5 ways aviation headsets get an upgrade

Aviation headsets are critical tools for pilots of all levels, and help ensure a comfortable, smooth — and safe — flight. That’s why they often incorporate the best technology and newest innovations. Indeed, Bose noise cancellation technology was invented with pilots in mind. The features and capabilities have only grown over the decades, and the Bose A30 Aviation Headset is the prime example. The new headset may look similar to its predecessor, the A20 Aviation Headset, but it elevates your flying experience thanks to a range of upgrades. Here’s how.

Headphones

Male pilot wearing the Bose A30 Aviation Headset

1. Reduced clamping force

The innovative center pivot spring at the top of the headband on Bose aviation headsets keeps pilots comfortable on long flights. While this key design feature made the A20s famously comfortable, the A30s go even further, reducing clamping force by 20%, consistently across a wide range of head sizes. This allows pilots to keep the headsets on for longer periods, rather than having to remove them periodically to reduce pressure on the head.

Female pilot wearing the Bose A30 Aviation Headset

2. Three modes of active noise cancellation

As one of the inventors of noise cancellation technology, Bose takes particular interest in the feature and how it assists pilots. The A30 raises the headset technology game further by incorporating three different modes of active noise cancellation. This means pilots can adjust the level of cancellation to better fit their situation. High noise cancellation mode is ideal for small airplanes and piston powered aircraft, which tend to be very loud. Low noise cancellation, on the other hand, is helpful for communication in quieter jet aircraft. In this mode, the headset reduces the low-frequency rumble of the engine but still allows voice pickup, so you can have conversations with copilots or other people in the cockpit. Medium mode offers the right amount of attenuation that many pilots may prefer in pressurized aircraft.

Pilot and passenger wearing the Bose A30 Aviation Headset on a small private airplane

3. Tap control for talk through

Now that pilots have access to extremely comfortable headsets, they don’t need to take them off to be at ease during long flights. With this new function, tapping an ear cup twice puts that ear cup into “low mode” for noise cancellation. This provides a talk through audio experience for pilots in jet aircraft and less noisy environments who may have otherwise removed an earcup to hear someone next to them who was not on the intercom.

4. Improved cable

The A30’s cable is lighter and more supple than ever before so that it doesn’t get in the way. The updated material adds to the overall comfort of the headset. It is flexible, soft, and easy to bend. Other cables might be cumbersome, but this convenient cable allows pilots to focus on having a safe and comfortable flight, all without sacrificing durability or performance in critical areas like resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Pilot and copilot wearing Bose A30 Aviation Headsets

5. Advanced active noise cancellation

Above all else, clear audio matters for communication. The cacophony of radios that pilots must listen to is challenging enough without added ambient noise. Active noise reduction blurs the background noise and provides a clean slate so pilots can hear air traffic control. The A30s are built on an advanced digital system for noise reduction.

Family on a small airplane wearing Bose A30 Aviation Headsets

Fly in style

The A30 maintains the best aspects of previous generations of aviation headsets, and introduces improved materials and advanced technology. The headset has everything you expect from a high-quality aviation headset, including more than 40 hours of battery life, Bluetooth options, and a passive mode with a convenient auto-off feature. And while the A30 pioneers the best headset technology on the market, it still meets aviation safety requirements and is fully compliant with the latest FAA and EASA TSO standards. Fly in style — and comfort — with this new sleek design. After all, Bose’s leading technology and comfortability is why passengers, too, look to us for the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane flights.