General aviation aircraft have a well-deserved reputation for being noisy environments. Most aviators will agree that earplugs or headphones are a valuable item in combating unwanted aircraft noise. When considering ear protection, air travelers should look beyond sound containment and consider communications clarity.
To control noise and facilitate communications, aviation headsetsare a wonderful commodity. Unlike earplugs, headsets provide users with many more features than simple sound blockage. Headphone models contain a variety of attributes to assist pilots with the numerous aspects of aviation communication.
Communications Considerations
Communication is a primary responsibility for pilots. Aviators are in contact with various entities from before takeoff until after landing at their destination. Throughout a flight, pilots might be in contact with weather stations, ground control, tower controllers, center controllers, approach & departure control, clearance delivery, flight service personnel, flight watch staff, fixed base operators, other aircraft, dispatchers, and maintenance workers. Communication becomes even more critical during instrument flight rules (IFR) flight and in high-traffic airspace. In addition to contact with external resources, pilots also have a responsibility to communicate with passengers and fellow crewmembers aboard their aircraft.
Headphones are a great way to facilitate aviation communications. Earphones permit clear contact with external and internal resources while also blocking unwanted aircraft noise. Virtually all aviation headphones incorporate a microphone, freeing pilots from the need to fumble with an external mic. When used in conjunction with a push-to-talk (PTT) switch, aviation headphones provide clear communications with the push of a button.
Many modern headsets incorporate additional features for easy communications. Several models include a jack for connecting a cell phone and/or audio device to the headset. Though not approved for use in flight, cell phone connectivity is a useful luxury for communications on the ground. Pilots often need to contact flight service or air traffic control regarding flight plans. Headsets permit pilots to accomplish these tasks without distracting them from other duties. In addition, a cell phone link is an indispensable emergency backup should radio communications fail during flight.
Audio connectivity through headsets provides great entertainment for both pilots and passengers. Whether connected to an IPAD, MP3 player, panel radio, or DVD player, audio links allow wearers to access the venue of their choice while airborne. Audio options are especially nice on longer flights, particularly if children are aboard. Several headsets are now equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for both cell phones and audio devices. In addition, many headphone models are equipped with dual volume control knobs and stereo audio.
Whether reporting to air traffic control, updating passengers on flight progress, filing a flight plan on the ground, or checking enroute weather, communications is a vital responsibility for pilots. Aviation headsets play an integral part in assisting with communications both aboard the aircraft and externally. Headphones also cut down on fatiguing aircraft noise and increase passenger comfort. When contemplating aircraft ear protection, be sure to consider the full communications capabilities of prospective headphone models.
About the AuthorFor more information regarding Aviation Headsets, Please visit http://www.flyfaro.com
No comments:
Post a Comment