There was another thread in regional forum regarding the QC2 headset and this is what I posted there:
(basically I replied to a person who said the FAA didn't mind pilots using headsets which aren't approved by the FAA [TSO] - I heard something totally opposite)
"I spoke to a fed and asked about them. He said if it works and you have a backup such as another headset or speaker, then he could care less what you use. I ordered mine a few days ago."
Hmm, I heard something totally different. Several months ago, I talked to a friend of mine who flies MD11s for FedEx. He said that not too long ago he had an FAA inspector on his flight (routine observation I think?) and they ended up having a conversation about ANR headsets. (My friend is using Telex 850 which I believe is the reason the conversation on the subject started)
The inspector said that “there are pilots out there who’re using unauthorized headsets and we know about it!” Apparently, a crew for some airline really screwed up not too long ago (he never said which airline except that it was a B737NG flight). The captain on that flight was using an ANR headset that was modified and “unauthorized” by the FAA. He said it was a Bose headset that’s actually made for the passengers so I’m assuming it’s the QC2 with the UflyMike conversion.
Basically, the captain’s batteries died and since the other guy was either in the bathroom or not paying attention, they ended up flying without talking to anyone for some time and had to fill out some paperwork afterwards. The fed said that had it been a TSO’d headset it would’ve never happened because when the batteries in a regular ANR headset die, you can still hear the ATC.
With the Bose QC2 + Ufly2Mike conversion, if the batteries die – you’ll have no idea that you cannot hear the ATC unless the speaker is on or the other pilot happens to see the little light go out on the side of your headset.
Anyway, I was seriously looking into the QC2 conversion but frankly I’m not willing to risk a violation just so I can save a few bucks; I have heard from numerous people that the UflyMike conversion is great and I wish there was a TSO’d version because I’d get it in a heart beat. I’ll probably end up with a Sennheiser or a Telex.
If only Bose would recreate a QC2 with a mic that’s ALWAYS hot whether batteries are in or not (I think that Aviation X headset is too big and TOO expensive.)
I know that QC and UflyMike is a great combination BUT I also know it's not legal. The chances of someone finding out are very remote, nevertheless I believe it's something you should consider...