Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site ucbvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!ucbcad!ucbvax!bart 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