Tag: the pilot report

Clarity Aloft Aviation Headset Video Review

***View this video in all its High Definition glory!

The Clarity Aloft Aviation Headset was one of the first noise cancellation headsets to use passive noise reduction technology instead of the conventional active noise reduction (battery operated).  The way this is achieved is by using an in the ear design versus the over the head, over the ear aviation headset style you’re used to seeing.

Because this headset is in the ear instead of over the ear, it provides noise reduction in the same manner in which a set of normal earplugs does – simply squeeze the ear tips and insert them into your ears and *tadah* the noise is greatly reduced.  Also, this means no more messing around with batteries or coming back to a dead headset because you forget to turn the noise-cancellation off.

I’ve personally been using this Clarity Aloft Aviation Headset for over 5 years now with roughly 2,200 hours of flight time logged on them.  So when I say they are comfortable and amazing it’s because they really are!

That being said, here’s some of the headsets features:

  1. Passive noise reduction (no batteries)
  2. Noise canceling microphone
  3. Replaceable ear tips
  4. Low-profile, feather weight headband
  5. Auxiliary audio input (MP3 player)
  6. No painful head-crushing, clamping effect
  7. All day comfort

Watch the video above for a complete demonstration!

Additional manufacturer information can be found at the Clarity Aloft Aviation Headset website.

Disclosure:  I earn commission on sales for most products mentioned here at ThePilotReport.com.  That money goes towards the operation of this website and I’m sure you’re cool with that, but the FTC requires me to remind you.

Powerloss Training for Commerical Operators

…the NTSB said the FAA should require manufacturers of twin-engine, turbine-powered aircraft to develop a checklist and procedure for a dual engine failure at low altitude, and require operators under Part 121, 135 and 91K to implement the checklist and procedures.  Source – NTSB Wants Power-loss Training for Part 135, 91K

And they very well should!  I can recall no Part 121 training regarding this very issue.  In fact, the lack of such training is almost a disservice to flight crew and passengers.  But first let me clarify something.

As an airline pilot I have received PLENTY of training and simulated flights for a single engine failure, that is losing thrust in 1 of our 2 engines.  We practice takeoffs, maneuvering flight, instrument approaches, and landings in the 1 engine configuration.  So all is well and good there.

Although, I recall no such training on a dual engine failure at any altitude.  To be even more specific, the dual engine failure training was merely a review of our quick reference handbook and a discussion on how to perform such an emergency procedure from the comfort of the classroom chair.  Granted the very likely hood of having a dual engine failure in a turbine aircraft is so astronomically small that it may not warrant such real world training, but that’s what flight simulators are for right?

Now an airline like mine (which doesn’t do any extended over water flights) may not truly benefit from powerloss and ditching training due to our operational characteristics, but there are still some big lakes that we fly over in North America.  I mean, it certainly can’t hurt to receive that knowledge and training in the safety of a flight simulator.

I’ve love to hear your feelings on this so please leave your comments below!

Here’s the original article that spurred this blog post:  NTSB Wants Power-loss Training for Part 135, 91K