Pilots who don’t want to wear a headset with full ear cups while flying a jet but still want the benefits of high-end audio might want to visit the Bose booth (4292) and try on the ProFlight headset.
The ProFlight, which went on sale in May and retails for $995.95, features a comfortable in-ear configuration and three user-selectable levels of digital active noise cancellation, which allows pilots to select the noise-cancellation level appropriate for the aircraft. The new headset also has a tap control for talk-through communication, enabling pilots to hear anyone on the flight deck even if they are not connected to the intercom, without removing the headset or earpiece.
When compared to the popular Bose A20 model, the ProFlight has a different fundamental architecture, and its headbanded in-ear design is meant for crewed aircraft that are typically pressurized and less noisy. The A20 has an around-ear design that makes it more suitable for louder aircraft such as non-pressurized single-engine models. According to Bose, the A20 delivers much greater noise reduction compared to the ProFlight, but the ProFlight is significantly smaller and lighter, weighing just 4.9 ounces. The ProFlight is not intended to replace the 12-ounce A20.
The ProFlight headset is powered by two AA batteries that provide more than 45 hours of use without Bluetooth and at least 25 hours with Bluetooth on. The audio prioritization feature allows users to mix Bluetooth audio with intercom audio, or intercom audio can temporarily mute the Bluetooth audio. Aircraft-powered variants of the headset are also available, and optional configurations include twin-plug, five-pin XLR, seven-pin XLR, or six-pin Lemo plug. The downcable and microphone can easily be swapped to either side without tools. More than 30 U.S. design and utility patents support the ProFlight, which is FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO C139A certified.