Tag: pilot gear

In the market for a headset? Consider the David Clark H10-13.4

A headset will be your first purchase as a pilot, and it is very important! Consider this set for it’s unbeatable value and comfort for the price.

This is one of the most popular and best selling mono headsets out there – and for good reason.  If you are considering purchasing your first headset, chances are that many people have recommended the David Clark brand. It is one of the most popular headset brands, particularly for the first time purchase, but also good for commercial aviators.  Some flight schools use them as their rental sets.  There is a good reason for that – these headsets stand up well to heavy use and abuse and are very reliable.

Best in Comfort – Minimizing Fatigue

The H10-13.4 model is one of the most comfortable headsets out there, due to it’s very heavily padded contour head pad, and gel ear seals. This model is mono and features single volume control with low profile knobs, and are made in the USA.  The stereo version of this headset will have a control knob for each ear.

The headset also features a reversible boom noise-cancelling microphone which is mounted for placement on either the right or left side.  You can easily swing it from side to side depending if you want to the mic on your left or right.  The advantage to this is that it will keep the cord away from going across your body and being in the way if your plug in is on the opposite side.  For example if you are sitting in the right seat instead of left simply swing the mic around and the cord will be on your right side, minimizing clutter.

The head pad is large and comfortable.  The ear seals are large and seal very well against the ears.  They are covered with a glossy rubber that can get sweaty during flights in hot summer weather, but David Clark provides fabric ear pad covers at less than $10.  The headset has a 5 foot straight cord and has dual plugs for fixed wing aircraft. More expensive headsets will have better soundproofing and lower weight, but keep in mind are 2 to 3 times more expensive.

Great passive noise reduction for the price (around $300). Excellent headset, great clarity!  Has good noise reduction. Even though it’s one of David Clark’s lightest headsets, it is a little on the heavy side when compared with premium sets – however keep in mind the price difference.   You really do forget you are wearing it.  Other headsets that are a little bit cheaper are simply too tight.  Excellent durability and customer service from the manufacturer.  The headset is very comfortable, provides an effective seal against noise, was not objectionably hot nor heavy during summertime, and allowed wearing sunglasses without any problems. The pillow top spreads the headset weight on your head so you won’t really notice it’s even on, which helps reduce fatigue especially on longer flights.

When you purchase the set, make sure you order a carrying case, and one might also order some extra ear cushions.

I’ve noticed that after about 3 months of use the mic cover has a tendency of separating.  I recommend to “zip tie” the microphone cover and you will have no problems and will be very happy with the headset.

I am very satisfied with the level of noise reduction. This David Clark is comfortable, doesn’t pinch the head, and performs perfectly.  Very high level of performance particularly for the price. Great value!

Features:

• Super Soft, Double Foam Head Pad
• New Comfort gel, undercut ear seals
• Certified Noise Reduction Rating – 23 dB
• Reduced headband force
• Universal Flex Boom for perfect microphone placement
• Exclusive M-7A, the most advanced noise-cancelling microphone available
• Low-profile volume control knob with detent settings
• Molded cord assembly made to exceptional pull and flex standards
• FAA TSO Approved C57 Cat. B and C58a
• Exceeds RTCA/DO-214 Standards
• Weight (without cord assembly): 16.5 oz.
• 5 Year Warranty

Advantages:

• More comfortable than headsets in this price range, and excellent fit
• Excellent manufacturer’s 5 year warranty
• Very durable

Disadvantages:

• Even though it’s David Clark’s lightest set, it is a little on the heavy side
• Not an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset

Technical Specifications (Provided by the Manufacturer on the David Clark Website):

Where to Buy

Even though there are a lot of girl pilots at my school, where I would say at least one quarter of students are women and there are lots of female flight instructors, aviation still is very male dominated.   I was ready to buy a headset, which my instructor encouraged me to do so sooner rather than later.  Buying a headset should be your first purchase as a pilot, and it is your most important purchase.

Your ears are very important and you have to take steps to protect your hearing – small propeller driven planes are very loud and over time exposure to these loud noises can damage your hearing. As well, you need to be comfortable and not strain your hearing when talking to your instructor, ATC, or other pilots.

I found an ad for a store that sells pilot stuff for girls, and I was impressed by the uniqueness of the concept.  When I saw a headset that was pink, and even though I’m a complete tomboy I liked the idea of having something “girly” in the male-dominated flying world.  So I went for it. The headset is actually very good quality, which was my number one criteria. The fact that it was girly was an added bonus.

The headsets come with two options, either passive noise reduction (PNR) or active noise reduction (ANR).  The PNR only reduces noise using the insulated gel cups while the ANR actually uses attenuation to actively reduce noise, and requires a battery. I chose the ANR model for maximum noise reduction.

I am very happy with the products I’ve purchased and whenever I have had an issue, they have excellent service and get back to me right away. They stand behind their products.

They also sell lots of other gear, such as flight bags, clothing, accessories, watches and they also have a seat cushion which is my absolute favorite item.  I check back regularly to see if anything new is added. My seat cushion gets a lot of comments! It is bright pink, memory foam and very comfortable.  It has two non-slip strips on one side so it doesn’t slide around in the airplane seat.

My current instructor (a guy!) teases me to no end about my girly pilot gear. Is some of the stuff is cheesy? Maybe. Cute? Definitely.  Check them out, great gifts for female aviators, aspiring aviators, and young aviators.

These products are available for purchase in our store.