I'm original DL and have flown the 757/767 and the MD88 so I can't speak for what's on the former NWA planes, but the vast majority of pilot I fly with, including myself, wear the Telex 750 with both earpieces. The company headsets are single sided, green DC clamps. 'Nugh said.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

-DL planes don't have hot intercoms. I wish they did, but I guess they didn't spring for that option. With that said, the 75/76 cockpit and especially the MD88 is quiet enough where you don't really need it. Most of the time, I'll slide the earpiece behind my left ear (I'm an FO) and often, I'll just take the whole thing off above FL180.

-I've never flown the 737 but I'm told is nosier. From the times I've jumpseated on them, it seems most guys have sprung for the Telex 850s.

-Unlike a regional jet, especially an EMB-145, you're not wearing a headset for hearing protection. The cockpits are too quiet for that. Likewise, you don't want to wear DCs, because without a hot intercom, you won't hear what the Captain is saying.

-I'd go with the Telex 750. They're light weight, fit easily in a flight kit and you can find them on ebay for around $75. Although nice, the 850s are bigger, more expensive and for what you'll be flying as a new hire, not necessary. Once you're off first-year pay and have a better feel for things, then you can consider them or any other option.

Say again?

Check Essential
(love the 73N, but slowly going deaf)

Why don't we have intercoms? I mean why don't Boeings and Douglas' have intercoms?!? Man those things are so nice and so good for safety...

The DC9's have intercoms. New K told NWA to install them in the entire fleet or else he'd quit. :D

FTB, I think they are available as an option, one DL didn't go for. IIRC, CAL's 737s had intercoms.

I keep telling myself that once I'm sure I won't get furloughed, I'll spring for the headset. (Hired near the end in '08. Not buying just yet.)

Flying the Maddog, and the DC clamps work pretty well, at least in short bursts. They are single sided, but you can put the earpiece towards the window so you can hear most of what the captain says - so long as he's not a mumbler. Been using them 2+ years, and haven't caught anything that's killed me yet. As others have said, you're not required to wear the headset above 180 anyway, so you hang it up and use the speaker/hand mike.

And I'll add my vote to the "lots of stuff to buy first year - headset can wait camp." Sounds like if you're on the north side of the fleets, that vote works even better.

But If you're determined to get one, I guess there's a guy called the headset doctor that sells good used ones for a little cheaper. I also hear you can get them on ebay.

Former NWA jets have company provided telex headsets...most excellent. Bid the 320, you won't have to buy a headset till you decide to bid something else...not sure why you'd want to though:cool:

If you use the aircraft headset please, please, please stow it when you are done. Very annoying when someone leaves it out for you to put away.

Any word on a November class?

Or... if you use your own headset make sure you plug the aircraft headset back in. Its annoying to have to plug it back in. :cool:

All a matter of perspective my friend...;)