Starting Flight School Need a Headset

M

Miguel Villazon

Well-Known Member
I am starting flight school March 7th at ATP in Fort Lauderdale. I am brand new to aviation and I am starting from zero time so any input is appreciated. I need to buy a headset and I don't know where to start. There are a ton of options. I thought about buying the Bose, since they're supposed to be the best and I heard they last forever, but I don't really feel like shelling out $1,000. Maybe, I'm wrong and it is worth it to spend $1,000 on headsets. Just wanted some input from you guys. Also, if anyone is selling headsets they don't use anymore, I'd love to know about it. Thanks everyone.
 
I have an Avcomm lying around that probably needs new ear seals but otherwise worked the last time it was used, which was several years ago. But for $30 I'll ship it to you.
 
David Clark H10-13.4

They are cheap(ish) at $300, basic headset, very durable, will last forever. Good Headset starting out.

Once you know that you are committed to flying (not everyone that goes to ATP is) get some hours under your belt, then upgrade to something like a Bose, Lightspeed, Clarity Aloft, ect. ect. ect. And you will have the DC's as a backup should your other set need service or for when you take someone along with you on a flight.
 
skypilot6 said:
David Clark H10-13.4

They are cheap(ish) at $300, basic headset, very durable, will last forever. Good Headset starting out.

Once you know that you are committed to flying (not everyone that goes to ATP is) get some hours under your belt, then upgrade to something like a Bose, Lightspeed, Clarity Aloft, ect. ect. ect. And you will have the DC's as a backup should your other set need service or for when you take someone along with you on a flight.
Click to expand...
This.

If you want more hearing protection, wear earplugs under them.
 
skypilot6 said:
David Clark H10-13.4

They are cheap(ish) at $300, basic headset, very durable, will last forever. Good Headset starting out.
Click to expand...

This. The DC 13.4 is virtually indestructable and you can often find a used set cheap. If you're worried about quiet/comfort, add the Oregon Aero hushkit for another $100 and you'll be sitting pretty. This is what I used for primary training, and didn't move to a A20 (also used) until I got a flying job. Good luck with training!
 
You'll spend the rest of your life (or at least the next few years) around loud heavy machinery. Go to the Banyan pilot shop and try on the headsets. Buy the most comfortable one you can afford. Eventually you'll be wearing it eight hours a day.

Personally I wear Bose. It works well in everything that I fly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
skypilot6 said:
David Clark H10-13.4

They are cheap(ish) at $300, basic headset, very durable, will last forever. Good Headset starting out.

Once you know that you are committed to flying (not everyone that goes to ATP is) get some hours under your belt, then upgrade to something like a Bose, Lightspeed, Clarity Aloft, ect. ect. ect. And you will have the DC's as a backup should your other set need service or for when you take someone along with you on a flight.
Click to expand...
I'll quote this for truth, as well. Get something cheap to start with. If you decide to stick with it, then spend some money. A $1000 seems pretty steep right now, but it's incredibly worth it down the road.

Of course something I just thought of...Don't wait too long to invest in good hearing protection. Even if you only have 70 hours and you feel you are going to stick with it. Once you get hearing damage, it doesn't come back. Also, even if you buy some Bose at 70 hours and then decide to pursue something else the high end headsets tend to retain a good portion of their value if you decide to sell them.
 
skypilot6 said:
David Clark H10-13.4

They are cheap(ish) at $300, basic headset, very durable, will last forever. Good Headset starting out.

Once you know that you are committed to flying (not everyone that goes to ATP is) get some hours under your belt, then upgrade to something like a Bose, Lightspeed, Clarity Aloft, ect. ect. ect. And you will have the DC's as a backup should your other set need service or for when you take someone along with you on a flight.
Click to expand...

This
I bought DC 10-13.4s back in 2001 and never had an issue with them. You can drive nails with them. They are my backups now because the Lightspeed zulus I owned had to go in the shop a few times. Now I have DC Pros that have worked fine for over a year now, but they are not prop headsets. They are very comfortable and easy to put one side behind the ear if you're not using the intercom.
 
Another vote for the DC 10-13.4. I bought a used set on ebay for slightly more than half what they retail for, have been using for several years with no problem. When I decided that I wanted to get something nicer last year, I looked at other options with noise canceling. I ended up buying a kit from headsetsinc.com to upgrade my DC set to a noise canceling set and have been very happy with it (I use them everyday flying cargo in a turboprop). It uses 9v batteries, but if you buy a good set of lithium ion rechargeable batteries, it's more convenient to just change one 9v battery and they seem to last for quite a while on a charge.

Look for a used set on ebay if you're looking to save money, but you really can't go wrong with the DC's. Can easily replace the ear seals if you find them uncomfortable. Some do say that they fit a bit tight, but they are adjustable and upgradeable. I think DC stands by their products, even if they're old as well.
 
Zondaracer said:
If you can afford ATP, you can afford a $1000 headset.
Click to expand...
And an iPad...with foreflight. That's what my college told me at least.

I'd go with David and Clark. I just upgraded to Bose once I started instructing. I liked not having noise cancelling as a student, it taught me so much about hearing the engine and flying. Just my opinion.
 
I own two David Clark H10-13.4 headsets. The first one I bought for about $300 when I first started as a student pilot, and used it for 9 years, for almost 2000 hours of training and flight instruction. The other one one I found on eBay, brand new, for $105. I use it daily in 121 flying, with the old one now as a backup.

@Miguel Villazon
Do you see a trend in this thread? :biggrin:
 
Hard to go wrong with the David Clark H10-13.4's, still using the same pair I bought almost 20 years ago. Even if you get something else in the future, they are worth having around as a backup / pair to loan to passengers. If you don't know what you want, start with those.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top