Airbus 320 - own headset
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 327
Likes: 10
From: Kiwiland
Headset compatibility, isn't just with the aircraft but with the other headset too. I bought a Sennheiser headset for this reason, and find that others using the Bose headset with add on mic, gives me no side-tone when they transmit. Therefore I only hear ATC reply after the call.
This is why many airlines are restrictive on different headset mixes. Just sad that Sennheiser have dropped out of the game.
This is why many airlines are restrictive on different headset mixes. Just sad that Sennheiser have dropped out of the game.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 4
From: Block 49
What did you say??
Did someone say the flight deck is loud and you have to shout to be heard???
Even at 330kts in a high speed climb or descent it’s not that loud!!!
Protecting ones hearing is certainly numero uno but let’s not be over exaggerating.
When I played in the 320 had my own personal, for comfort and hygiene really.
ANR is certainly good but despite what I’ve seen written here some types of headsets certainly do cut out a little bit to much noise, again despite how they are meant to work. I do find it funny though guys throwing on GA size headsets...
Even at 330kts in a high speed climb or descent it’s not that loud!!!
Protecting ones hearing is certainly numero uno but let’s not be over exaggerating.
When I played in the 320 had my own personal, for comfort and hygiene really.
ANR is certainly good but despite what I’ve seen written here some types of headsets certainly do cut out a little bit to much noise, again despite how they are meant to work. I do find it funny though guys throwing on GA size headsets...
The A320 flight deck, whilst on the ground with A/C packs on, and speakers low, has an ambient noise level of +82db (and higher when there is audio output from the speakers).
Most responsible government medical departments' input to work, health and safety work environs ambient noise level should be less than 80db continuously, and less than 82db for no more than 2 hours.
Whilst in flight, in level cruise at FL350, the cockpit ambient noise (again with speakers on) approaches 86db BEFORE the bells and whistles, and audio from the speakers.
Airbus regularly promulgate SILs (Service Information Letters) pertaining to ATA chapter equipment. SIL 023-005 refers to approved headsets for the Airbus family. The current SIL has been superseded by ISI 23.51.0003 - refers to approved headsets.
To protect what hearing remains, I use Sennheiser ANRs and leave them on for the duration of flight (flight deck preparation through the parking checklist).
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: On a good day - at sea
I've often wondered, given the size of the market, why Bose just don't pursue an STC for their headsets. I came to suspect they did but found that they couldn't pass the test criteria for some reason - eg are there any aurals that don't go through the headset?
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 180
From: USA
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/...adset/buy.html
Sells pretty well for $1K, not really sure what their motivation would be to get a $300 headset approved...
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 72
From: Village of Santo Poco
Yes, I intend to keep the headset on throughout the flight, for the sake of my hearing.
On a side note, in Lufthansa the majority of pilots on the 320 keep them on. But I know in majority of the carriers in Europe, people tend to take them off. It seems almost like an Airbus pilot's mantra "Fl 100, headsets off" I just can't understand it.
You need to shout to hear each other or lean over the pedestal to hear what the other is saying.
On a side note, in Lufthansa the majority of pilots on the 320 keep them on. But I know in majority of the carriers in Europe, people tend to take them off. It seems almost like an Airbus pilot's mantra "Fl 100, headsets off" I just can't understand it.
You need to shout to hear each other or lean over the pedestal to hear what the other is saying.
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: Madrid
Yes, I intend to keep the headset on throughout the flight, for the sake of my hearing.
On a side note, in Lufthansa the majority of pilots on the 320 keep them on. But I know in majority of the carriers in Europe, people tend to take them off. It seems almost like an Airbus pilot's mantra "Fl 100, headsets off" I just can't understand it.
You need to shout to hear each other or lean over the pedestal to hear what the other is saying.
It's a personal choice, but for me I can't stand the noise and the speaker on the 320 is horrible. I want to have crisp hearing over the age of 50.
Sorry for the rant. But it feels like I am an outsider wanting to keep the headsets on.
On a side note, in Lufthansa the majority of pilots on the 320 keep them on. But I know in majority of the carriers in Europe, people tend to take them off. It seems almost like an Airbus pilot's mantra "Fl 100, headsets off" I just can't understand it.
You need to shout to hear each other or lean over the pedestal to hear what the other is saying.
It's a personal choice, but for me I can't stand the noise and the speaker on the 320 is horrible. I want to have crisp hearing over the age of 50.
Sorry for the rant. But it feels like I am an outsider wanting to keep the headsets on.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 137
From: USA
With a headset with good ANR, you can let the other guy go deaf while you keep yours on. You'll still be able to hear him/her speak.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 111
From: Somewhere over the rainbow
It’s loud at low level but above FL250 it’s not that bad. Not sure how accurate is the Apple watch but I never get a noise level over 80 db on the A320 at high altitude. It’s around 76 db.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 137
From: USA
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html
I know more about airplanes than ear diseases, but even if the cockpit is at 76db, being in that environment for thousands of hours doesn't seem like a smart move.
Joined: Sep 2006
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 682
Likes: 16
From: Out of a bag
“Our decision to leave the pilots’ headset sector was not taken lightly, especially as we have played a key role in the development of audio transmission in the cockpit, for example by introducing the world’s first headset with active noise compensation to receive FAA-TSO certification,” said Peter Claussen, Sennheiser’s chief operating officer, in a news release. “We will redirect our aviation-specific resources to focus on our key business of headphone and microphone technology.”
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 24
From: England
I've said this before...For Airbus, there is currently no requirement to use a STCd or TSOd headset. The subject matter was pulled from all documents and the last circular for "approved" headsets is almost 20 years old. From an aircraft point of view, a headset is a consumer of audio signals arriving at the comms jacks in the same way a phone/laptop/tablet charger or vacuum cleaner is a consumer of electrical power from the power sockets. We don't see anyone getting over excited about TSOd electrical devices. A headset is not a permanent fixture and is not going to fry the circuitory.
Do what you need in order to protect your ears. If they want you to use a crappy Telex Airman, kick off and complain to your responsible person for occupational health. This alone will invite a debate and force your Chief Pilot to ask Airbus formally where the reply will be "we don't offer any opinion".
Do what you need in order to protect your ears. If they want you to use a crappy Telex Airman, kick off and complain to your responsible person for occupational health. This alone will invite a debate and force your Chief Pilot to ask Airbus formally where the reply will be "we don't offer any opinion".
Joined: Sep 2003
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 956
Likes: 68
From: away from home
