How to Properly Maintain Aviation Headsets
Aviation headsets are a common equipment piece for aircraft, permitting pilots and crew members to conduct radio and intra-cabin communication. Additionally, headsets are also crucial for hearing protection and maintaining clear communication as they block ambient noises and reduce sound levels for the comfort and ease of the user. As an essential element of many flight operations, it is important to properly maintain and clean aviation headsets so that they can continue to function properly for a long period of time.
Aviation headsets can be an expensive investment, often ranging upwards of $1,000 or more depending on the features, brand, and capabilities they offer. As a well cared for headset can provide its user with a service life upwards of ten or so years, such equipment is worth protecting. While most headsets are easy to use and may only need to be plugged into an interface for their basic functionality, there are common protection practices and maintenance procedures that should be followed by pilots to maintain the health of all equipment.
Whenever one is finishing a flight and removes their headset, one of the most simplistic ways in which they can be properly protected is to be stored correctly. Headsets should never be left out in the sun unattended as heat and light can easily damage certain materials and sensitive electronics. Additionally, the sunlight may heat up certain surfaces enough to burn one’s skin if not careful. As such, the headset should be stored out of the path of sunlight, even if one is simply stopping for a short amount of time. Furthermore, headsets should be stored in such a way that they are guarded against moisture and extreme temperatures as well.
For the long term storage of headsets, pilots should utilize either a case or a protective flight bag so that equipment can be transported safely. It is paramount that headsets are not haphazardly thrown into storage with other items as the microphone, earphones, or other equipment pieces may become damaged or broken. To prevent such occurrences, the best storage options are those that allow the pilot to secure the headset with padding and straps.
As headsets are equipment pieces that face constant use, various materials can break down or wear out over time. Ear seals, fabric inserts, the head pad, and microphone are all pieces that commonly face the most wear, thus they may be replaced regularly for proper maintenance. Beyond being beneficial for the service life of the headset itself, replacing wearable parts can also make such equipment more comfortable to wear and may even improve performance in some regards. Depending on how frequently one flies, the interval of replacements can range from every six months to every year and a half, though flaking materials are always a sign that it may be time for replacement. Luckily, replacing most parts of a headset is very quick, often only taking a handful of minutes for each part.
The cables and connectors of aviation headsets are paramount for their functionality, requiring ample protection. Cables have the chance of becoming damaged and frayed over time if treated incorrectly, thus pilots always need to handle such components with care. It is important that cables are never pulled out of interfaces with force, and cabling should be neatly organized and stored to avoid twisting, wrapping, and strain. If cables are long and a more proper solution is needed, certain clips, boxes, and mounting tools may be employed within the cockpit to remove any strain on cabling.
Through the proper maintenance and care of aviation headsets, such equipment can provide many years of reliable operations for the benefit of flight communication. If you are in need of various headset components for replacement, look no further than ASAP NSN Hub. ASAP NSN Hub is a premier purchasing platform for aircraft components, and we utilize our market expertise and purchasing power to save our customers time and money when procuring all they need for their operations. Get started with a personalized quote on items you are interested in today when you fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided on our website.
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