UFlyMike Passes DO-160E Test Standards

[mblackey]

We've had a lot of requests from the "box hauler" community about progress in getting the UFlyMike headset TSO'd:

Received word today from the test facility that the UFlyMike has passed the environmental test standards, per DO-160E, one of the test standards for TSO certification under the new TSO-C139. Testing required under DO-214 is ongoing. We don't expect any problems, and it should be done by mid May.

We still don't have a projected date for the certification paperwork from the FAA. Estimate is mid June to mid July.

Mike

 

[AV80R]

Great news Mike! Keep us posted and maybe send an email to those who purchased the unit from you; would like to have some kind of TSO document available if there are any questions....

Thanks.

 

[mblackey]

We're looking at options for notification. With 4,000+ out there, it's not impossible but very challenging to try to notify everyone.

We're also looking at providing TSO stickers and earbuds, which will be a requirement to be technically legal.

Speaking of technically legal, there are a lot of modified headsets in the system that technically are no longer TSO'd because the modification was done by a third party and/or the mod is not TSO'd. Then there are those that were repaired, but not by a TSO certified repair facility. They're no longer legal, either.

Examples, custom earmold on Plantronics "earspikes." Custom earpads or headband pads, home repair of a broken headset. All these things technically void the TSO certification, per FAR Part 21, Subpart O. Some Feds, maintenance folks and chief pilots have taken it upon themselves to interpret what is a "modification" for their convenience. This further confuses the issue.

The number of pilots flying with a no kidding TSO legal headset is pretty small.