SWA Headset

[ArianaAfghanAir]

What headset is used in Southwest planes? any info would help. Thanks.

 

[OK3]

The company provides a basic telex ear piece. You can use any TSO headset you want (non ANR). If you want to use an ANR headset it must be one of the ones on the "approved list". I don't have the "list" handy right now but I know the Bose X, Telex 850, 500, Sennheiser 25/45, and DC-11 are on it. I most likely forget one of two others. If you are coming to work here don't buy one yet.

 

[huronip]

Effective June 1, 2008, only headset/boom microphone devices manufactured with a C57a, C58a, or the new C139 approval are authorized for use on Southwest Airlines flightdecks.​

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This TSO restriction applies to both ANR and non-ANR headsets.​

Headset Use Options
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Pilots are authorized to use headsets as follows:

• Pilots may use personal TSO-approved Plantronics headsets. Use of either an ear tube or ear mold is permitted.

• Pilots may use other personal TSO-approved non-ANR headsets.​

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• Pilots may use personal TSO-approved ANR headsets if they are on the Southwest Airlines approved ANR headset list. All headsets on the approved ANR headset list have undergone Southwest Airlines testing in accordance with FAA Information for Operators (InFO) 07001, dated January 5, 2007.

This testing was performed on a dedicated test flight with Flight Operations, SWAPA, SWA Avionics Engineering, and FAA personnel onboard the
aircraft.

• Pilots may use the aircraft Plantronics headsets. Use of either an ear tube or ear mold is permitted.

After use, place the headsets back into the storage​

pouch and return them to the seat back pocket.

Southwest Airlines Approved ANR Headset List​

1
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Bose Corporation:
• Bose Aviation X

Telex Corporation:
• Telex 150
• Telex 500
• Telex 850

Sennheiser Corporation:
• HMEC-25
• HMEC-45
• HMEC-46
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1 ​

If new TSO-approved ANR headsets are marketed, they will be tested by Southwest Flight Operations in accordance with FAA InFO 07001.​

 

[WNC Flyer]

After use, place the headsets back into the storage

Does anyone use the aircraft headsets? I have the impression that everyone buys their own.

Is there any one model that is more popular than the others?

 

[RDG]

The company will issue you a plantronics headset. Most guys get the ear mold made and use that. I use the now outlawed bose QC2 and the UFly mic adaptor. Just to put it in perspective, the captain I just flew with used the plantronics, and he had his radio set at full volume. No joke...all the way up. Me and my QC2, were barely off the bottom peg. About the 8:30 position.

I have to get a new headset, but it won't be the ear spike.

 

[huronip]

I have both the Telex 850 and the Bose Avaitaon X. The Bose is very quite, especially in the 300 and 500. You can also control the volume seperately in each ear on the Bose which is nice since we don't have a hot MIC. I have no problems hearing the Captians with the headset covering my inner ear. The Telex is nice too, but the Bose is better. Either way the are both worth the money.

 

[Benhuntn]

I too own the telex 850 and Bose X. I only fly with the Bose and keep the 850 as a backup but the Bose has never failed me.

 

[DrewBlows]

I've read a couple of times that some airlines are banning non-TSO headsets. What is the precipice for this?

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

I prefer the other name for the ear spike. It's also lovingly known as the "monkey dick".

The company will issue you a plantronics headset. Most guys get the ear mold made and use that. I use the now outlawed bose QC2 and the UFly mic adaptor. Just to put it in perspective, the captain I just flew with used the plantronics, and he had his radio set at full volume. No joke...all the way up. Me and my QC2, were barely off the bottom peg. About the 8:30 position.

I have to get a new headset, but it won't be the ear spike.

 

[Whataburger]

I prefer the other name for the ear spike. It's also lovingly known as the "monkey dick".

I've only known it as the "ear dick."

 

[waveflyer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9A2I-X7b-w

minute 3:23

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9A2I-X7b-w