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-   -   Headset? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/united/87989-headset.html)

DassaultFalcon 05-09-2015 09:42 PM

Headset?
 
Starting training at the end of the month and was curious if a TSO'd headset is required/ company headsets are provided. Thanks!

Sunvox 05-10-2015 03:27 AM

The norm on the UAL side was to buy a molded ear piece in Denver when you are in training. There is a gentleman who comes twice a week and makes the mold then delivers the ear piece within a day or two. Ask anyone in Denver and they will give you details. UAL side used the headbands and microphones provided in the plane.

The norm on the CAL side is to buy or "keep" one's own headband and microphone, and there are far more pilots on the CAL side who own headsets rather than earpieces.

Personally, I tried the earpiece for the first couple years, but just never got used to it. I then switched to company provided "ear dicks" (little plastic ear inserts provided for free in every flight office) for about a decade.

When I switched from 76T to 756 I was surprised that sometimes there would be no microphone or headband available because all the CAL guys brought their own. After a while of calling maintenance the microphones started showing up in all the planes (I guess as more UAL guys came over to the 756 and kept calling).

After a year on the 756 fleet I decided the CAL way was better and bought my own headset. That was one of the best purchases I made in over a decade. My headset is far more comfortable and adjustable than the ear dicks I had been using for years and the microphone sound quality is much better than that of the company provided mic (I asked a friend for a sound check one day on the ramp)

Anyways thats way more than you asked so here's the synopsis:



The company provides all that you need if you want so no need to buy anything.


Most UAL types buy and use a personally molded earpiece.


Most CAL types buy either an earpiece and microphone or an headset.



Here's what I bought and again it is unbelievably comfortable and adjustable . . .

Telex ANR 850
http://www.sportys.com/media/catalog.../2/12562_3.jpg

BMEP100 05-10-2015 03:39 AM

Molded ear buds were also the norm on the CAL side, while the company issued everyone a headband and mic in training. Don't know if they still do it.

I am so used to the mold, I forget it is there.

Head sets are okay, like the one Sunvox showed however, if you get your own, please do not get one with TWO ear pads and try to wear only the one side. You will end up covering both ears eventually because it does not fit correctly with only one. Then you will not hear when you captains says" flaps five" or something else- causing him to have to repeat himself. That is annoying.

If you get noise reduction, the FAA wants it turned off for take off as well. There used to be a pilot bulletin about that as well.

APC225 05-10-2015 03:44 AM


Originally Posted by DassaultFalcon (Post 1877078)
Starting training at the end of the month and was curious if a TSO'd headset is required/ company headsets are provided. Thanks!

Yes/and yes.

73dot7 05-10-2015 04:05 AM


Originally Posted by BMEP100 (Post 1877114)
Molded ear buds were also the norm on the CAL side, while the company issued everyone a headband and mic in training. Don't know if they still do it.

I am so used to the mold, I forget it is there.

Head sets are okay, like the one Sunvox showed however, if you get your own, please do not get one with TWO ear pads and try to wear only the one side. You will end up covering both ears eventually because it does not fit correctly with only one. Then you will not hear when you captains says" flaps five" or something else- causing him to have to repeat himself. That is annoying.

If you get noise reduction, the FAA wants it turned off for take off as well. There used to be a pilot bulletin about that as well.

Only one ear muff (and I guess only one ear bud) so as to hear the Capt.? Don't you use and interphone?

Firsttimeflyer 05-10-2015 04:08 AM

No interphone.

TwinkiePilot 05-10-2015 07:01 AM

Coming from the RJ world, I can't wait to ditch the dual ear headset!

krudawg 05-10-2015 07:12 AM


Originally Posted by Sunvox (Post 1877108)
The norm on the UAL side was to buy a molded ear piece in Denver when you are in training. There is a gentleman who comes twice a week and makes the mold then delivers the ear piece within a day or two. Ask anyone in Denver and they will give you details. UAL side used the headbands and microphones provided in the plane.

The norm on the CAL side is to buy or "keep" one's own headband and microphone, and there are far more pilots on the CAL side who own headsets rather than earpieces.

Personally, I tried the earpiece for the first couple years, but just never got used to it. I then switched to company provided "ear dicks" (little plastic ear inserts provided for free in every flight office) for about a decade.

When I switched from 76T to 756 I was surprised that sometimes there would be no microphone or headband available because all the CAL guys brought their own. After a while of calling maintenance the microphones started showing up in all the planes (I guess as more UAL guys came over to the 756 and kept calling).

After a year on the 756 fleet I decided the CAL way was better and bought my own headset. That was one of the best purchases I made in over a decade. My headset is far more comfortable and adjustable than the ear dicks I had been using for years and the microphone sound quality is much better than that of the company provided mic (I asked a friend for a sound check one day on the ramp)

Anyways thats way more than you asked so here's the synopsis:



The company provides all that you need if you want so no need to buy anything.


Most UAL types buy and use a personally molded earpiece.


Most CAL types buy either an earpiece and microphone or an headset.



Here's what I bought and again it is unbelievably comfortable and adjustable . . .

Telex ANR 850
http://www.sportys.com/media/catalog.../2/12562_3.jpg

I had a molded earpiece made and it broke after one use. I've been using ear "richards" with the company supplied headsets. Works great. For all you guys and gals out there using your own personal head sets, please have the common courtesy to RE- PLUG BACK IN THE SHIPS HEADSET! It is very annoying to have to plug the ship's headset in because you usually find out when ground calls and you can't talk back to them.

jdt30 05-10-2015 08:28 AM


Originally Posted by krudawg (Post 1877194)
I had a molded earpiece made and it broke after one use. I've been using ear "richards" with the company supplied headsets. Works great. For all you guys and gals out there using your own personal head sets, please have the common courtesy to RE- PLUG BACK IN THE SHIPS HEADSET! It is very annoying to have to plug the ship's headset in because you usually find out when ground calls and you can't talk back to them.

I bet you want me to put the toilet seat down also.😀

untied 05-10-2015 09:41 AM


Originally Posted by BMEP100 (Post 1877114)
Molded ear buds were also the norm on the CAL side, while the company issued everyone a headband and mic in training. Don't know if they still do it.

I am so used to the mold, I forget it is there.

Head sets are okay, like the one Sunvox showed however, if you get your own, please do not get one with TWO ear pads and try to wear only the one side. You will end up covering both ears eventually because it does not fit correctly with only one. Then you will not hear when you captains says" flaps five" or something else- causing him to have to repeat himself. That is annoying.

If you get noise reduction, the FAA wants it turned off for take off as well. There used to be a pilot bulletin about that as well.

I disagree.

Get the Bose setup with the Uflymike.

Works great and you can use it in the back while deadheading.


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