Headset hair and ice in Dallas

We’ve been covered in a (thin) sheet of ice here in North Texas – so not only am I not trying to fly anywhere, I’m sitting at home and avoiding the roads as well.

Okay, I guess headset hair is not the hottest topic around the flight schools nor at the work water cooler, but for those of us who fly in light planes for business it’s something to consider. For those who aren’t aware the noise level in a single engine plane at cruise is about 89 decibels, which is painful but not permanently damaging unless you are exposed to a lot – of course, if you’re a pilot you’re going to get a bunch of exposure! Which is why we're always wearing a headset. So, "which headset is the best" is one of those perennial questions – probably because there’s not good single answer that will cover everyone in all situations. The most popular style is one with big ear cups and a pressure strap that fits over your head like so -



These headsets work wonderfully, you won’t notice the noise of the plane, you’ll be able communicate with your passengers and air traffic control effortlessly. However, just like wearing a ball cap, you will show up at your destination with “headset hair.” I lived with this for awhile, but when meeting clients I want to present the best image I can – nice clothes, clean cut, etc. and messed up hair just doesn’t work for me. I decided to try a new style called “in the ear” or ITR, specifically the Clarity Aloft unit.



The noise level is slightly higher, but the microphone works great, there’s no clamping pressure on my head (and after 8 hours of flying this is most appreciated), and best of all, my hair looks nice when I get to my client meetings.

Vain? Perhaps. But I’ve found that in sales, looking professional can help make a prospective client’s first impression of you a good one.

Clear skies and tailwinds!
Mike