

The headset is low-profile and lightweight (it comes in at only 12 ounces). Most pilots agree that the Bose A20 aviation headset shines brightest in its comfort. Their noise cancellation technology has only gotten better in each generation. The Bose headset line has progressed from those early models to the A20 of today. Instead of relying on tight clamping pressure on the pilot’s head or a ridiculously bulky design, it used high-quality active noise cancellation technology to reduce noise levels. This headset was revolutionary for its day. Why the Bose A20 Headset Rocksīose’s first foray into the aviation headset market was the popular Bose X. The more time you spend in the plane, the more likely you will start feeling tired or even suffering headaches.Īre you constantly fiddling with your headset? Is it crushing your ears or uncomfortably pressing on your temples? If so, it might be time to start looking for something more comfortable. It’s not until you do a few longer cross countries that you’ll start to identify just how comfortable and effective your headset is. Additionally, everything in flying is so new that you’ll likely not be able to sort out what is expected and what is not for a few hours. Aviation Headset ComfortĮven on long cross countries, you’ll likely only have your headset on for a few hours at the most. When you begin flying for your private pilot’s license, you’ll only be sitting in the plane for an hour or so at a time. The issue of fatigue is difficult to correlate to noise levels, especially on the individual level. But beyond the dangers of hearing loss, there’s the less-often discussed problem of pilot fatigue. Long-term exposure to it can cause hearing loss. The bottom line is simple-airplanes are noisy environments. The FAA has also studied noise levels inside the cockpit. This number places the noise level above OSHA standards. One study found that the average noise level was around 86 decibels, regardless of whether it was a single-engine C-172 or a twin-engine PA-44. Several studies have been done to look into just how noisy the cockpits of light planes are.

What’s more, their engines run at high power constantly. Small airplanes are built light and have very little insulation against the engine drone or wind noise on the airframe. Noise is a complicated thing, and airplane noise doubly so.

The first job’s arguably the most complicated, however. First, it must eliminate cockpit noise, and secondly, it must make it easier to communicate. The Importance of a Pilot’s Headsetįirst off, take a moment to consider how vital a pilot’s headset is.Ī pilot’s headset needs to perform a minimum of two essential tasks. If you’d like to see all of the headsets we’re reviewing, take a look at our post on the best aviation headsets on the market today.
Bose aviation headset financing series#
This post is a part of our series comparing different aviation headsets. If you’re new to aviation, the sticker shock might require a while to get over.īut is the A20 worth the money? Let’s take a closer look at this now-legendary headset and find out. One of the most popular options on the market is also the most expensive-the Bose A20. Like a good pair of your favorite sneakers or a well-tailored suit, the right headset for you probably isn’t the right headset for everyone. In this article, I’ll help you decide if the Bose A20 aviation headset is right for you.
