Pilot Headset – Fallon Pilot Shop Buying Guide

The aviation industry has many important decisions that pilots and students must make, and choosing a suitable headset is one of them. It may seem like a simple decision-making process, but it entails several factors like your budget, headset model, comfort level, and many other preferences that may be confusing.

Choosing the Best Pilot Headset

Seasoned pilots who have become accustomed to cockpit noise may not notice the noise level and can be comfortable without headphones, but they remain essential during flights. The following questions can help you get the most suitable one.

Should you buy, borrow, or rent?

Renting or borrowing a headset may be possible, but not as good as buying one yourself. Most of the communal headsets you find are not in the best condition and will have undergone plenty of wear and tear that minimizes their effectiveness. They may not fit properly or be comfortable to use. Buying a new one ensures you ascertain the fitness and all the desirable features.

How will you use the headset?

Your work environment determines the answer to this question. Headsets for light aircraft differ from those you need for heavy aircraft.

For instance, you can use on-ear headsets on commercial aircraft with quieter cockpits. The headsets sit on the ear instead of enclosing it completely, meaning they are more lightweight and suitable for pilots who do not fly as frequently. You can choose noise-canceling headsets if you wish but remember that some are passive. Consider the noise in your cockpit when determining the correct one.

Light aircraft require headsets that provide more noise-cancellation, the same as piston-engine planes. Full-dome headsets with cups to cover the whole ear or in-ear options with inserts like ear plugs would be more suitable for such cockpits.

What features should you look for in a headset?

Other considerations also matter apart from the work environment.

Comfort

Comfort level depends on how the headset sits on or head and the weight. Choose lighter headsets that will not weigh you down, regardless of the flight duration. Check for additions like pads on the overhead band, ear seals, and hinges.

Stereo, music, and phone capability

The above are essential if you want a headset with multiple functionalities, like entertainment. You can choose a pilot headset with an adapter or Bluetooth connectivity to listen to music or make calls.

Budget

Budget can be a restriction, but it is a significant factor. You can find a headset for under $100 or close to $500. The amount you can spend, with the above factors, can guide you when selecting the best one.

Buying Your Headset

Noise levels in a small cockpit can reach 90 dB, meaning sustaining that noise without any protection can cause permanent hearing loss. An additional advantage of the headsets also makes them more crucial – they are protective elements that also enable hands-free communication with passengers and ATC. You can find the most advanced, comfortable, and ideal headsets at Fallon Pilot Shop, together with willing and friendly assistants who can give you excellent customer service. If you need help with selecting the perfect headphone, we would be happy to help.