ANR Headsets
#14
Sigh . . . the UFlyMike w/ QC2 is TSO'd
The QC15 is not yet TSO'd. The QC2 is TSO'd.
The UFLYMike with the QC2 is TSO'd if you have the stickers on it (you have to send it to UFlyMike) and use the earbud (which you can purchase from UFlyMike for a great price, can't beat it anywhere) - go to my explaination on the forum of it here, or just go to the UFlyMike website (scroll down to the section about TSO'd, or PM me and I'll answer any questions you have).
I don't work for UFlyMike, I'm just on self-nominated forum patrol to stamp out the rumor that the UFlyMike isn't TSO'd.
Works great in a 737. The headset was designed by a Southwest pilot, after all.
#15
I just spoke with someone at UFlyMike earlier today and was told that the Bose QC-15 will be Tso'd in his estimates "two weeks." I'm looking forward to trying it out. As mentioned previously, your headphones need to be sent in to be tested together as a complete unit to be legally Tso'd.
#16
I was right when I wrote it. 1 day later . . .
from the UFM website:
Great news, since Bose isn't making the QC2 anymore.
from the UFM website:
11.05.10
UFlyMike Receives TSO Certification with the QC-15: The FAA has issued another TSO Authorization for the UFlyMike Aviation Headset using the Bose QuietComfort 15 (QC-15) Headphones, and the Westone UM1 Earbuds. If you fly for an air carrier that requires use of TSO'd headsets, contact UFlyMike for details.
UFlyMike Receives TSO Certification with the QC-15: The FAA has issued another TSO Authorization for the UFlyMike Aviation Headset using the Bose QuietComfort 15 (QC-15) Headphones, and the Westone UM1 Earbuds. If you fly for an air carrier that requires use of TSO'd headsets, contact UFlyMike for details.
#17
-top-of-the-head style headsets, I'm sure my preference would still be the CA.
#18
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2011
Posts: 46
The UFLYMike with the QC2 is TSO'd if you have the stickers on it (you have to send it to UFlyMike) and use the earbud (which you can purchase from UFlyMike for a great price, can't beat it anywhere) - go to my explaination on the forum of it here, or just go to the UFlyMike website (scroll down to the section about TSO'd, or PM me and I'll answer any questions you have).
[/QUOTE]
Apparently the port on the mike adapter is both an input and an output. If you plug an earbud into that port, it should provide ATC reception even with a dead battery. I don't know if the mic will still work but I'm going to find out today.
[/QUOTE]
Apparently the port on the mike adapter is both an input and an output. If you plug an earbud into that port, it should provide ATC reception even with a dead battery. I don't know if the mic will still work but I'm going to find out today.
#19
The UFlyMike (with the headphones) is the 'headset'. The Bose QC15 is merely the 'headband'. Just like you can use a Telex 5x5 without the headband (clip it onto your glasses or onto a piece of plastic attached to your custom earbud), you can use the UFlyMike without one too.
Bose doesn't like that there's a way to have a Bose ANR headset without buying their $1000 model, so they've done EVERYTHING they can do to try to put UFlyMike out of business.
The weakness of the UFlyMike set-up is the QC15 won't play audio when the battery is dead (there's a light that blinks at you for 5 hours before the battery dies, so you'd have to be an idiot to miss it. Naturally, when something's almost idiot proof, FAA is on the case). So, first Bose went after UFlyMike for that - and UFlyMike added the earbuds.
The latest thing is this TSO'd nonsense. So, now, the whole headset is TSO'd - they literally just put stickers on the headset, that makes it TSO'd! The kicker of it is:
- The FAA does not require aviation headsets to be TSO'd (cite the FAR reference that requires TSO'd headsets if you think I'm wrong) Airlines can in their ops specs, though.
- TSO'ing something only means it was manuafactured to a basic specification. You can have a superior headset, but, if the manuafacturing process wasn't officially decalred TSO'd, then the headset isn't TSO'd.
- If you modify a headset at all, it's not TSO'd anymore. So, anyone using an in-ear headset without the offical, manufactuer's original equipment (new ear buds, new ear covers, etc) - it's not TSO'd. Anyone with custom ear buds molded to their ear is NOT using a TSO'd headset. Do you have an extension cord, an adapter, or anything that wasn't original to the headset (the cord that connects your music to your headset)? Yep, the whole headset is no longer TSO'd. Think your iPod is TSO'd? Of course not!
- An item must be continually re-inspected to remain TSO compliant. You think those company supplied headsets are re-inspected every so often? Of course not. They're likely not TSO'd anymore either.
So, essentially, 90% of us are using non-TSO'd headsets. Somehow, planes are not falling out of the sky.
It's a silly game that Bose is playing to try to get pilots to use the $1000 Bose headset. Bose isn't going after any of the other headset makers. Just look at this thread: the clarity aloft headset isn't TSO'd (the Pro is, but not the original) - guys still recommend it. Does anyone mention its not TSO'd? Nope. Who cares!? Did anyone make sure to tell you the UFlyMike is not TSO'd (which is wrong, it is) - of course. It is amazing how effective Bose's disinformation campaign has been!
Again, I don't work for a headset company. I just find it beyond the pale that, on the 'technical' portion of APC, pilots are spreading Bose's disinformation campaign.
#20
Westone, the folks that do custom in-ear stuff for major musicians do a headset conversion that's supposed to be very good. USAF is using it in some aircraft.
Not used it myself, so can't speak to it.
I have BoseX and it's fine. I'd like something lighter for the long haul legs, but for now, it works and the price was right for me....
Not used it myself, so can't speak to it.
I have BoseX and it's fine. I'd like something lighter for the long haul legs, but for now, it works and the price was right for me....
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