From single-engine planes to airliners, the constant hum of engines, hydraulic motors, landing gear machinery, and aeolian noise (wind noise) can be deafening at the best of times. 

Heider Lazzarini, president of Lightspeed Aviation, sat down with AVweb editor-in-chief Russ Niles at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to discuss the innovations that make the Delta Zulu ANR Headset the latest in a long line of top-quality products. 

As the leading name for active noise reduction (ANR) technology, Lightspeed has spent decades perfecting the formula.

“In simple terms, external noise is counterbalanced by what a processor inside the headset is reading,” Lazzarini said. “Effectively, our ANR takes all the sound waves and blocks them out, and what comes through is what you want to hear—sounds in the range of human voice and even electronic equipment. It keeps the unwanted noises out of the equation and lets the wanted noises into your headset.”

For nearly two decades, Lightspeed has continued to improve and refine its ANR headsets, staying at the forefront of a competitive segment.

“At the core of how we operate is talking to pilots and having hundreds of conversations with users about what’s meaningful and what they need,” Lazzarini said. “We want to hear about their passion and how to translate that into superior products.”

In September 2022, Lightspeed unveiled its most advanced product to date, the Delta Zulu.  With the most refined ANR implementation available, the Delta Zulu offers not only quality but also innovative safety features that keep raising the bar.  

The built-in Kanari smart alert delivers audible warnings to the user automatically if cabin carbon monoxide levels rise, making CO detector strips less of a worry. 

“It’s something you don’t want to think about often, but Delta Zulu takes the complexity out of the way by offering a direct alert for carbon monoxide levels,” Lazzarini said.  

According to Lazzarini, Lightspeed’s other exclusive, proprietary innovation comes in the form of HearingEQity.

“It acts as a built-in hearing aid, and it further maximizes the advantages of ANR technology to make ATC calls and copilot communication crystal clear,” he said.

With this patented system, pilots create a unique hearing profile through an automated 12-frequency test that adjusts sound quality based on each individual’s hearing. 

The Lightspeed Delta Zulu is also the first headset to adopt the ultra accessing connector (UAC) plug, allowing users to connect to other devices directly to the headset for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio.

With the growing popularity of helmets, Lightspeed also offers a modification kit that allows users to fit Delta Zulu headset cups into a variety of helmets.

“Our H-mod headset cups can be retrofitted through our network of installation partners worldwide,” Lazarrini said. “You can have Lightspeed quality in the helmets you want to use. This is the only premium ANR and audio solution specifically engineered for helmets.”

Regarding the future, Lazarrini said that the Lightspeed team will continue to listen to end users about the features and design of its products. The company is proud to offer the leading headsets on the market.

“I’m biased, but our headsets are the most comfortable in the world, because we always work with pilots to test the design,” he said. “Try on all our competitors and see for yourself.”  

Quality ANR headsets have been proven to make pilots safer and protect their hearing, particularly at low frequencies. With its line of industry-leading equipment, Lightspeed Aviation continues to pursue safety and comfort for pilots and passengers. 

“It’s a whole different reality now with technologies that are accessible to everyone,” said Lazzarini. “ANR was developed in the last 20 years, and it’s only improving. It makes pilots a lot safer and makes ATC calls much clearer. That’s the center of our mission—saving and protecting lives.” 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Lightspeed Aviation

Click here to learn more about Lightspeed Aviation. 

The post A More Advanced Headset Keeps Pilots Safer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

If you are still looking for presents at this late date, and you happen to be shopping for a pilot or aviation enthusiast, do not despair. There are still plenty of possibilities to make that person’s holiday a bit more memorable. Here are a few ideas for your last-minute shopping list.

Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset

Lightspeed understands that not everyone has time to spare when it comes to gift shopping, so the company is offering free standard overnight domestic shipping on any of its headsets until Wednesday, December 20. Lightspeed has long been a “go-to” for ANR headsets, and its flagship Delta Zulu won FLYING Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award for 2023.

Price: $1,199

Leatherman Wingman

No flight bag, tool bag, or car glove box is truly complete without the right multitool. I have been loyal to Leatherman tools for 30 years and although I haven’t needed mine for emergency in-flight repairs, I know people who have. Often the tool is just right for small adjustments and quick preflight tweaks. Early in my flight training my instructor whipped out a well-used Leatherman to tighten a radio connection and remedy a hot mic. And what pilot does not need a “Wingman” occasionally?

Price: $69.95

Flight Gear Survival Tool

Some emergencies require more than pliers, knives, and saws. The Flight Gear Survival Tool is a 13-in-1 multitool with features designed specifically for aviators. It includes an ax blade, wire cutter, pliers, knife, hex key, screwdrivers, and  hammer that can be used for a range of duties from setting tent stakes to breaking windows for emergency egress.

Price: $29.95

Stick and Rudder

This classic book about how aircraft fly and how to control them properly is a must-read for aspiring pilots as well as veteran aviators with thousands of hours in their logbooks, and every pilot in between. While author Wolfgang Langewiesche covers the fundamentals of flight, he also demonstrates how counterintuitive some of those fundamentals can seem, from the relationship between elevator and throttle to the nature of stalls. And do not let the 1944 copyright fool you. The book is as vital today as it was then.

Price: $23.08

Aviation Cuff Links

Having to wear cuff links on stage for a middle school production of The Sound of Music was a chore. Today, though, they are among my favorite fashion accessories. They are no longer so difficult to install, and wearing them is pure fun, especially when they express one of my special interests, like aviation. Cufflinks Depot has a broad range of airplanes, helicopters, and other aviation-themed examples worthy of consideration. I am partial to the Concorde.

Price: $34-$365

The post 5 Last-Minute Aviation Gift Ideas for Shoppers Battling Headwinds appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

On February 29 around 3:45 p.m., the aircraft owner and a friend launched from the airpark with the intent of heading to a nontowered airport about an hour away. The route entailed a flight over the Puget Sound. They did not make it. I am not mentioning his name because his family doesn’t need to relive that experience, but suffice to say they reported him missing, instigating a search.

Fifteen days later, the aircraft and the occupants were found underwater approximately 10 miles west of the Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW). According to one of the search and rescue divers who is also a pilot, the aircraft entered the water in a controlled descent. I will spare you the details, but he said it was obvious that the pilot and passenger had succumbed to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concurred, as the medical examiner stated the cause of death was CO poisoning and drowning.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, and a byproduct of combustion. It can enter the cabin of your general aviation aircraft through damaged or defective firewalls, door seals, landing gear compartments, or by the combination of cracks in the exhaust system and the activation of cabin heat since the air is heated as it passes over the engine manifold then ducted into the cockpit via a mechanical door. As you might expect, there are more instances of CO poisoning in the winter months.

Many flight schools and aircraft owners install one-time-use cardboard carbon monoxide detectors in their aircraft as a means of detecting the deadly gas. These units turn dark when CO is present, however, by the time they change color, the pilot may already be incapacitated. Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common than you would think.

According to a report published by the NTSB in January 2022, between 1982 and 2020 there were 31 accidents attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Twenty-three of those accidents were fatal, killing 42 people and seriously injuring four more,” the report said. “A CO detector was found in only one of the airplanes, and it was not designed to provide an active audible or visual alert to the pilot, features the NTSB also recommended.” In 2004 and again in 2022 the NTSB called on the FAA to require CO detectors in aircraft with enclosed cabins and forward-mounted engines. This has not happened yet.

Headset manufacturer Lightspeed has stepped out ahead of this with the creation of the Lightspeed Delta Zulu, which includes an audible warning about CO in the cockpit well before it reaches critical and deadly levels. Company officials say since this safety wearable was introduced in September 2022 they have heard from approximately 100 people who say the CO warning feature may have saved their lives. On the company website it has testimonials from people who were warned about the potentially deadly situation—and that is just a fraction of those the company hears from, according to Eric Landry, director of marketing for Lightspeed Aviation.

“We have a number of customers who call in or talk to us at aviation events,” Landry said. “They tell us that the audible warning on the headset changed the way they operate. They say things like they got the warning about carbon monoxide in the cabin and landed right away and didn’t take off again until a mechanic had checked things out.”

Landry noted the headset is particularly popular with flight instructors who fly multiple aircraft. “They appreciate a portable CO detection system they can take with them everywhere,” he said.

• READ MORE: Lightspeed Aviation Releases Delta Zulu

Teresa DeMers, executive vice president of Lightspeed, added that pilots also like the fact that it has an audible battery low warning, and the unit can be powered by off-the-shelf AA batteries or by a rechargeable battery. The unit also has the ability for the pilot to adjust auditory acuity—a bonus if you have a bad ear ear—and it has the option to record the flight for review.

“The Lightspeed Delta Zulu is the only ANR headset on the market with built in carbon monoxide detection,” said DeMers. “We have shipped over 10,000 headsets in 15 months. This is a new frontier of headset, providing a lot more benefit than just hearing protection. The hearing acuity feature and carbon monoxide detection change the landscape of what people can expect from a headset.”

The Lightspeed Delta Zulu comes with a hard-shell carrying case, single-port wall charger, lithium-ion battery cartridge, AA battery cartridge, UAC to USB-A cable, Velcro cord shirt clip, and set of personalized icon chips so you can distinguish multiple headsets. The unit is available in different plug configurations: Dual GA, LEMO panel power, and U-174.

The unit sells for $1,099 and comes with a 60-day, money-back guarantee.

The post CO Detection on Lightspeed Delta Zulu Proves Its Worth appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Lazzarini succeeds Lightspeed founder Allan Schrader, who will remain with the company as its CEO and chairman of the board of directors. According to Lightspeed, Lazzarini will be responsible for day-to-day operations while Schrader will focus on “developing adjacent market opportunities utilizing existing and evolving technologies.”

“I’m excited to turn over our ongoing business operations to Heider,” said Schrader. “Heider’s experience, combined with his passion and energy, provide the perfect accelerant for our expanding business opportunities.”

Lazzarini comes to Lightspeed from a position as vice president of marketing for Axiometrix Solutions brands Audio Precision, GRAS Sound and Vibration, and Imc Test & Measurement. The company noted that he brings two decades of executive experience in general management, marketing and product sales in consumer, commercial, industrial, and military/government sectors. Lazzarini holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oregon.

“With decades of being first to market with audio and now piloting safety solutions, I believe that Lightspeed has a tremendous opportunity to deliver new value for its customers and partners,” said Lazzarini. “I am very excited to be joining this seasoned team as the company continues to evolve its latest technology platform to enhance the flying experience for the aviation market worldwide.” 

• READ MORE:  Lightspeed Aviation Releases Delta Zulu

Lightspeed launched its first headset in 1996 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 2022, it unveiled its latest model, called Delta Zulu, which introduced features including a built-in carbon monoxide detector and app-controlled audio equalization system.

The post Lightspeed Aviation Names New President appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

In 2022, we introduced the Readers’ Choice Award to recognize a product or development in the GA space that resonates most with our audience—and we continue that honor this year. 

But there’s more. We also felt there was a gap—an emphasis on things—and a place we needed to make to salute a person who has contributed in a comprehensive way to the aviation community with years of commitment, expertise, and spirit. 

A New Award

That’s why for 2023 we’re inaugurating the Sean D. Tucker Award, to do just that. And for the initial award, we’re presenting it to the legend himself, Tucker.

Tucker’s resumé as an aerobatic star and air show performer is well known, and perhaps, too, his propensity to give back to the industry that has nurtured him from his modest beginnings and early struggles to the success he is today. But Tucker is a person who measures himself not by the scores on a championship run, but by the lives he’s touched through the Experimental Aviation Association’s Young Eagles program, and most recently, the Bob Hoover Academy in his hometown of Salinas, California. At BHA, he and his fellow volunteers not only introduce disadvantaged area youth to the magic of flight but also help them achieve a pilot certificate and follow-on goals.

For those contributions ongoing to improve the lives of those around him with his joy, FLYING is thrilled to launch this award in his honor.

Innovation Award: Swift Fuels UL94

While the spark of inspiration may transpire in a moment, transforming an innovative creation to a market-ready and delivered product takes time, money, and persistence. There are no shortcuts to enduring success. In the current environment where so much attention is focused on cleaner solutions for GA, the critical element of bringing a viable unleaded fuel to aviation consumers must be recognized—because it has taken more than a decade to accomplish and realize in full.

For accomplishing this with its UL94 aviation gasoline, we’re proud to bestow the 2023 FLYING Innovation Award upon the team at Swift Fuels. The company’s “mission every day for the last 10 years,” according to founder and CEO Chris D’Acosta, has been to develop “a solution to the 100LL problem” and drive that progress in a tiered approach. 

Swift debuted a lower octane unleaded fuel, UL94, in 2015. It serves as a drop-in solution for more than 130,000 aircraft on the FAA registry that can operate on a 94-octane or lower fuel. Swift accomplishes this through a supplemental type certificate that will be good for any unleaded avgas it produces in the future. 

And UL94 is not just avgas with the lead out—it’s a better fuel in many ways, according to D’Acosta. “There is a market draw to our fuel,” he says, because all Swift fuels burn cleaner, with lower toxicity overall. The need to clean lead from the engine every 50 hours no longer exists, for example.

But announcing the availability of a product, and getting it to the customer are two different things. Swift has done the legwork to ensure pilots can trust the fuel—that it meets the ASTM unleaded avgas specification—and that it reaches them in a geographically distributed way, direct to the airfield. With roughly 81 airports, universities, and private users on the U.S. map—and distribution at events like EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin—Swift continues to expand its reach.

And that’s important, because the company is far from finished. Its UL100 fuel is in the confirmation and approval process via ASTM and STC to serve the remainder of the piston market requiring a higher octane level. 

Readers’ Choice: Garmin’s Smart Glide

When we posed the question earlier this year to FLYING’s audience as to what innovation made the most impact on the community, the choice was clear among the contenders.

Garmin’s Smart Glide functionality was introduced in late 2021 and expanded through the STC process to dozens of additional single- and multiengine airplanes. Smart Glide builds upon other aftermarket GTN Xi navigator features, and the GFC 500 or 600 digital autopilot, in a wide range of airplanes. Smart Glide includes the GTN’s range ring optimized for an engine-out situation. It aviates, navigates, and communicates for the pilot—partially—and gives the option to squawk 7700, for example. If the autopilot is engaged, the sequence begins by pitching for best glide speed.

An airport glide indicator helps the pilot determine which airport to go to, setting up a direct-to course to the nearest, if one is in range, and putting the CTAF or tower frequency in the standby—or the emergency frequency of 121.5 if not within gliding distance of anything in the database. It will also tell pilots if the destination becomes unreachable according to the data. If the airplane is less than 2 nm from the airport, the autopilot will not couple, anticipating the pilot’s prompt action instead.

It’s all in the service of assisting pilots—not flying the airplane for them. With the host of “helping hands” that Smart Glide provides adding significantly to safety of flight, pilots who read FLYING confirmed Garmin’s latest tech made the best choice for innovation of the year.

Editors’ Choice Awards

Aircraft: Daher Kodiak 900

Merging two “aviation families” into one cohesive aircraft manufacturer—as Daher and Kodiak have accomplished over the past four years—deserves a round of applause. To bring forth as its first consolidated effort a backcountry beauty like the Daher Kodiak 900 within that time frame is impressive indeed—and we won’t even mention the pandemic. 

The 900 began as a Kodiak 2.0 vision years ago within the original Quest team. Daher’s horsepower in advanced aircraft design and manufacturing propelled the project into FAA type certification in July 2022. The new model took the high-performing, short-field wing of the 100 series, stretched the fuselage, incorporated the cargo pod cohesively into the belly, powered it with a new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140A turboprop, and streamlined it all behind a cowl that performs wonders in reducing drag.

The answer to the question, “What’s next in town-and-country flying?” has been firmly answered with the Kodiak 900, which is why we gave it our Editors’ Choice Award this year. With the 900, Daher has opened up a new market segment—and kept the good habits of the series from which it has been born.

Avionics and Apps: ForeFlight Terrain Awareness

It’s common to chase “feature fever” in app development, adding gee-whiz elements to already robust programs that do little more than clog up the works. Not so with the folks at ForeFlight, who continue to evolve their flight planning and navigation app in ways that truly add safety and efficiency benefits.

In our estimation, one feature added last year to ForeFlight’s palette is the Hazard Advisor suite, which takes terrain and obstacle data it first launched 10 years ago and repackages it in a way that truly adds to the pilot’s situational awareness. For those using ForeFlight Pro Plus, Hazard Advisor altitude preview allows them to manually control Hazard Advisor’s altitude before flight, and Auto Hazard Advisor, which transitions HA into auto mode after takeoff, following the current altitude for a view of the surrounding terrain. 

Combined with per leg altitude planning—giving pilots the ability to select multiple attitudes within a flight plan—ForeFlight starts situational awareness early during the flight planning process. The upshot? We feel it makes a bold move toward combating a perennial cause of GA accidents, controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). 

Gear: Lightspeed Delta Zulu

Our editors do a lot of their own flying, both in aircraft they own as well as rent or use for instruction, and the investment in a headset is a real debate amongst the team. But for the last year one option has stood head and shoulders—intended—above the rest, and that’s the latest from Lightspeed Aviation, the Delta Zulu.

The active noise reduction (ANR) Bluetooth-enabled headset gives the pilot the ability to customize its auditory acuity with the help of an app, and it also has a built-in carbon monoxide detector that provides an auditory warning if there is CO present in the cockpit. The free Lightspeed app allows the pilot to check the CO sensor data visually during flight and review it later. The app also makes it possible for the user of the headset to fine-tune the device to meet the wearer’s hearing needs. 

And how does it wear? According to our testers, it’s one of the lightest-feeling ANR headsets out there, with ear seals comfortable enough that one tester noted she “forgot it was there.” That’s awesome praise for a vital pilot tool.

Training: Redbird Flight Simulations for Redbird Pro 

Known for its low-cost, full-motion flight training devices, Redbird Flight Simulations expanded its remit in the training arena last year with the launch of a pilot proficiency app called Redbird Pro. The app is designed to assess pilot knowledge and tailor training options through artificial intelligence to help them improve their weak points. The app utilizes articles, simulator scenarios, and quizzes as training tools. 

Many of the training scenarios are drawn from I.L.A.F.F.T. and Chart Wise content from FLYING, as well as content from the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Yes, Redbird Pro is aimed directly at those GA pilots who don’t typically spend the hours logged between flight reviews practicing toward proficiency. The gist? We’re really not as good at retaining that proficiency as we could be. Just as an app such as Duolingo encourages you to daily practice a language, Redbird Pro gamifies the proficiency quest and rewards you for frequent engagement. 

For giving shape and life to that practice—and making it fun—Redbird deserves a nod for making real strides toward improving pilot competence and confidence.

The post FLYING Reveals Innovation Award Series for 2023 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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And then there is the cost.

While paying for instruction, aircraft rentals and fuel will strain the budgets of many students, it is the price of gear that tends to surprise learners the most. There is a long list of things student pilots need all at once when getting started, from headsets and tools to manuals, charts, kneeboards, and flashlights. It all adds up.

• READ MORE: FLYING Launches Learn to Fly Kit

“That’s aviation,” some people will say, claiming everything related to airplanes is expensive. However, as seasoned pilots know, there are always opportunities to save money. You simply have to know where to look.

I divide the acquisition of pilot gear into three categories. These include items available through retail channels at significant discounts, equipment easily found on the used market, typically online, and the things you can find by word of mouth, often through your instructor and other members of your airport community.

Basic retail items, such as flashlights, protractors, multitools, and tablet cases, come in a range of prices, so you can shop around for the gear that fits your budget. Doing without brand names and special features can add up to big savings.

Things get interesting when you start perusing the classifieds. Whether you are searching on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or regional and local sites, you might be surprised by how much of the stuff you need is available on the used market. I found a Bendix KX-99 handheld comm radio going for $50 on my local Craigslist.

Years ago, friends in Maine turned me on to a marketplace site called Uncle Henry’s, which, they said, was for people who think Craigslist has gotten too fancy. I found a range of aviation equipment there, including winter covers for aircraft and skis, which are popular up north. A student might pass on these items for now, but two “lightly used” David Clark H10 headsets with an asking price of $300 are worth a look.     

• READ MORE: When Is the Best Time To Take the Test?

Many pilots will tell you the aviation headset gave them their worst case of sticker shock as new students. When I took my first flying lessons in 1988, right after college, I did not have a headset and simply used the Cessna 152’s built-in speaker and microphone—money saved and hearing acuity lost, I suspect.

These days, I consider the headset a necessity. A good one with active noise reduction will cost more than you think it should, but they last a long time and boost a pilot’s quality of life. You can also get a good deal on a used set. In my case, I paid my instructor a couple hundred bucks for an older Lightspeed model with noise reduction. I remember thinking the price was too high but soon learned it was a great value. Today, 10 years later, the set still works fine and remains in use, though mostly as a spare for passengers.

I like to think I saved the best option for last. Airport communities can be wonderful resources for all sorts of supplies, and pilots generally love to recycle. They are also good sources of advice regarding what to buy and where. Over the years, I have received and given lots of airplane necessities, from spare nuts, bolts, and screws to quarts of engine oil, tools, and electronics.

Often fellow pilots will give you what you need for a fraction of the retail cost. More often they will say, “Oh, just take it.”

The post Where To Find Pilot Gear on a Budget appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The company—based in Oswego, Oregon—describes the Delta Zulu headset as a “safety wearable.”

An App Makes It Possible

Lightspeed Aviation has been producing ANR headsets since 1996. With each headset, the technology advances. In the case of the Delta Zulu, the device features Kanari smart alert technology that measures cabin carbon monoxide levels and provides an audible warning to help keep the pilot and passengers safe. The free Lightspeed app allows the pilot to also check the CO sensor data visually during flight and review it later if they want to.

The App also makes it possible for the user of the headset to fine-tune the device to meet the wearer’s hearing needs. Unfortunately, hearing loss is a common experience as pilots age, and very rarely is it uniform in both ears.

To adjust the headset, the app uses a built-in audio equalization system called HearingEQity. The user engages in an automated 12-frequency hearing test (similar to one given by an audiologist, where you are asked if you hear a tone) through the Lightspeed app. HearingEQity sets the level in each ear of the headset to address the individual hearing profile, thus compensating for any variations.

The Lightspeed app also has functions that will likely be useful in the training environment, such as the ability for the pilot to record radio conversations, playback transmissions, draw diagrams, and archive flight recordings for post-flight briefing. These recordings can be reviewed on your phone or mobile device.  

• READ MORE: Why the Hearing Protection ANR Delivers is So Important

Lightspeed adds that “Delta Zulu features Bluetooth wireless technology with A2DP technology enabled cell phone communications and stereo music streaming along with alerts from aviation apps,” so you can be entertained, yet maintain situational awareness on those long flights. Delta Zulu also comes equipped with ComPriority, which automatically lowers the volume of any auxiliary device when there is a radio or intercom transmission.

For the pilot who utilizes many electronic devices during flight, Delta Zulu has an Ultra Accessory Connection (UAC) plug, allowing the user to connect to other devices directly from the headset for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio.

As high-tech and evolved as Delta Zulu is, the headset does not need to be paired with a smart device to work, says Eric Landry, the director of marketing for Lightspeed Aviation.

“But the app unlocks capabilities and personalization that helps you expand your flying freedom,” Landry says. “The headset will detect carbon monoxide without using the app. If the pilot does not have an iOS device, using a friend’s iOS device for a one-time HearingEQity test will save the pilot’s customized hearing profile in their own Delta Zulu, and the Lightspeed app is no longer needed.”

Carbon Monoxide Warning

Carbon monoxide—a by-product of internal combustion—is a silent killer of pilots. It can leak into the cockpit through cracks in firewalls, engine manifolds, or faulty door seals. Because it is odorless and tasteless, a pilot may not realize the danger until it is too late. Delta Zulu provides the pilot with an automatic auditory warning, letting the pilot know that CO is detected, and how much there is in relation to parts per million. As the carbon monoxide increases, the warnings become more frequent. Just an FYI, the reading of 10 to 50 parts per million will result in a warning caution level.

• READ MORE: NTSB to FAA: Make Interactive Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mandatory

We Test Fly Delta Zulu

I took Delta Zulu into the air over the last week to evaluate it. The first thing I noticed was the comfort factor. Over the years, I have tried several full-ear coverage headsets. Like many pilots, I started my career with the student-pilot-friendly David Clark headset and eventually upgraded to ANR designs. 

The first test for the Delta Zulu: “Would the stainless steel headband interface well with my baseball cap that still has the button on the top?” The answer was yes, it did. It was also one of the lightest aviation headsets I have ever worn. According to Lightspeed, Delta Zulu weighs in at 14.9 ounces and the headband was designed to follow the curve of the human head for “more comfortable distribution of weight and side pressure.”

The next step was to adjust the ear seals. They are smaller than the ones on the David Clark or Bose headsets I’ve worn, and tapered to hug the wearer’s face. I tried the headset with both sunglasses on and sunglasses off—because that can make a difference in headset fit—and in both cases, the ear seals covered my entire ear and stayed in place even when I chewed gum. They were also comfortable enough that I did not really feel them during the 2.3 hours I spent in the air.

Delta Zulu comes in silver with copper badges on the ear cups—and that is your only color option. The color of the headset is probably not going to be an issue for most pilots—it certainly isn’t for me—since aviation headsets are about hearing protection and situational awareness.

Talk to Me, Delta Zulu

The activation and volume control on Delta Zulu are user friendly. I appreciated the annunciation on startup, telling us we didn’t have a CO leak in the cockpit. The volume on the headset is adjusted with slider switches.

The microphone was easy to adjust, and according to my copilot—as well as ATC—my transmissions were easy to understand. I did not have to make too much of an adjustment to get the microphone in “just the right spot,” as can happen with other headsets.

I was impressed by the clarity of sound coming through the headset. The transmissions were very crisp.

The unit also gives you an auditory update on battery level. The headset can be powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or AA batteries in an easy-to-replace battery pack.

If you have ever accidentally left a battery powered device on and found the batteries dead when you returned, you will appreciate this: Delta Zulu has Lightspeed’s proprietary auto shutoff feature that saves battery life by automatically shutting down the headset power when the unit is not in use.

Plays Well With Others

Sometimes headsets do not work well with other brands—for example, a few years ago I had the experience of trying a new-to-the-market headset from another company that did not play well with David Clarks, which, at the time, was the headset of choice at the flight school where I worked. When I wore the new headset and the client wore DCs, there was an annoying, distracting high-pitched whine in the background. I was wary that there would be interference between the Delta Zulu and my copilot’s headset but there was no such issue.

Delta Zulu comes with a seven-year warranty, which is longer than other headsets on the market, and Lightspeed notes, “The unit is almost entirely made of stainless steel and magnesium with durable cables built around a Kevlar core.”

The only challenge I had with the Delta Zulu is that I would like to have a clip on the battery case/headset interface. The unit came with a piece of velcro for a cord clip, but I am not a pilot who likes to have anything loose in the cockpit. I like relatively heavy things—such as my flashlights, survival tool, and the battery compartment of my headset—to be secured. For the flight, I rigged a strap using a piece of parachute cord I carry for just such an occasion.

Accessories and Price Tag

Delta Zulu comes with accessories, including a hard-shell carrying case, which will be greatly appreciated if your headset was ever damaged because of poor protection from a soft-sided case and hostile gravity. Also included: a single-port wall charger, lithium-ion battery cartridge, AA battery cartridge, UAC to USB-A cable, a Velcro cord shirt clip, and a set of personalized icon chips so you can distinguish multiple headsets.

Delta Zulu carries a price tag of $1,099 and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

“If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, return the product for a full and prompt refund,” says Lightspeed. Delta Zulu is available in different plug configurations: Dual GA, LEMO panel power, and U-174.

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Both new and experienced pilots wonder how they’ll know for sure when they’ve identified the best headset. Matt Ruwe, a senior product manager at Bose, has a rather simple answer. “A great headset is the one you don’t even notice you’re wearing,” he says. “There are a few things in aviation that can really influence how much you enjoy what you’re doing, and a headset is one of them.”

Some of the defining elements of a headset include its weight, comfort, ease of use, clamping strength, noise reduction and price. Often shoppers focus first on price, which can be a mistake in the long run; The least-expensive headset often has earned a reputation as “the cheapest” because the manufacturer left something out, such as good noise reduction. Headsets can always be replaced, but repairing your hearing later in life because you chose a cheap headset early on, well, that’s not so easy.

Thirty years ago, when I began flying turboprops for a living, I bought a slightly worn David Clark H10 for a hundred dollars and used it for years. In fact, that headset’s still sitting in my flight bag as a backup. Its passive noise reduction works great, but, of course, this was before active-noise-reduction technology existed, so the best the DC could offer was soft, liquid-filled ear cushions clamped close to my head to block the noise. A version of that headset is still made today.

You can shop and compare various headsets at Sporty’s Pilot Shop and Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.

That vintage headset weighed in at about a pound, perhaps a bit more if you included the heavy-duty cables that came with. Today, the lightest headsets, such as the Bose ProFlight Series 2, weigh just a shade over 4 ounces. The lightest Bose product comes with earpieces that pilots must push slightly into their ears, which some pilots might not prefer. There are plenty of around-the-ear cushions on other headsets to choose from, however.

With the introduction of active noise reduction (see sidebar), headset technology has moved light-years ahead of my first David Clarks thanks to years of research on the part of headset manufacturers. That often translates into a loftier price. I once tried to replace the David Clarks with a $450 headset built by an unknown company, something that looked good and would record ATC audio, but it turned out to be a real pain. A year later, the headset was a piece of junk that began squealing when I tried to record with it. By then, the manufacturer was out of business, and I was out about $500 when you include the tax. I began the search all over again. So what did I save?

Try asking other pilots, such as your flight instructor, which headset they chose and why, as well as which ones they’d prefer not to own. Some of the top manufacturers building headsets today include David Clark, Faro, Bose, Aloft Technologies, Telex, Sigtronics and Lightspeed, so there are quite a few to choose from.

Every pilot can offer an opinion about some of these important issues—clamping force, for instance. The tighter the headband squeezes the earcups to your ear, the better the passive noise reduction, but too much force can create a headache after a long day in the cockpit. Cheap headsets also contribute to pilot fatigue. Today, Bluetooth is available on most midrange and higher headsets because customers want to listen to music on long cross-country flights. The best ones prioritize radio communications and cut off the music when the frequency becomes active. Another checklist item is the headset frame. The lightest, strongest headset frames use magnesium, so check before you buy. Most ANR headsets also demand a power source that can be tapped a couple of different ways. Many of the newer ANRs will operate with a couple of small batteries placed somewhere along the cord between the headset and where the cables plug in.

Many headsets come standard with twin plugs called PJs, the most common plug for aircraft today. There are also Lemo plugs that allow the headset to draw the power it needs from the aircraft itself, so the headset won’t die at an important moment. Choose wisely when ordering, because the plug can limit your flexibility to bring it into another aircraft.

In the end though, the only person who can choose the best headset for you is you. No matter where you buy your headset, I’d suggest purchasing it with a credit card so you can return it if you’re buying online with no opportunity to try it first. Always choose a retailer that offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not happy. Sporty’s Pilot Shop, for instance, offers a 30-day guarantee.

Don’t forget used headsets are also a possibility. Check out eBay, or try posting a note at your flight school telling people you’re interested in a headset in case someone’s planning on selling what they currently use.

How It Works: Active Noise Reduction

In the early days of airborne communications, earphones were created to make deciphering radio conversations for pilots easier above the roar of the engines and wind. Some of the first earphones crafted from hard Bakelite used no padding and were extremely uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Advances in acoustical research improved the wearing comfort of headsets by adding flexible cups that totally covered the ears—although they only muted some of flying’s more-annoying noises.

While experts claimed our sense of hearing was nearly as critical to flying as a keen sense of sight, it wasn’t until about 30 years ago that engineers realized the importance of blending comfort with advances in hearing protection. Research, in fact, shows unprotected exposure to noise levels greater than 90 dB—equivalent to what a human would encounter standing near a running lawn mower for long periods of time—can cause permanent hearing loss, initially in the lower frequencies outside the conversational range. Early earcup headphones blocked high-frequency noise rather effectively but did a poor job on low-frequency sounds, such as droning propellers. Engineers learned that simply pressing the earcups more tightly to the person’s head did little to solve the problem.

Enter active-noise-reduction technology in the mid-1980s, which is available today in several high-end aviation headsets from companies such as Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark and others. Bose created the first successful ANR aviation headset in 1989 and debuted its popular A20 model in 2010.

Rather than simply attempting to block annoying cockpit noise, the heart of the ANR system creates an alternate electronic signal that’s fed back into the headset’s electronics to actually cancel out the unwanted sounds. ANR headphones accomplish this using acoustical building blocks such as feedback and the feed-forward loop system, digital or analog processing, and a full-feature driver/speaker.

ANR systems operate by using one or more microphones placed near the pilot’s ears either inside or outside the headphones to accurately hear what the pilot does. In a sound-feedback system, for example, that output is compared to the sound the pilot wants to hear, usually radio communications or possibly music. The cancellation signal created though amplification and filtering then builds the signal fed to the driver. With just the right amount of filtering, the result is noise cancellation that effectively reduces sound pressure on the ear. Audio engineers say noise canceling “destructively interferes” with unwanted noise.

Pilots simply call it near-perfect quiet, until an important sound is detected and crisply delivered to the ears.

The best ANR units focus on more than just the electronics of quietness, and they employ headbands designed with soft contoured foam pads to minimize pressures on the head—because ANR headsets are a one-size-fits-all creation. The best ANR headsets also offer adjustment of the feedback level to customize the near-perfect blend of control over what the pilot eventually hears.

This story appeared in the Learn to Fly Special Issue of Flying Magazine

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The Zulu 3 active noise-reduction headset from Lightspeed is hard to beat, with exceptional sound quality and extra features, such as Bluetooth, cellphone interface and auto-shutoff, plus supreme comfort, all for a price of some lesser headsets. The durability of the Zulu 3 sets its apart as well. It features a stainless-steel headband and Kevlar cable that can withstand years of abuse.

ForeFlight’s Scout is a compact, easy-to-use ADS-B receiver that transmits traffic information and subscription-free weather to the ForeFlight Mobile app. The more we fly with it, the more we like it, especially for the weather and information tools, such as Radar and graphical TFRs, that work so well in the app. To keep it simple there’s no battery, so throw a portable battery pack in the stocking as well.

A personal locator beacon can be inexpensive insurance that could save your life if you unexpectedly find yourself far from help. The ResQLink+ buoyant PLB from ACR Artex features a 406 MHz transmitter that can be picked up by satellite within seconds, an integrated GPS receiver to pinpoint your location for rescue personnel and an LED strobe light.

As the number of accessories pilots bring into the cockpit grows, the need for ever more innovative mounting solutions does too. The MyGoFlight Sport mount is infinitely flexible, allowing you to position your iPad, GPS navigator or other portable device exactly where you want it. The high-strength suction cup can be mounted to almost any smooth, flat surface.

Flight Outfitters has introduced a seriously cool survival knife for pilots that could come in handy in a forced landing away from civilization. It features a two-in-one blade with saw, seat-belt cutter, glass-breaker tool and superbright LED flashlight just above the blade. The durable rubber handle is comfortable, and the belt clip means you can always keep it close by.

Five-hundred special-edition Breitling Navitimer watches that circumnavigated the globe aboard the watchmaker’s 77-year-old DC-3 are now available for purchase. Each features a Breitling DC-3 World Tour engraving on the back and comes with a special logbook commemorating the record flight by the oldest airplane to fly around the world.

There’s never been a more capable pilot’s watch than Garmin’s latest D2 Charlie. Featuring a full-color dynamic moving map, built-in GPS, Nexrad weather display, airport directory and automatic flight logging, there’s almost nothing it can’t do. You can even use the direct-to and nearest buttons to build flight plans and transfer them to the Garmin Pilot app.

For pilots who are also aviation educators, STEMPilot produces a line of flight simulators designed to introduce K-12 STEM students to the wonders of flight. The Pilot Pro line of simulators includes panoramic displays, realistic controls and lightning-fast PCs running the sim software. Individual lessons are designed for students with no prior aviation experience.

Before the Wright Brothers mastered powered flight, they built the Van Cleve bicycle at their modest shop in Dayton, Ohio. More than 100 years later, the model is being offered once again, albeit greatly modernized. Sourced using all-American parts and assembled in the same Dayton city block as the original, it features front and rear disc brakes, a Shimano Alfine internal-gear hub and a belt drive in place of a traditional chain. Proceeds help support the Wright Brothers Family Foundation and preserve Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family home.

At Flying Colors Glass, self-taught artisan Gary Elshoff showcases his incredible talent for designing stained glass windows with a special emphasis on aviation. His custom pieces tell stories and capture the majesty and importance of beloved and historic aircraft, and his designs are proudly displayed in homes, businesses and hangars, as evidenced by the testimonials on his website. Quotes are available here.

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