When looking at student pilot headsets, the first thing to consider is your budget. The saying, “You get what you pay for” is pretty accurate when it comes to aviation headsets. Many student pilots are on a tight budget. This has them looking towards less expensive passive headsets. Most pilots will start out with one of these headsets, then graduate to an active noise canceling headset once they get their license. Their original passive headset then becomes a passenger headset.
With that in mind, here are the top four passive headsets for student pilots:
The least expensive headset on our list isn’t a bad option. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the HS-1A Headset has a thick cable, metal headband, and good ear seals. It might not be the most comfortable headset, but it will certainly withstand the abuse of flight training. The ASA HS-1A headset is a good bargain.
The Kore KA-1 provides an impressive amount of features for the price. Ultra soft, gel ear seals provide an excellent seal for good noise reduction in loud aircraft. A 3.5mm aux input is found on the earcup and provides a way to get alerts from your favorite app. Gold plated contacts on the PJ plugs ensure good connections even in older intercom systems. Independent olume control is found on each ear cup, making it easy to adjust to your liking. This model includes a simple storage bag to keep your headset in good condition.
This headset is our most popular passive headset for student pilots. It combines many of the favorite features of David Clark’s other headsets into one durable unit. Lightweight design is complemented by a flexible and reversible mic boom. Comfortable head pad and ear seals are good for long cross country flights (an a noticeable upgrade from the previous two headsets). Made in Massachusetts, the H10-13.4 is the most expensive on our list at around $320. There is a stereo model available if needed.
The FARO Stealth headset is unique in the fact that it has an aux input, a feature not found on many passive headsets. This is perfect for getting alerts from your favorite navigation app. The extra thick ear seals and soft head pad evenly distribute the weight and pressure on your head. The FARO Stealth passive headset sells for around $200. In addition, FARO has a Bluetooth model available for an additional $50.
Remember that every headset at Sporty's comes with our Test Flight Guarantee. Take your new headset flying for 30 days; if you're not thrilled, return it for a refund or exchange.
