If there's a Fed who doesn't like it he/they better read their own FARs. There is no prohibition against using a non-TSO'd headset unless your air carrier requires it. The FAA published a letter which clarifies this (if you can understand "FAA language." ) We have a link to that letter and a lot of other info about this on the "News" page of our website:
www.uflymike.com
We believe Bose started the "hooplah" over TSO'd headsets this year in a new tactic to put us out of business. Problem is they have been misquoting the FARs, and we called them on it.
Most air carriers that have added a "TSO'd only" headset requirement, don't understand what they've mandated. Here's three gaping holes you'll find in most ops specs that "require TSO'd headsets:" That air carrier:
1) allows third party modifications (custom earmolds or headbands) - this voids the TSO
2) has no inspection or maintenance procedures to ensure headsets are maintained in legal TSO condition
3) has not identified what standards under TSO certification is required - there are 23 environmental categories. The FAA does specify which categories must be tested, so headset manufacturers just pick what looks good to them. There is no standardization, e.g., the Bose X is only certified to 15,000 MSL and was only tested in 9 of the 23 categories. Another headset may be tested to 50,000 MSL. You, the consumer, never know the difference. In theory, a manufacturer could test in a couple of categories and get the FAA to issue a TSO certification. The whole thing is a joke.
If you run across someone who puts credence in whether a headset is TSO'd or not, you've just run into someone that doesn't have a clue what it means. Unfortunately, that includes a lot of Feds.
Mike
I've been using the UFM mic for 2 months now and love it. How do the feds feel about it? I've heard that they do not like it since the headphones are not TSO'd.