Flying With the Right Radio Headset

Choosing the right radio headset can be one of the most important things a pilot does.  Communication with other planes and the control tower is a very important part of staying safe in the skies and making it back to the ground in one piece.  The problem is that there are some many different types of of aviation headsets and radio earpieces out there it is hard to know which one is the best and at the prices charged by some companies it is a huge investment.  

It is important to know what you are going to by flying and what you need to be prepared for.  Personal preference plays a crucial roll in the decision process.  It is important that you try as many different headsets as you can get your hands on before you make a purchase.  Many flight schools or aviation clubs will have radio headsets that are available for rental or loaners.

Radio headsets break down into two specific categories.  There are the over the ear models and the single earbud model, which is much smaller but can only be used in a quiet cockpit.  I’ll take a look at some of the most common varieties and give my feedback.

The David Clark headset is one of the most common in the aviation industry.  They sell a wide range of products and have very happy customers.  A DC headset is often a pilots first radio headset.  They have noise canceling models for sale as well as traditional noise reduction models.  The entry level David Clark headsets are ideal for most beginning pilots because they offer a great product at a great price.  More expensive models are feature rich and customizable.

A Telex headset is a great alternative to the more expensive Bose.  The quality is of course not equal but neither is the price.  Most pilots will be quick to tell you that there is nothing like a Bose headset for clarity or noise cancelation but of course that also comes with a pretty steep price tag.  For those looking to go the more economical route the Telex headset is a great option.  Telex stands out because of the superior comfort that users report.

Peltor is also well regarded for their high quality headsets that offer both comfort and crystal clear conversation.  New models integrate with ipods or cell phones to offerer pilots a unique experience in the clouds.  With Peltor and all they have to offer you really can’t go wrong.

Which one is for you?  It is up to you to choose.  As I have already said it is important that you try as many as possible before you make a decision.  We are talking a $300 investment on the low end.  Aviation headsets are not cheap but they are also regarded for their high quality.  It is important to try as many as possible but that said there are not many out there that don’t make the grade.  In this industry bad products don’t last long.

If you want the best go with a Bose, that is pretty much the consensus among pilots and if you are a pilot chances are you can either afford the best or you will find a way to afford the best.

Do your research, check prices on line and ask for price matches.  There are lots of used aviation headsets out there that have very low miles, don’t be afraid to buy a used pair if you are looking to save some money.  Make sure that you are getting the best deal on your next radio headset and getting the headset that will help get you on the ground.