UFlyMike Bose Adaptor

[Fozzy]

From their web site I think.

Does the adapter require TSO certification?

The FAA's TSO program with regard to headsets and microphones is for the purpose of establishing a standard, or benchmark for such equipment, but they have not mandated nor regulated the use of such equipment for Part 91, 135 or 121, or under Part 25 or Part 43 or any other FAR. The establishment of a process for certifying equipment does not require certification for use, but is only a demonstration of adherence to the established standard. We make a quality product but are unable to obtain TSO certifications because we do not manufacture the Bose headphones.

 

[ackattacker]

Does the adapter require TSO certification?

The FAA's TSO program with regard to headsets and microphones is for the purpose of establishing a standard, or benchmark for such equipment, but they have not mandated nor regulated the use of such equipment for Part 91, 135 or 121, or under Part 25 or Part 43 or any other FAR. The establishment of a process for certifying equipment does not require certification for use, but is only a demonstration of adherence to the established standard. We make a quality product but are unable to obtain TSO certifications because we do not manufacture the Bose headphones.

I heard... (take it for what it's worth)... that because headsets are "required equipment" for most 121 ops that you have to have the minimum number of TSO'd headsets onboard but you could use whatever you want. No I don't have a reference... but I know that 2 headsets are in the MEL for the ATR I fly as "always required", and the company doesn't provide any so you have to bring your own.

 

[Gorilla]

I flew my UFM headset for the first time yesterday. Quality unit, excellent sound, but be warned the mike is on the left, and there's no way I can see to have it on the right. So if you're an FO, be warned. I'm going to figure out a way to route my cable over the top of the headset band in some fashion.

 

[Irish Pilot]

It also has an input for pluggin in something like an ipod correct? (while you are using it as a headset - flying obviously)

 

[Irish Pilot]

got my answer....apparently theres no edit function do edit-remove my question

 

[Snoopy58]

The UFlyMike setup is great. Yes, if the battery goes out, you lose all audio (though the mic will still transmit in any case), but when you use non-rechargable batteries, you get something like 5 hours of warning (blinking light on the headset) before they die. (Bose recommends not using rechargable batteries because the low-battery warning doesn't work right with them, and I've verified what they're talking about... heard that it may have to do with the different drop-off of voltage over time as the battery becomes depleted.)

I carry my ear-mold headset/mic combo with me in case the Bose fails catastrophically, but in well over a year I haven't had to pull it out.

The left-side mic is a small annoyance, but only that. Some guys put the cord behind their head, others clip it to the front of their right epaulet with the same clip that the earmold arrangement used (and I think Mike sells those clips on his website too).

As for the TSO deal, I've heard more stories of FAA guys asking where they can get one for their own flying than I have of them expressing doubts about it, and I've heard of exactly NOBODY getting in actual trouble from wearing them.

Excellent setup.

 

[fly2dive]

OK, I am sold!
As best as I can tell, the price on eBay is the same as direct and should give the "Mom & Pop" business the max profit.

 

[Going2Baja]

Any 737 f/o's care to give a users report? Do you find that you have the left (mike side) earmuff off so you can hear the Capt? I currently have the Bose X - but REALLY like the idea of having the headset for riding in the back.

Baja.

 

[Hogprint]

I heard a rumor that Bose was considering legal action against Uflymike? Any truth to this? Count me in as one considering getting this as I already own the headset.

 

[mblackey]

Bose Dropped Lawsuit Against UFlyMike

Bose dropped their lawsuit in May of this year. Allegations were unsupported. We were a bit surprised because we expected them to litigate us to death... don't have to be right, just have more $$$.

Mike
UFlyMike LLC

 

[Hogprint]

THanks for the info Mike! It's good to hear. I'll be contacting you soon!

 

[Hogprint]

One more thing. I see Bose has a new QS3? Have you made an adapter for those and if so, what is the pro/con between the the 2 and the 3? Thanks, H

 

[mblackey]

Bose 2 -v- Bose 3

I purchased a Bose QC3 as soon as they came out. Don't think the QC3 would be a very good aviation headset or as cost effective as the QC2, so we don't intend to make an adapter:

1. $50 more than QC2
2. Requires special battery and charger (QC2 uses one AAA)
3. Battery only lasts 15-20 hours (QC2 lasts 30-35 hours)
4. Spare battery would cost $50+
5. Fits ON the ear, so uncomfortable for extended wear (QC2 fits OVER ear)
6. Won't stay inplace when moving around the cockpit due to ON ear design
7. Despite claims, we're getting reports ANR is not as good as QC2

Mike
UFlyMike LLC

 

[BombJet45]

I bought my QC2 and UFLYMIKE a few months ago and I love it. Everyone else I have talked to love theirs as much as I enjoy mine. If you don't like it I bet you could sell it for slightly less on eBay so little risk.

 

[LearAv8r]

mike. i know that i asked you when you started to build these things a few years ago if you were going to put a mic on a swivel. i know at the time you said no but i was wondering if you gave it any other thought. as a coffee drinker it is hard to keep moving the mic back and forth. would be kind of nice if you could swivel the mic up like the telex headsets, bose X, david clarks, etc...

thanks

 

[800DRIVER]

I posted this elsewhere before, but I was very disappointted with the Bose support when I had problems with my Bose X. Seems a lot of other people have had problems with it also. I have heard of NO problems with UFLYMIKE and the QC2. Seriously thinking about dumping my X and getting one.

 

[mblackey]

UFlyMike and Coffee

LearAv8r,

Still no plans to add a swivel. We try to keep the cost down on the UFlyMike adapter. A swivel would be expensive to manufacture since our housing is machined aluminum and there would be a number of new components needed. If it were plastic, like most other headsets, it would be much cheaper and feasible. I would estimate it would cost $25-30 per adapter to add a swivel (swivel housing, attach hardware, travel stops, shield to protect mic wires, etc.).

The mic is actually from Knowles Acoustics and is used on SWAT headsets. It is waterproof. Just leave it inplace when you're drinking coffee. Depending on where that windsock has been, the coffee should taste fine.

Mike

 

[LearAv8r]

No coffee NO workee

A swivel would be expensive to manufacture since our housing is machined aluminum and there would be a number of new components needed. If it were plastic, like most other headsets, it would be much cheaper and feasible. I would estimate it would cost $25-30 per adapter to add a swivel (swivel housing, attach hardware, travel stops, shield to protect mic wires, etc.).

I'd pay extra for it......like you said Mike it would take some extra design but in the long run it would be worth it (IMO).....how about you make a few "test" ones to see. maybe you can do a poll to see if there is a demand for it. I got one of your first run adapters and I like it but for me as soon as I am out of FL180 the mic goes over the head (Telex) and I use the hand mic.

Maybe even a retro-fit option...

anyway thanks for the reply

Lear-