Having trouble hearing in a jet cockpit with no headsets/intercoms?

[Freight Jock]

I fly older jets for a Part 135 Freight Operator. As a practice, we do not use headsets because intercoms are not available and or occasionally the headset jacks don't work. We use earplugs. This is a bit challenging in our busy ATC environment, especially when you get an auctioneer for a controller or in Mexico where it sounds like they are talking into a coffee can while spitting out clearances from words just learned from the spanish/english dictionary. Also, it causes miscommunication between crewmembers when one speaks too low or monotone.

For my own benefit, I have considered purchasing a portable intercom and providing headsets for me and the other guy. One other idea is to go out on a limb and buy a Bose Noise-Cancelling Headset for myself so I can have adaquate hearing protection while hearing ATC. However, I'm afraid that the Noise Cancelling Headset will drown out the other pilot.

Any ideas?

 

[falcon20driver]

Try turning the volume up on your speaker.
You'll get used to it, none of the DA-20 freight companies use headsets in the Falcons.

 

[UPSer]

I fly older jets for a Part 135 Freight Operator. As a practice, we do not use headsets because intercoms are not available and or occasionally the headset jacks don't work.
Any ideas?

Write up the headset jack, problem solved.

 

[T-Gates]

Write up the headset jack, problem solved.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Riiiiight!

 

[aviatornick]

id go for the bose. ive got one and ive never had any problems! its costly but well worth it!

 

[English]

Just ask the other guy to yell. That's what I do.


Just be sure when he says "we're down to 15" (as in 1500 feet on a visual approach) that you don't drop the gear and give 'em flaps 15 by mistake

Lip reading helps.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!


It does help to hear ATC to use a headset. If there's no intercom, U have to yell anyway, headset, earplugs or not. It works best if both guys use a headset, as you can both hear ATC and the radio volume is the same for both, and, if there is an intercom, it is gravy.

Cliff
GRB

 

[Canucit]

get the headset jack fixed and wear the head sets especially when going into mexico

thats my 2 cents
good luck

 

[Rhoid]

I like how my Bose noice cancelling headsets work. Maybe you could try those?

 

[kiwithatflies]

I recommend noise cancelling headphones. I fly in the 727 and it can be rather noisy. The Bose are great if you can afford them, but I compromised and bought the Plane Quiet headset for $80. Generally I can hear cockpit talk, but if I am having a conversation I usually pull one side off my ear, and that works just fine too. The great part is that it is far more comfortable working with the reduced noise levels, and you can hear ATC so much better with the noise cancelling.