Headset manufacturer Bose is back at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and visitors can try on a new A30 or ProFlight Series 2 active noise reduction (ANR) headset or Bose’s consumer speakers and headphones. Bose is also offering buyers of an A30 or ProFlight Series 2 (through Aug. 17, 2024) a free SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, and is providing some onsite repairs at AirVenture. Visitors can also meet Bose pilot ambassadors Stevie Triesenberg, Michael Goulian, Angle of Attack, FlightChops, and the Titan aerobatic team during the show.
Production of the A20 has ended, according to Mike Dodge, head of global aviation and Americas focus markets, and A20 owners typically are buying A30s for themselves and moving their A20s to passenger seats. “The A20 is an iconic product,” he said, “and the A30 is doing a great job. People understand the benefits.”
While the A30 is about a fifth of an ounce lighter than the A20, pilots can feel the difference in the lighter clamping pressure of the A30. The new design spreads the weight of the pressure points on the head further away from the top of the head. A gap at the top of the A30 also makes room for the button on top of baseball caps so the headset frame doesn’t press on the button. “It almost feels like there’s no pressure on your head,” Dodge said. The thinner and more robust headset cable is holding up well, he added. “It’s more maneuverable, and we’ve seen zero issues.”
To educate new pilots on the benefits of ANR technology and encourage the use of headsets early in their flying careers, Bose is working with aviation university and academy programs. “This will help the students get comfortable with [ANR headsets] throughout their careers,” he said. Flight instructors can buy a Bose A30 for $100 less than the $1,299 retail price.
“An aviation headset will be with you for the long haul,” Dodge said. “It impacts the quality of your communication, your ability to stay focused during flight, and your overall enjoyment of the experience. It’s important to find a headset that meets all of your needs.”