Airbus 320 - own headset
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Close to you
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Airbus 320 - own headset
Hi all,
As I understand it, Airbus chose to certify the aircraft together with only a handful of headsets, is this correct?
I was looking to buy a Bose A20 to use since I found the 320 quite loud and tiresome if you spend 10+ hr duties in it.
But as it turns out now, even though the Bose headsets are FAA/E TSO certified and are available with the 5-pin XLR (Airbus) plug, you are not allowed to use them in the 320 cockpit?
One very close friend of mine works in Lufthansa, and he said they are now evaluating a replacement headset for the standard Sennheiser HD26, and one candidate they are doing trials with is the Bose A20.
My question is, how does Lufthansa get around the certification issue with the Bose headset?
He was not able to answer it, but maybe some one here can shed some light?
Thanks
As I understand it, Airbus chose to certify the aircraft together with only a handful of headsets, is this correct?
I was looking to buy a Bose A20 to use since I found the 320 quite loud and tiresome if you spend 10+ hr duties in it.
But as it turns out now, even though the Bose headsets are FAA/E TSO certified and are available with the 5-pin XLR (Airbus) plug, you are not allowed to use them in the 320 cockpit?
One very close friend of mine works in Lufthansa, and he said they are now evaluating a replacement headset for the standard Sennheiser HD26, and one candidate they are doing trials with is the Bose A20.
My question is, how does Lufthansa get around the certification issue with the Bose headset?
He was not able to answer it, but maybe some one here can shed some light?
Thanks
I don’t think the airbus list is exhaustive and the only copy I can find is really old. In my company providing the headset is certified for use, either by EASA or the FAA then it’s good to use
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Close to you
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Close to you
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, even though the headset is TSO approved, it is not approved by the aircraft manufacturer.
Why I am asking is:
The word from our fleet office is that it is forbidden, because such a list exist.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dcoded
You're not an outsider. I keep mine on for the majority of the flight, as do the other pilots who want to prevent hearing loss.
My company allows any TSO headset. I recently flew with someone who had an A20. The plane had the 2 pin plug, and he needed an adapter for the plug. Bose sent it to him.
FYI Bose is releasing a Proflight series 2 headset this month, which is also TSO approved. Less noise reduction but much smaller than the A20.
Protect your hearing.
You're not an outsider. I keep mine on for the majority of the flight, as do the other pilots who want to prevent hearing loss.
My company allows any TSO headset. I recently flew with someone who had an A20. The plane had the 2 pin plug, and he needed an adapter for the plug. Bose sent it to him.
FYI Bose is releasing a Proflight series 2 headset this month, which is also TSO approved. Less noise reduction but much smaller than the A20.
Protect your hearing.
Only half a speed-brake
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: 43N
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since I don’t use a headset, what is the issue you are referring to?
Also do not the immediate actions (O2 usage) cover all possibilities wrt communications when using a personal TSO’d headset or minitel?
Only half a speed-brake
Maybe I am seeing things, but it does not look very convenient to put on with a mask on. If that needs to be done quickly. Anyways, my presence here is not appropriate - company-issued Telex 750 user.
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I am seeing things, but it does not look very convenient to put on with a mask on. If that needs to be done quickly. Anyways, my presence here is not appropriate - company-issued Telex 750 user.
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
Somewhat eerie, as my preference is for manual thrust
Our manual says that headsets in the list are definitely compliant but if we use a headset not in the list then we must ensure it is compliant with FAA TSO C139 or the EASA equivalent. We also have a deal with Bose for discounted headsets (A20 or proflight) organised by the company which is the 2nd biggest A320 operator in the world.
Maybe see if you can get your flight ops dept to check with airbus? I honestly think they would be told to use whichever headset they wanted.
Maybe see if you can get your flight ops dept to check with airbus? I honestly think they would be told to use whichever headset they wanted.
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Fl410
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My company does not allow the A20 on our flightdeck. Reason being the flight ops department is afraid that warning from the FWC over the speaker, are also filtered out. Ignorance..
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Close to you
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I am seeing things, but it does not look very convenient to put on with a mask on. If that needs to be done quickly. Anyways, my presence here is not appropriate - company-issued Telex 750 user.
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
On a lighter note, who would have thought personal headset comfort is linked to auto thrust use habits? (not specifically mentioned, but the dots are all here).
but sorry to break your theory. When ever I get the first vector on approach, I turn AT, FD off and fly manually. No Bird of course. ❤️✌️
Thanks for for all your inputs, I will try to speak to fleet office,
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have the people in your flight ops dept ever been in an A320 cockpit with a bose headset? Do they know how ANR works?
Only half a speed-brake
dcoded Check Airman Thank you for confirming my theory, that mostly manual thrust pilots prefer to wear their (ANC?) headsets at all times. Lufty is also habitually athr OFF for all approaches, I hear. That is 3 pieces of cake.
Now somebody find out about the BA's daily routine, who are mandated for A/THR ON.
Now somebody find out about the BA's daily routine, who are mandated for A/THR ON.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dcoded Check Airman Thank you for confirming my theory, that mostly manual thrust pilots prefer to wear their (ANC?) headsets at all times. Lufty is also habitually athr OFF for all approaches, I hear. That is 3 pieces of cake.
Now somebody find out about the BA's daily routine, who are mandated for A/THR ON.
Now somebody find out about the BA's daily routine, who are mandated for A/THR ON.
Sounds like a good candidate for this website, that lists a few spurious correlations.
https://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
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...
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Global Aviator
Some airplanes are louder than others. Maybe you're lucky to have a fleet of quiet airframes, but there's considerable variation in cockpit noise at my airline. I wouldn't go as far as saying I have to shout, but I do have to raise my voice when the other pilot is "topless".
You said the ANR sets cut out too much noise. What specific noises are you concerned about?
To your last point on GA sized headsets, you'll probably see them for 3 reasons:
- already owned a good headest
- the current GA headsets are quite comfortable for long periods
- being designed for louder environments, they're quieter than the "jet" headsets
Some airplanes are louder than others. Maybe you're lucky to have a fleet of quiet airframes, but there's considerable variation in cockpit noise at my airline. I wouldn't go as far as saying I have to shout, but I do have to raise my voice when the other pilot is "topless".
You said the ANR sets cut out too much noise. What specific noises are you concerned about?
To your last point on GA sized headsets, you'll probably see them for 3 reasons:
- already owned a good headest
- the current GA headsets are quite comfortable for long periods
- being designed for louder environments, they're quieter than the "jet" headsets
