Q5: I want to buy a headset.  What should I buy?

A:  There are three types of aviation headsets which are commonly available:  

    1.  Active noise-cancelling (ANC).  These are in the $600-$900 range,
        from Telex (ANR, ~$660; the ANR 4000 is not recommended), David Clark
        (~$850), and Sennheiser (~$700).  The Bose headset (~$900) is
        available only directly from Bose in Framingham MA.

    2.  Passive noise-cancelling.  These are in the $90-$300 range, and
        come from a variety of manufacturers.  David Clark is generally
        regarded as the "Rolls Royce" of headset makers, and their models are
        more expensive than the competition -- they stand up to amazing
        abuse.  Recommended models include the H10-13.4 (13.4 oz -- light!)
        ~$245, H10-60 ~$250, H10-20 ~$225, H10-80 ~$245, and H10-40 ~$220,
        usually in that order.  The H10-30 is not recommended (inferior
        microphone).  A number of companies import "clones" of the David
        Clarks; many netters have found the Flightcom 4DLX, ~$120, to
        be satisfactory in terms of performance and reliability.  There are
        many, many more makers out there -- try 'em on and see what feels
        comfortable to you.  Other notable headsets:  Peltor 7004 ~$190,
        which has a significantly different and possibly more comfortable
        "feel" -- buy it in preference to the 7003, which has an inferior
        dynamic microphone; Pilot PA11-20 ~$140; Telex Pro-Air 2000E, ~$225.
        The Peltor is probably the best choice for kids.

    3.  "Open-air," "Walkman-style".  These are for quieter aircraft such as
        jets or sailplanes, and are _not_ recommended for prop aircraft use.
 
    [Headsets are typically discounted; prices given above are typical US$
    discounted prices, not list.  See Q7 below for mail-order supply houses.]