Headset recommendation?

[ToiletDuck]

I've only used the Bose X. What makes the QC2 so good? Superior?

 

[CA1900]

The QC2 is smaller and lighter than the X, making it easier to pack and more comfortable to wear. It was designed as a listen-only headset -- it's through the addition of the UFlyMike third-party add-on that it becomes an aviation headset. The big advantage of that is that you can pop the mike out when you're done, and have a terrific headset to use when flying in the back, or even around the house listening to music. Blocks out the jet noise nicely.

 

[DH2WN]

I've only used the Bose X. What makes the QC2 so good? Superior?

Sound quality and ANR is much better with the X. QC2 is a cheap alternative by a couple hundred bucks.

 

[infiniti757]

Clarity Aloft

I use these

http://www.clarityaloft.com/

They offer almost the same reduction as the Bose but for a guy like me with elephant ears they dont squeeze the head. Not for every one though you have to not mind the earplugs.

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

We are looking into TSO certification, but our roadblock remains the fact we don't own the QC2. Bose doesn't want it TSO'd, obviously. One of the criteria for TSO certification is that the headset will still function without battery power.

Running a QC2 out of battery power would be like running the airplane out of gas, in my opinion. There's planning required, you monitor inflight, and there are ample warning systems to back you up. There's no excuse for running a headset out of battery power. If you're trying to save a dime, think of another way.

There is no FAA requirement for a pilot to use a TSO certified headset, unless that pilot's air carrier requires it. There is confusion on this issue because headsets and microphones installed in a commercial aircraft must be TSO'd, they're part of the aircraft MEL/CDL. What a pilot brings to the cockpit is his call.

I have had far more FO's miss radio calls and have issues with their headsets with the Plantronics MS50 and Sennheisers than I ever saw with a UFlyMike. There was an issue with the first generation UFlyMike where the retaining o-ring was too small. We changed to a more robust o-ring in late 2005, and there have not been issues with the unit unplugging, unless there's folks out there who never sent their early adapter in for a retrofit.

Mike
UFlyMike LLC

In your opinion, what is the likelihood of the current setup being TSO'd? As of March or so, I won't be able to use mine at Alaska. It's a damn shame!

 

[Edge540]

In your opinion, what is the likelihood of the current setup being TSO'd? As of March or so, I won't be able to use mine at Alaska. It's a dang shame!

IMHO:

It most likely will not be TSO'd, that is if Bose does not want it TSO'd. No insult intended, but UFlyMike is simply an add on accessory. The QC series were not designed nor intended to be aviation headsets. They were designed to be excellent, lightweight, and simplified noise canceling headphones.

The most probable solution is Bose will recognize the demand for this product and produce a "jet" version of the Bose X, designing a product that matches the sought after features of the QC series while meeting FAA requirements.

That or the UFlyMike, or similar, company will recognize the immanent demand for a replacement product and produce a QC knockoff headset that meets FAA requirements.

 

[DH2WN]

In your opinion, what is the likelihood of the current setup being TSO'd? As of March or so, I won't be able to use mine at Alaska. It's a dang shame!

Is there an uproar at Alaska over this as there is at SWA? Seems like implementation timetable is exactly the same as it is here. Guys here want to string up management over it. There are a few who blame the FAA but the majority thinks management is knee jerking over a report filed by some dumb pilot.

 

[DH2WN]

I use these

http://www.clarityaloft.com/

They offer almost the same reduction as the Bose but for a guy like me with elephant ears they dont squeeze the head. Not for every one though you have to not mind the earplugs.

Interesting. Can't find on their site if they are TSO approved though. Do you know?

 

[gutshotdraw]

Sound quality and ANR is much better with the X. QC2 is a cheap alternative by a couple hundred bucks.

It's not about the money. With the QC 2 and the Uflymike, you can have a fantastic noise cancelling headset with a mike when you're in the cockpit(Atlantic crossings are a snap with some music for the ride. Just hit the pause button for the position reports and back to the tunes) and then pull out the mike and plug in the ipod when you're commuting in the back. Sure, you could wear your Bose X in the back. But you can't plug in music and you'd look like a dork with the boom mike while sitting in 15B.

Incidentally, I have flown extensively with an X and the QC 2 is WAY more comfortable on a long day and very nearly as good at cancelling noise. In either case, an ANC headset is a quantum leap in safety over the piece of junk Telex 750s provided by my employer. I'd be deaf in another two or three years of using those dinosaurs.

Keep plugging away Mike. I've already sent you a handful of folks and there's more coming. Too bad your own employer has lost their mind on this deal.

 

[ToiletDuck]

I looked into the uflymike but don't like how you have to get different adapters for stereo, mono, or big jet.

 

[mblackey]

UFlyMike Versions

We're actually consolidating models. The current GA/RJ will replace the Pro very shortly. There will only be two models, the GA/RJ which works in any aircraft with a mono panel, i.e., big and little jets, big and little props, experimentals, etc. The Duo will continue to be offered for those that fly airplanes with both mono and stereo panels, mostly geared to the private aircraft sector.

Mike
UFlyMike

 

[nosartoofar]

Pilot Usa Pa 1779t

Pilot Usa Pa 1779t
http://www.pilot-usa.com/

PA 1779T, take a look.

 

[CaptAntoineMack]

Pilot Usa Pa 1779t
http://www.pilot-usa.com/

PA 1779T, take a look.

Wow! Approved by NASA and the DOD!!!

Didn't see their TSO stamp of approval.

The FAA can be so backwards.