Originally Posted by
coop77
Why would ANYONE use the interphone? Unless you're an oldtimer who's nearly deaf, there's absolutely NO reason to use it. You've obviously passed your medical, so you should have no problem using a single-ear headset.
I use the interphone because, while I can hear now, I still want to hear when I get to be an "oldtimer." We all receive enough ear damage from everything from APUs to taxiing aircraft. Why make things worse by yelling at a guy two feet away from you? As long as I have a way of preserving my hearing, I'm gonna use it. I would hate to be denied a medical when I'm 55 because I can't hear anymore.
Practicality is another issue. I hate having to try to listen to the other pilot with one ear and atc with the other. I can't tell you how many times I've missed ATC calls because the other guy was talking. And even when ATC isn't talking to us, I still hear every other word of what you're saying because of all the noise.
I also use it because the FAA wants us to. While I hate the FAA as much as the next guy, I think they occasionally have a point. For example, when PDT ripped the interphones out of the ALG planes, the FAA made sure they were put back as soon as they found out.
Originally Posted by
coop77
The problem is that the newbie's in MDT get conditioned to the way the old guys make them do things, so they eventually become convinced that that's 'the way' to do it.
I think thats a hugely irrational generalization. While I will agree that some people just do what they're told, don't assume that about all MDT crews. Besides, I've met plenty of people outside MDT that use the interphone.
Originally Posted by
coop77
Time to ditch the DC's, guys! You're not flying a light twin anymore, and therefore there's no reason to wear those ridiculous looking headsets in the cockpit. Spend a few bucks and look like an airline pilot.
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize that the Dash 8 cockpit was a fashion show for pilots. I'm also sorry I'm not paid enough to look "professional." Yelling at the guy next to you seems pretty professional to me. If I was flying a 737 I might agree with you, but the last time I checked we flew turboPROP aircraft that are a little bit noisier.
Originally Posted by
coop77
In my cockpit, you'll have that DC on one ear only, or you're gonna have a L O N G day.
Wow you sound like a blast to fly with. A "my way or the highway" kind of guy. Can't wait to fly with you. I'll certainly have a long day and it won't be because of my headset.