Sport Pilot Talk

DaveB · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Marysville, OH

I am in the beginning stages of getting my license. When did you all decide was a good time to get your own headset/intercom? The school I am attending allows students to use theirs at no cost during training flights.

I like the idea of using theirs because it's free. However, I would also like to get my own for comfort, having my own, etc.

I play paintball (i know flying and paintball are totally different), and having a really nice mask is almost more important than the marker (gun) you use. I figure it would be the same with flying and headsets?

Any advice?

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

If you have a headset supplied free, and you are happy with it, you shouldn't rush into buying your own. It's one of many things (flight bag, knee board, etc) that you will eventually want to get. Ideally, some where along the way you will have opportunities to try different brands and styles and this will allow you to make a more informed decision about what to buy. The right HS makes a big difference in your flying enjoyment, and they can be expensive, so don't hurry it unless there is good reason.

Ron

MikeB · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 47 Location: Tampa, Florida area

Yeah I agree with Ron. Use the school's freebie for now, while taking your time to research and shop around. When you're hanging out at the airport and you see other pilots with their own headsets, ask them about theirs. My experience has been, most pilots will be happy to make a recommendation and even let you try theirs on. If you go to any airshows where headsets are on display, try some on. And if you visit any pilot supply stores (such as at airports) you can try different ones, before making a final decision.
When I was just about thru my flight training, someone at my flight school was selling one of his own headsets - at a very good price. He had this one for a short while, then I think received one as a gift or was now able to afford a better one he had wanted for a long time. So I tried it and found it to be perfect for me.

bullwinkle · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Athens, GA

I bought one right away, but the school didn't provide one other than rental (and I don't like other peoples' sweat on me, lol), and I knew I was going to stick with flying.

When you do buy, get the best you can reasonably afford, it makes a real difference. I ended up with a Lightspeed Zulu.
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CHRYSLER R PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS

DaveB · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Marysville, OH

Thanks for the helpful information.

I have been using the school's headsets and I have found that I can't get a consistent fit with them, and spend a lot of time adjusting them to fit me correctly. After asking around, I went ahead and bought a pair of Flighcom 4DLX to start with. I can have a sure fit every time and if I ever decide to upgrade, I will have a pair for my passenger.

Thanks again for the helpful replies

MikeB · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 47 Location: Tampa, Florida area

DaveB wrote: ...and if I ever decide to upgrade, I will have a pair for my passenger.
Good idea. You know that as soon as you pass your checkride you'll want to take your first passenger on a flight.

tadel001 · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 251

Clarity Aloft is the best headset and best service on the market. I have been using one for 3 years. You will not be disappointed. The headset does not clamp over your head but has plugs into the ear. It is light weight and can be worn for hours without giving you a headache. I have flown many 8-12 hour days without feeling like my head was in a viceclamp.

DaveB · Joined: 10 Jul 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Marysville, OH

I ended up returning the Flightcom's. They squeezed my head too much, and started to hurt about 30min into my flight. Great headset, just didn't fit me.

I replaced them with the Lightspeed QFRSolo/c. They don't squeeze my head as much and felt pretty comfortable during my flight. Easy volume controls, and cellphone jack is nice too.

Thanks for the info Tadel, I'll look into those when I'm ready to upgrade

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

I'll second the Clarity Aloft. It's what I use.

I also have a Bose X. Very nice, but you don't forget you have them on like you do with the CA.

The down side of the CA, or any in-the-ear system, is that it take time to get them in and out. If you need to take of the headset on and off its a bit of a chore.

Ron

Super Cub · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 45 Location: PA

Another problem I found with the Clarity Aloft was that after checking the oil and the gas sump, my finger had oil and gas on them. Then I had to roll the foam inserts and wedge them in my ears, with the grime on them. Probably not good for your ears. A lot of Rotax fliers are using the Telex Stratus 50D as they work better on the higher pitch that 5000 RPM's put out.

owenstrawn · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 22

A small pack of baby wipes would solve that problem.