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6 Answers

Which Aviation Headset to buy

Asked by: 9356 views , , , , ,
Aviation Headsets, Flight Instructor, General Aviation

Hi all, I know I'm asking a question that many have asked before me, but I just can get to a decision. I'm a flight instructor, and my old headset has died. Right now I'm using the headsets that we lend to customers and students (pooleys, asa, flightcom) but they are just destroying my ears when I'm wearing them 5 hours every day (not just because of bad noise cancelation, but also bad comfort). I've been looking to buy a new headset, but I just cant decide. I dont have a big budget at the moment, but I dont have to time to save for a zulu or something. I've looked at Passive and ANR headsets, and I think I'm ok with just a passive one (mainly because of the price range). Can you guys tell me what would be your top 3 choices of good passive headsets? My budget is about $450. I'm also fine with getting an ANR headset, but it still needs good passive cancelation in case I forget to charge the batteries :$. I fly mainly Pa38 and Pa28. I hope you guys can help me decide. I only know so much about this stuff, and I'm afraid of picking a brand unknown to me, which might put me on the wrong track.

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6 Answers



  1. Gary Moore on Aug 11, 2013

    Wow….that’s almost like asking which is better – high wing or low wing 🙂

    But I’ll jump in. I’m a dedicated David Clark fan – I’ve worn them for over 20 years (the same pair)…I’ve flown with some others – Lightspeed, Sigtronics, Telex – and I would trade my David Clarks for the lot!

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  2. Bob Watson on Aug 11, 2013

    I’m also a DC fan. I bought my first pair 30 years ago and it only needed service once–after 25 years of use. Some people don’t like how heavy they are, but I like how durable they are. As a rental pilot, my headphones get a lot of abuse–in and out of the flight bag, in and out of the plane, etc. DC isn’t the only quality brand. I’ve heard great things about Lightspeed, as well.

    The best thing for anything you plan to wear a long time is to try out a bunch of different models and brands to see what works best for you.

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  3. A Pilot Shop on Aug 13, 2013

    We recommend the Faro G2 passive or ANR. They both meet your budget, have a great deal of function, and meet the comfort you are looking for in a headset.

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about them. We are currently running a special with the passive at $159 and the ANR at $359.

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  4. Paul Robichaux on Aug 15, 2013

    Quiet Tech Halo. Light, comfortable, great noise isolation, and no batteries.

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  5. Dave Hett on Nov 13, 2016

    I think that part of it depends on your level of hearing. I am challenged by a profound hearing loss, which is somewhat corrected by high end hearing aids. I initially used the PNC headsets provided by the flight school and found that although I could hear all the tower transmissions it took a lot of work and, for someone who is deaf, tiring.

    My instructor let me try his headset (Lightspeed) which had ANC, and the difference was amazing. I was able to get a deal on a pair of used Bose and now won’t fly unless I have them with me. That chance of missing a transmission because of cheap headsets wasn’t worth it to me.

    Dave Hett
    Teslin YT,
    Canada

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  6. Lagmanbek on Apr 10, 2018

    For what it’s worth: i received my CFI & CFII in 2013 and bought my first headset, Clarity Aloft. No complaints, but here in 2018 the stuff hits the fan. My ears are waxy, and i figured out mostly how to stay ahead of it. But inevitably, a little too much earwax (ew, yech!) got into those little earbuds and i couldn’t hear. Off to the factory, expecting a big bill.

    The folks were kind and professional, and almost 5 years after purchase replaced both earbuds and added a new microphone wind cover. No charge!

    That kind of customer service it worth a few stars in my book.

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