Which one do you recommend? ANR headset that is.... I think it's time for me. Looks like I'll be on this fleet for a while.

 

Earlier you said that the F/O needs to adjust to the 20 year Captain.

Well....I'm a 20 year Captain and I wear a Bose headset!

Seriously....arguing for hearing loss is hard to justify.

Some fleets need them more than others. I flew the 767 for 8 years and never felt the need to wear them. The guppy will destroy your hearing.

I had a guy let me use his for one leg. I ordered mine immediately after the flight! They COMPLETELY change the work environment for the better. No doubt about it.

I'm thinking about buying a second pair for my F/O's to try (if they want to...I wouldn't insist).

BTW....the Telex 850 is garbage. It doesn't come close to the noise reduction from a Bose or David clark noise canceling setup.

 

Then the snowflakes that you're flying with will be happy !!

Gave up a headset when I left the Metroliner and won't be putting one anytime soon.

 

I use the Telex 850 on the bus since I can't get the ear mold to work for me. I agree it's garbage compared to others for both noise reduction and comfort. I used the older version Bose (the X) in my turboprop days and it was comfortable enough to wear all day and stood up to the abuse of the commuter schedules. I'm sure the newer model is even better. I also did the Bose QC with Uflymike setup while I was flying charter. The QC is nice for deadheads as well.

 

I have the Bose A20. We get a discount if you call Bose and order direct. The non BT version is about $850 delivered. You have to tell them you are an United Employee.

I have heard good things about the David Clark DC Pro-x at around $695. They are ON ear and will probably be more than enough for B737.

I plan on flying GA with my son, so I wanted over the ear.

I wear them in Summer with no sweating, and leave them on BOS - SFO in winter at over 6 hours. NO head compression issues.

I turn down the volume OFF on the Right ear cup, and leave left ear up just enough to hear ATC. ANR is amazing.

I go through 4 AA batteries a month, but have switched to Envelope rechargeable and charge the night before each 4 day along side my iPad. I have not replaced rechargeables yet. I keep 2 AA batteries in my carry on just in case.

I think this is very subjective. You can get trial period for both, just don't damage them.

I hope this information helps.

 

Another option is the Bose QC25 and the new uFlyMike "Harmony Pilot" combo. From what i've read online it is way cheaper and its ANR is as good, if not better, than the Bose A20 headset. Beauty of this setup is you can remove the mic setup and use another plugin to watch movies/videos in the back or on layovers. Total cost for both sets around $590 before the Bose discount is applied. I might consider this option if ever on the noisy Guppy again... but the WBs (except the 767) seems to be quiet enough so far.

 

Expect your FOs to keep saying "what?" over the comfortable silence of technology.

After 8 hours in any cockpit I find I'm much less fatigued if I've worn my headset, and I'm tired of suffering to accommodate the stubborn.

 

That's what I feared, but hoped it wasn't true.

 

This^

I'm guessing there are published studies that will confirm that higher noise levels will increase fatigue... you know... "fatigue". The thing that airline pilots and unions fight very hard to combat. Fatigue... which drives parts of many pilot groups' contracts. Fatigue... which drives CFRs / FARs.

It's a safety issue, according to the unions, the FAA, and the line pilots. No one likes being "fatigued" in flight, or on a layover. It impacts safety, not to mention quality of life on a layover or on days off,... doesn't it? Well, that's what I read in pilot magazines.

"But I'll be damned if you're going to make me wear a headset! Now get off my lawn, kids!"


Next topic... being required to wear corrective lenses because you did poorly on your eye exam. Discuss.

 

Lets see how that plays out after a polite request that they uncup the left ear muff for better inter cockpit communication.