Built cheaply for something so expensive.

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 98
From: Germany
Joined: Oct 2022
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 96
Likes: 417
From: Snepal
I am continuously miffed by the prevalence of bose headphones in aviation. In broadcast, event or audio-production you never ever see them. They break easily, they sound bad, they are not comfortable for long hours, and they are expensive for what you get.
at least do yourself the favour of checking out the alternatives if your employer aren’t forcing bose on you.





