Technological innovations in recent years have freed consumers from the restrictions of wired devices. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cell phones have essentially forced wired electronics into museums and history books. Following suit, aviation headset manufacturers have introduced a variety of wireless aviator headset options.
Aviation pilot headset options have always offered aviators a fairly wide selection of features and price points. In the last decade or so, headphone companies have introduced models that incorporate the latest in audio and cell phone entertainment. More recently, headset selections have been equipped with Bluetooth offerings of these same audio and mobile phone features, freeing pilots from connecting to these devices via cables. Now pilot headsets are available without the restrictions of wired connections. Although cordless models have been around for several years, new models and advanced features continue to hit the market.
How do they work?
Wireless headsets use the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, which is commonly used for a variety of wireless data technologies around the world. The headset works with a base unit, which connects to the aircraft’s radio/communication. system through conventional headset jacks to send and receive transmissions over 2.4 GHz RF (radio frequency). Audio transmissions skip between the headset and the base unit, just like a cordless phone works with its docking station. docking, to provide pilots with no-tether cockpit communications.
Advantages of using wireless technology
In addition to the obvious freedom of being untethered from the aircraft’s communications system, wireless headsets provide many other benefits for users. At the top of the list is the lack of cables to work with. In the small cabins of general aviation aircraft, headphone cords have been known to get caught in seat rails, tripped over by occupants entering and exiting the aircraft, and users attempting to move past the cabin. cable length forget them. Wireless headphones negate the chances of cable damage and whiplash that their wired brethren can incur.
Wireless headphones also provide a degree of utility that wired models don’t. On noisy airport ramps, pilots now have the option of wearing their headsets during external pre-flight inspections and refueling operations. The mobile phone’s Bluetooth and audio capabilities also allow pilots to make phone calls during these activities, allowing them to file a flight plan, reserve a car or order fuel. This hands-free multitasking capability saves pilots time while protecting their hearing. Additionally, pilots can continue to converse with aircraft occupants as long as they remain within usable range of the headset.
The selection of the 2.4 GHz frequency is also a wise choice. Several nations around the world have reserved this frequency for wireless technologies, so these headphones can be used in many places. Because they employ the simplicity of operation similar to that of a cordless phone, use is easy and intuitive.
Disadvantages of wireless headphones
Wireless headphone technology is not without its drawbacks. The lack of cables means that the wireless system must use a battery to function. Like all battery-powered devices, the wireless system must be recharged periodically to continue to function. In addition, the worldwide popularity of the 2.4 GHz frequency means that the bandwidth can occasionally become saturated, which can lead to interference. The requirement for a base unit also means that the system is not completely cable-free, as the base unit must be connected to the aircraft’s radio/communication. system. However, these few drawbacks are usually minor issues and easily tolerable for the positive attributes of the system.
For greater freedom and utility in the cockpit, consider the benefits of a wireless aviation headset for pilots. The continued development of wireless technology means that aviation headset manufacturers will continue to create and introduce new wireless options. For your next pair of headphones, consider the freedom of cutting the cord.