A quality pair of aviation headphones is a necessary expense for general aviation (GA) pilots. Earphones facilitate crucial communications and protect users’ hearing from the harmful effects of engine noise. To maximize the benefits provided by ear sets, aviators should be prepared to spend sufficient money to obtain high-caliber headphones.
Reputable aviation headsets can command a fairly expensive price. As such, pilots should take every effort to protect their investments and maximize the longevity of their earphones. By following the suggestions outlined below, aviators can increase the chances their headphones will soldier on for years to come.
1. Use a Headset Case: A headset bag is an inexpensive way to reduce the chance of damage to your earphones. Headset protection can consist of a padded headset bag, an external hard shell case, a flight bag, or some combination of the three. Headset cases help protect your earset if dropped and keep it out of the elements during inclement weather. Many headphone vendors include cases with custom vr viewers headset purchases. Otherwise, several options are available for purchase from the popular pilot shops. Whatever your choice, consider a dedicated headset case a cheap form of insurance to protect your investment.
2. Don’t Leave Your Headset in the Aircraft: Many pilots, particularly aircraft owners, opt to leave their headsets in their aircraft at all times. While not necessarily a bad choice, it does come with additional risks. For starters, a high-end headset will probably attract attention from other airport users. Leaving it in the aircraft could attract vandals. Besides theft, a headset left in the aircraft is subject to the effects of heat, cold, sunlight, and moisture, particularly if the aircraft is parked on an airport ramp for extended periods. Even if hangared, most hangars are not climate-controlled. Take your headset with you when not flying to reduce the possibilities of theft or climate-related stress.
3. Unplug When Not in Use: If you choose to leave your headset in the aircraft, be sure to unplug it after each flight. A plugged-in earset is a tripping hazard, particularly among passengers new to GA. In addition, the tight confines of GA cockpits allow plenty of opportunities for headphone cables to get caught in seat rails, slammed in doors, or otherwise unintentionally damaged. By unplugging and wrapping up the cables after each flight, you reduce the risk of damaging your cords.
4. Go Wireless: In connection with #3 above, consider using a wireless headset. Wireless headsets negate the tripping hazards and cable damage their corded brethren might incur. Wireless models also remove the possibility of connection problems due to faulty cables. For your next headset, consider the benefits offered by wireless models.
5. Don’t Hang Headphones on the Yoke: Hanging earphones from the control yoke is a common practice in GA cockpits. Unfortunately, it’s not the best practice for the headset or the aircraft. During preflight operations, pilots must be able to move the control surfaces from inside and outside the cockpit. A headset positioned on the yoke can impede control movement. In addition, movement of the control surfaces, whether by the pilot or wind, can knock a headset into the floor. This introduces the possibility of an aircraft occupant stepping on the earset. For the sake of the headset and the aircraft, refrain from using the control yoke as a headset hanger.