Headset

[JRBlueSkys]

Any Recomendations on Headsets. Part of the personal items Checklist Jim sent me from ATP.
There are so many brands with different features. Im willing to spend up to 500.00 Also, are the over the ear ones necessary (doesnt it get hot and sweaty?)

John

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by JRBlueSkys

Any Recomendations on Headsets. Part of the personal items Checklist Jim sent me from ATP.
There are so many brands with different features. Im willing to spend up to 500.00 Also, are the over the ear ones necessary (doesnt it get hot and sweaty?)

John

Any of the cheap DC's... Ebay it... SERIOUSLY.... no need in dropping 1k on a Bose at this point... and depending where you go after ATP you'll prolly be in a jet and want something light..... Therefore get something cheap! DC's seriously off ebay.... No need to spend 500 unless you have it burning a hole in your pocket and if that's the case I'll take it off your hands!

Also you want the ones that go over your ears... again for those of you starting out PROTECT your ears..... You need protection and therefore your ear needs to be covered... You'll get use to it! Hell many regional guys still wear them in the darn jets!

[JRBlueSkys]

Thanks Paul

[v1valarob]

I love my Bose Aviation X, but I got them after ATP.

I did all my training with a $100 pair of cheap headsets I bought for my PPL. The day before my instrument checkride they went kaput. So I bought a pair of Telex Echelon 25 XT. They have an input for MP3 players and phones. So on the XCs I brought along my iPod. 3.5 hours in a Seminole will drive you nuts, and thats on only 1 XC out of 3 or 4 you might be doing in a day.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../telex25xt.php

After I finished ATP I took my friend's (Nick T!) advice about how you cant fix hearing after the fact and decided to lay down the cash for the Bose Aviation X. I have gone back to the Telex once just see what it WAS like, and it sucked haha.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...s/bosehdst.php

I have heard alot of talk about these though, but have not seen anyone with an actual pair of them.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...uluHeadset.php

Good luck!

-Rob

[crazyjeep]

I got a nice set "new" from sporty's. I figured since im dropping 60 grand into training, whats 300-400$. I got a David Clark H10-60. Actually love them, very comfortable, and hell of alot better than my local CFI's student sent.

[Sled14]

Another vote for DC's. I got the H10-13.4 and love them

[fletchersteel]

I also have the DC H10-13.4. Great headset and fairly affordable compared to others. Meyers is right, protect your hears. It can be noisy in the cockpit of a prop.

[ftyflyboy]

Get the over the ear type of headphone. You will thank me, if you ever have to fly right seat in 799MC. The door seal is gone; ATC asked if we heard a lot of wind noise on our transmission, stating that it was real loud on her end. I replied, “miss, you should hear it in here.”

I'm just gald we had sunny days for our flights.

[Gumps]

DC 10-13.4

A word to the wise on head sets: Comfort is one of those things that can't me measured in a catalog, but Dave Clark's reputation for quality transcends the industry standard. Not many new pilots know that you can send in a Dave Clark and have it reconditioned, so when you buy one it's a life long investment.
I also have a Sigtronics head set that I started out with. When I would finish a long X/C I just figured that pressure on my temples and mild head ache came with the territory. With the Dave Clark's I can spend a whole day towing gliders in my club's Bird Dog with the windows off and have no discomfort at the end of the day.
The Sig' is a good head set but, the only time I use it is for passengers now!

[JRBlueSkys]

Thanks all im going to get the dc h10-13.4 Thanks Ftyflyboy thats kinda funny Cant wait

[alloyicon]

How much louder is a Seminole than a single like a Cessna 152/172?

I have the David & Clark 10-13.4 and it is a good headset, but I find does get a bit uncomfortable on the temples after about 90 minutes of continuous use with sunglasses on. I don't have money to burn by any means, but I was thinking of getting a pair of LightSpeed Zulu's. I figure if I am comfortable in the cockpit, it will be one less distraction and I will be able to focus on the flight lesson and be as productive as possible.

[BobDDuck]

Ah yes, the sunglasses problem. That's an issue with most over the ear headsets. Best bet is to try to find a pair of sunglasses with a very thin support arm. That or go Morpheus style and get the nose clips.

[BajtheJino]

I started out with some Sigtronics. Loved them-sturdy, excellent value and not that vomit green every robot wears.
Then got some 30-3g's-way too bulky and not that great workmanship.
Got some Bose about a year ago and wonder how l lived without them.

I wear Serengeti's with no problem.

[ZachH]

I have polarized Oakley Ti wire sunglass, with a Bose X headset, I don't know how much better you could get, They are a perfect pair..

[ftyflyboy]

Originally Posted by alloyicon

How much louder is a Seminole than a single like a Cessna 152/172?

In general, the Seminole is quieter than a single engine because you are not sitting directly behind the engine. That being said, the year and quality of door seal make a great difference in ambient noise levels. I’ve been in some 1979’s that purr like a kitten, and some are louder than a Kansas twister.

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by ftyflyboy

In general, the Seminole is quieter than a single engine because you are not sitting directly behind the engine. That being said, the year and quality of door seal make a great difference in ambient noise levels. I’ve been in some 1979’s that purr like a kitten, and some are louder than a Kansas twister.

I remember during XCs actually commenting to my XC partner that the 2000s sounded quieter.

Multi's are pretty quiet. Just make sure you sync them!

-Rob

[alloyicon]

Originally Posted by ftyflyboy

In general, the Seminole is quieter than a single engine because you are not sitting directly behind the engine. That being said, the year and quality of door seal make a great difference in ambient noise levels. I’ve been in some 1979’s that purr like a kitten, and some are louder than a Kansas twister.

...It's funny you say that because I was born in Wichita Kansas and lived there until I was 10. My father was stationed at McConnell AFB. I Never heard a twister though. I do remember hearing the loud tornado warning sirens and then we would all go into the basement untill the tornado warning was lifted.

So your saying a noise canceling headset is not necessary unless the Seminole's door seal is blown. I'm guessing since the door seal is not a maintenance item and will still be an issue by the time I get to fly it.

[JRBlueSkys]

Originally Posted by ZachH

I have polarized Oakley Ti wire sunglass, with a Bose X headset, I don't know how much better you could get, They are a perfect pair..

Hey ZachH, Just wondering i wanted to get the Oakleys same model there is a choice of three different lenses, Which one would you recommend for use with flying?

Thanks

John

[alloyicon]

One of the aviation magazined (I believe it was Private Pilot) had an article on the best sunglasses for pilots. I am a fan of polarized lenses when driving due to there ability to cut down on reflections from all the automobile glass & windshields. However, I read somewhere that polarized lenses are not recommended for flying. I would guess that this is due to the fact that polarized lenses would cut down on the reflections from distant aircraft reducing ones ability to spot distant air traffic.

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by alloyicon

One of the aviation magazined (I believe it was Private Pilot) had an article on the best sunglasses for pilots. I am a fan of polarized lenses when driving due to there ability to cut down on reflections from all the automobile glass & windshields. However, I read somewhere that polarized lenses are not recommended for flying. I would guess that this is due to the fact that polarized lenses would cut down on the reflections from distant aircraft reducing ones ability to spot distant air traffic.

Bob's Super Duper Sunglasses Post:

I used to sell sunglasses as an aspect of one of my many previous careers, so bear with me... and remember... choosing a pair of sunglasses is a very personal choice that I believe to be an important one. Just like you need to take care of your ears/hearing with a good headset... so should you take care of your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses:

Darker gray or green lenses are good in bright light... but when looking down in the cockpit they can be too dark. Thus... Amber lenses are a great compromise in this situation. Amber provides some great contrast and doesn't make the flight deck that dark when not looking outside. Rose lenses actually provide the most contrast and are awesome for IMC and lower light situations. That's most likely the reason why many aviators like the serengeti rose lenses.

I carry both amber and rose lenses in my flight bag for those reasons.

Here's a quick rundown on lens color for you from what I can remember:

Gray/Green lens: Very dark and most color accurate/least color distortion, with little to no contrast. Great for outdoor activity in bright conditions
Amber/Brown lens: Somewhat dark, some color distortion. Higher contrast. Great all-around lens for driving/flying and when having to change views quickly from outside (bright) to inside (lower light) situations.
Rose lens: Lighter lens and higher color distortion (looking at life through "rose colored" glasses), very high contrast and great for drivers and low light situations where contrast is important (also, friggin awesome when looking at the fall leaves. ).
Yellow lens: Lightest color lens and extreme color distortion with the highest level of contrast. Not practical in bright conditions. Best for hunters and drivers in low light situations where contrast is very important.

Everyone is different... so what works for me may not work for everyone else obviously. I'd buy a couple different ones and try them out in different conditions. Take back what you don't like, and keep the ones you do. You are on your own in determining if Polarized or Non-Polarized are best for you in the above colors... but, I hope some of that helps.

Personally... I've been flying with Polarized lenses from day one (PPL). Can't stand anything else. I am very sensitive to light and harsh reflections (very light blue/gray eyes). I tend to get headaches when flying with non-polarized lenses.

A good pair will actually prevent the loss of viewing of the RMU/GPS/LCD display until you are at a very harsh angle. In order for me to start to lose sight of it, I have to have my head cocked at least 45 degrees... and I can't think of any situation that I would normally have my head in that position while attempting to change Freqs. The cheaper polarized lenses seem to have the polarization set at a much lower angle.

Also, the nicer lenses actually absorb reflective "back" glare. Making your eyes more comfortable and less stressed in bright high-glare situations... (think CAVU at 35,000 ft.).

There are no "dark blotchy" images on the windows with a good pair (Maui's for example)... just a very slight color change effect that appears in different lighting situations, but nothing that prevents you from seeing the standard Red/Green/White lights.

The contrast enhancement in overcast/low light situations is what makes the amber polarized lenses stand out for me. I'm able to visually pick out aircraft/airports from a longer distance with polarized lenses due to the higher contrast and lack of glare from the surroundings (roads, lakes, the other pilot's humungous "pilot" watch, etc).

The whole issue about seeing another plane due to the glare off of it is kind of hokey to me. First of all... the sun isn't always shining on said aircraft in such a way as to create said glare. Secondly... if it's coming right at you... there's not much surface area facing you to create the glare. Thirdly... not all planes are bright and silvery like AA's.

All of the above are simply my observations... YMMV.

Bob

[JRBlueSkys]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Bob's Super Duper Sunglasses Post:

I used to sell sunglasses as an aspect of one of my many previous careers, so bear with me... and remember... choosing a pair of sunglasses is a very personal choice that I believe to be an important one. Just like you need to take care of your ears/hearing with a good headset... so should you take care of your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses:

Darker gray or green lenses are good in bright light... but when looking down in the cockpit they can be too dark. Thus... Amber lenses are a great compromise in this situation. Amber provides some great contrast and doesn't make the flight deck that dark when not looking outside. Rose lenses actually provide the most contrast and are awesome for IMC and lower light situations. That's most likely the reason why many aviators like the serengeti rose lenses.

I carry both amber and rose lenses in my flight bag for those reasons.

Here's a quick rundown on lens color for you from what I can remember:

Gray/Green lens: Very dark and most color accurate/least color distortion, with little to no contrast. Great for outdoor activity in bright conditions
Amber/Brown lens: Somewhat dark, some color distortion. Higher contrast. Great all-around lens for driving/flying and when having to change views quickly from outside (bright) to inside (lower light) situations.
Rose lens: Lighter lens and higher color distortion (looking at life through "rose colored" glasses), very high contrast and great for drivers and low light situations where contrast is important (also, friggin awesome when looking at the fall leaves. ).
Yellow lens: Lightest color lens and extreme color distortion with the highest level of contrast. Not practical in bright conditions. Best for hunters and drivers in low light situations where contrast is very important.

Everyone is different... so what works for me may not work for everyone else obviously. I'd buy a couple different ones and try them out in different conditions. Take back what you don't like, and keep the ones you do. You are on your own in determining if Polarized or Non-Polarized are best for you in the above colors... but, I hope some of that helps.

Personally... I've been flying with Polarized lenses from day one (PPL). Can't stand anything else. I am very sensitive to light and harsh reflections (very light blue/gray eyes). I tend to get headaches when flying with non-polarized lenses.

A good pair will actually prevent the loss of viewing of the RMU/GPS/LCD display until you are at a very harsh angle. In order for me to start to lose sight of it, I have to have my head cocked at least 45 degrees... and I can't think of any situation that I would normally have my head in that position while attempting to change Freqs. The cheaper polarized lenses seem to have the polarization set at a much lower angle.

Also, the nicer lenses actually absorb reflective "back" glare. Making your eyes more comfortable and less stressed in bright high-glare situations... (think CAVU at 35,000 ft.).

There are no "dark blotchy" images on the windows with a good pair (Maui's for example)... just a very slight color change effect that appears in different lighting situations, but nothing that prevents you from seeing the standard Red/Green/White lights.

The contrast enhancement in overcast/low light situations is what makes the amber polarized lenses stand out for me. I'm able to visually pick out aircraft/airports from a longer distance with polarized lenses due to the higher contrast and lack of glare from the surroundings (roads, lakes, the other pilot's humungous "pilot" watch, etc).

The whole issue about seeing another plane due to the glare off of it is kind of hokey to me. First of all... the sun isn't always shining on said aircraft in such a way as to create said glare. Secondly... if it's coming right at you... there's not much surface area facing you to create the glare. Thirdly... not all planes are bright and silvery like AA's.

All of the above are simply my observations... YMMV.

Bob

Hey Captain Bob,

I am also very sensitive to light

What Brand of Sunglasses do you have?--you remarked that there is a difference with cheap polorized . I want to be sure about the quality of the brand i buy.

Thanks

John

[Captain_Bob]

I have a pair of Maui Jim's... and a pair of Pacific Traders.

Maui Jim's are very expensive... and Pacific Traders are the knock off version of Maui's (but still very good). You can get them at Sam's Club for around $60-$120. They have the same multi-layered process as Maui's and also have the back glare absorbtion layer.

I think that Maui's lenses are a bit more true and have less disortion... but for the price of the Pacific Trader's (roughly half of the Maui's), they are worth it.

Serengeti and RayBan always make great glass too... that being said... I'd stick with glass since poly and plastic lenses tend to get scratched too easily.

Basically... don't be afraid to try out a pair for a few days and see if you really like them or not. See what will work best for you.

Bob