Backpacker Kampoeng

Pilot headphones are valuable tools in general aviation (GA) cockpits. Besides blocking unwanted sound, earphones facilitate internal & external communication while reducing noise-related fatigue. Though great for all types of flying, earsets are particularly valuable in flight training operations.
For those new to aviation, a general aviation cockpit presents several challenges. Rookie aviators often have little or no experience flying in light aircraft. An effective way to improve their experiences and simplify their flight training is by using aviation headsets.
One of the primary benefits of pilot headphones is hearing protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites 85 decibels as a "safe" daily exposure amount for a period of up to eight hours. Above this noise level, OSHA notes that even short periods of exposure to loud noise can result in permanent hearing loss. Some individuals are susceptible to detrimental hearing damage at noise levels below 85 decibels. General aviation aircraft, particularly high-performance models, can generate noise in excess of 100 dB (A) at high power settings. To protect aviation students from possible hearing damage, earphones should be used for all flight lessons.

For general aviation (GA) pilots, a headset can feel like an extension of the aviator himself. Many pilots have a preferred brand or model of headset they wouldn't consider flying without. If you fall into this category, you still might want to consider acquiring a new model for your flying activities.
Sure, your trusted model might have served you well. Perhaps you've had it for years and have never experienced the slightest problem. Even if your proven earphones will probably soldier on for decades, consider the following reasons to add a backup headset for pilots.
1. Take Advantage of New Technology: Like anything electronic, aviation headphones continue to evolve to reflect advances in technology. Modern headset models contain a variety of convenient features, including cell phone & audio connections, Bluetooth compatibility, and even wireless headsets. Depending on the type of flying you do, one or more of these features can make a new headset worth a look. Do you frequently use uncontrolled airports that require phone calls to flight service and/or ATC? Are your typical flight legs long and monotonous? Constantly getting tangled up in your headset's cords? If any of these situations apply to you, take a look at some of the market's current offerings.

The mornings are getting cooler - a reminder that it's time once again for northern pilots to start preparing their planes for winter. Whether you're planning cross-country flying or not much flying at all, winter flying is all about assessing and managing risk. Here are some important tips and strategies to prep your plane. These do not supercede having your aircraft professionally serviced and maintained.

• Know the weather. Obviously, weather is the crucial variable in winter flying. It's important to understand meteorology and keep track of upcoming weather patterns that could affect your flying. Start checking weather patterns three days prior to flight, but keep in mind patterns can change rapidly.

There are several useful weather tracking websites out there that offer forecasts, Doppler radar data, satellite imagery and useful aviation tools. Some of the best are the Aviation Digital Data Service at aviationweather.gov/adds/ and the FAA-sponsored Direct Access User Terminal Systems (DUATS) site at duats.com. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association offers free online weather information for members at aopa.org. Also check out the Weather Underground and The Weather Channel on cable for helpful insight into national weather trends.