AOPA Flight Training's Headset Buyer's Guide

An aviation headset often is one of the first major purchases that a student pilot makes--and one of the most important. Headsets not only promote more effective communication, but they also provide invaluable hearing protection. Exposure to the ambient noise in the cockpit of an operating aircraft, especially over time, can result in hearing loss. For an excellent overview on types of headsets and features to look for, read "Hear All About It" from the May 2006 AOPA Flight Training. For additional information on the subject, read one new pilot's account of her search for the perfect headset in "How to Buy a Headset" from the April 2001 issue.

Headset manufacturers

Most of these headset manufacturers, listed in bold type, produce and sell a variety of aviation headsets. Companies that sell branded headsets, listed in regular type, do not manufacture the headsets they sell and frequently have a smaller selection, but the products they sell may offer different features from similar products sold by their manufacturers. Visit their Web sites and talk with company representatives to learn more about their products.

Headset buyer's guide

Headset suppliers

Headset supplier's guide

Note: Businesses listed in boldfaced type advertise in AOPA Flight Training.