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From: bart@ucbvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Headset inquiry - (nf)
Message-ID: <46@ucbvax.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 3-Jul-83 18:48:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.46
Posted: Sun Jul  3 18:48:15 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 7-Jul-83 02:38:23 EDT
References: <1256@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Organization: U. C. Berkeley Computer Science
Lines: 35

My preference for headsets falls into two catagories:
	For tandom (usually aerobatic) aircraft, and for helichopper
	flying, cover-the-ears, noise atenuating types are best.  I
	use a David Clark (electret mike).  A bit expensive, tho'
	(> $200).

	For normal, cabin, take-passengers-along type flying, I like
	to be able to talk with my passengers.  And I like noise
	protection.  I use a Plantronics Starset, with a modification.
	I replace the stardard earplug on the set.  I take an EAR earplug,
	put a hole down the middle, and  use that instead of the normal
	plug.  And, of course, an EAR in my other ear.  I usually supply
	my passengers with EARs also, so we're all happy about the radio
	volume level.  (Starset is ~ $175 mail order)

I stay away from over-the-head type headsets, as after a couple of hours of
flying, I begin to feel like a block of ice being held by ice tongs.

Two more points of rambling:  For instrument flying, its the boom mike,
and not the earphone that usually of value (frees up the hands).  And
you can sets with just a boom mike.  Last, if you not flying with earplugs
or a noise attenuating headset, you're doing yourself a disservice.  As
well as hearing damage for those that fly alot (especially 200HP and up
aircraft (182's, etc.), noise is also a significant fatigue agent.  It
saps energy, and makes you iritable -- effects your judgement.  At the
end of a 3 hour flight, in bad vis, bumpy all the way, and now there's
a goddamn NDB approach to fly;  who needs noise as well.

Sorry 'bout the length of this message.  Often ignored subject.

I'm still collecting good guys/bad guys info (those companies that will
or will not let you fly on business (and their reimbusement policies)).
I'll publish the list to the net as soon as I get a few more replies.
						--bart miller
						  u.c. berkeley