What are Aviation Headsets, Handsets, Microphones, and Speakers?

FSC 5965 is a Federal Supply Class that contains components such as headsets, microphones, handsets, and speakers that are used for aviation purposes. When procuring or replacing such equipment for aircraft operations, it can be hard to decide what is best for your given needs and what role each device plays for aircraft operations. In this blog, we will discuss the various equipment and devices included within FSC 5965 Headsets, Handsets, Microphones and Speakers, and how to make a well informed decision when it comes time to purchase.

Aviation headsets are used every day by many pilots, operators, and crew members across the world. To safely and efficiently pilot an aircraft, the pilot needs to be in constant communication with those around them and with Air Traffic Control. With headset equipment, communication is made simple and provides for outside noise mitigation to aid in hearing. Beyond communications, aviation headphones are also useful to protect hearing. As pilots are always subject to loud noises within the aircraft, the pilot’s aviation headset can prevent hearing loss from cockpit noises. Typically, aviation headphones will either be passive or active. Passive aviation headsets typically reduce noise by 20 decibels, though they rely on good seals. Meanwhile, active aviation headsets, or ANR pilot headsets, are much more powerful, but they require an external source of power and can be more expensive.

Beyond communication to and from the aircraft, there is also constant communication that is conducted within the aircraft. The aircraft handset, also known as an aircraft telephone, is a communication device that allows for the personnel within the flight deck to communicate with those in the passenger deck, and vice versa. Aircraft phone systems are also what allow for the pilot to make announcements during the flight, increasing communication and safety.

Beyond having headsets and systems in place to communicate, it is also important to ensure that the aviation microphone that is chosen for operations is optimal for your needs. Clear and concise communication throughout a flight is critical for safety, thus obtaining high quality devices is highly recommended. Microphones often come in many types, such as carbon and dynamic microphones. Carbon microphones utilize a diaphragm and carbon granules which produce and transfer voice patterns over voltage to establish communication. The dynamic microphone serves as an improvement over the carbon microphone, allowing for the diaphragm and a coil to generate a strong magnetic field. With this field, the dynamic microphone is able to establish clear communication more efficiently at a smaller size.

The aircraft speaker system is often installed within the passenger cabin so that speech announcements that are made by the pilot can be heard by all. This allows for the pilot to make passengers aware of certain flight pertinent information, such as upcoming turbulence or a landing time update. Loudspeakers are often designed so that sound pressure and speech clarity is optimal, all while conserving as much electric power as possible for the event of an emergency. When installing, it is important that all seats can equally hear the speakers for announcements.

When it comes time to begin sourcing the aviation headsets, handsets, microphones, and speakers that you need for your next project or operation, Purchasing Efficiency has you covered with everything you are searching for. Purchasing Efficiency is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aircraft, marine, and IT parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise.