If you’re tired of literally being weighed down by your aviation headset, you might be drawn to the Faro Air In-Ear Headset. While an in-ear headset is radically different from an over-the-ear headset, sometimes radically different is exactly what you need!
Faro AIR In-Ear Headset Introduction
If you are used to flying with a classic but clunky aviation headset, the Faro AIR will be a whole new experience for you. First, the headset is only one ounce. If you’re used to a traditional headset acting as a vice around your head, the lightweight of this headset is a gamer-changer.
Second, the Faro headset uses in-ear noise cancelation through earbuds.
So instead of simply laying a big padded ear muff over your ear, the Faro gets right to the heart of your ear canal, providing excellent noise cancellation and in-flight comfort.
Basically, the headset is like using a set of foam earplugs that have built-in, tiny speakers.
Finally, the Faro has an excellent speaker, AUX input for music, and a noise-canceling microphone.
Faro AIR In-Ear Headset Overview
The Faro AIR In-Ear Headset offers everything pilots look for in a headset.
It’s lightweight, provides good noise reduction, has a noise-canceling microphone, excellent speakers, an AUX input, and is fully adjustable. In addition, it’s comfortable, low-profile, and allows for clear communication.
Weight and Comfort
One of the most startling changes from your heavy student pilot headset is the truly lightweight of the Faro.
Classic headsets can weigh 20 ounces or more, but the Faro weighs just one ounce. Imagine taking a whole pound of weight from your head!
On longer flights, the heavier headsets can cause neck strain and add to overall end-of-flight fatigue. A lightweight headset such as the Faro AIR can increase your in-flight comfort.
This also applies to how comfortable the headset is.
Many headsets, especially older passive noise reduction models, rely on clamping pressure to keep the ear cups snug over your ears. By using the foam ear insert, this problem is completely eliminated.
Noise Reduction
The Faro headset provides noise reduction through really fancy earplugs. Faro developed its own in-house slow recovery composite foam that blocks aircraft noise.
The slow-recovery means that the plug will conform to your ear canal shape and will exert low pressure.
The earplugs come in three different sizes and are longer than standard earplugs to fit deeper in the ear canal. Pilots should spend some time experimenting to make sure they use the most comfortable size.
The earplugs provide up to 50 db of noise reduction. Traditional headsets might only offer up to 24 db of noise reduction.
The noise reduction comes entirely from the foam earplug. This type of noise reduction is known as passive noise reduction because it doesn’t require additional technology or battery power to cancel the noise.
These earplugs are replaceable and should be replaced whenever someone else uses the headset or the foam starts to lose its noise cancellation properties.
Noise Cancelling Microphone
The noise-canceling microphone makes sure air traffic control and your co-pilot, student, or passengers can hear you clearly.
Speakers
The Faro AIR speakers are small but mighty. The speakers are rated at 280 ohms. So you’ll be able to hear clearly and understand ATC instructions without muffling or interference.
AUX and Control Module
The Faro Air comes with a 3.5 mm audio input. As a result, pilots can connect to their music devices and listen to music. All the functions are controlled on the control module.
This module features dual volume controls, the AUX audio input, and the ability to switch between mono and stereo.
Adjustable Faro Headset
The metal headband and the ear loop are both adjustable so that you can find your perfect fit.
The Faro AIR headset is sold with additional ear cushions if you want more comfort. Some pilots prefer the low profile of the original ear cushions, and some need that extra cushioning effect.
The headset comes with two clothing clips.
Faro recommends that you attach the clips to your shirt to ensure your headset fits nicely. Because the cable and control module weighs more than the headset, it’s important to get the weight and balance right.
Because of the low-profile design, it’s easier to manage wearing pilot sunglasses or even a hat with your headset.
Faro AIR In-Ear Headset Pros and Cons
All Faro headsets and devices have pros and cons. Some pilots fall in love with the in-ear style headsets, and some pilots just can’t get used to it. In addition, some pilots find it challenging to achieve the perfect fit.
Faro In-Ear Headset Pros
One of the Faro AIR’s biggest pros is its incredible lightweight. Users also love the AUX input. While the in-ear foam can take a little getting used to, this type of headset has many converts.
Faro In-Ear Headset Cons
Some pilots find getting the Faro headset adjusted challenging.
Some report that the microphone positioning is not as convenient as they’d like. There are also a few reports that the headset is not quite as well built as the original in-ear headsets made by Clarity Aloft.
Finally, the Faro aviation headset is not TSO’d. This means it’s not on the FAA’s Technical Standard Order. For general aviation purposes, this doesn’t matter.
However, if you are flying under Part 121 or 135 Regulations, you’ll want to find a headset that has been TSO’d by the FAA.
Why You Should Consider the Faro AIR In-Ear Headset
Faro is focused on building great quality headsets without charging aviation-standard prices.
The Faro AIR In-Ear Headset is an incredibly lightweight headset that provides distraction-free communication.
It might take you a little while to get used to this dramatically different headset, but if you are looking for freedom, this headset might suit you perfectly.
Why Headset Choice is so Important
- Block aircraft noise
- Reduce microphone noise
- Allow clear communication
- Reduce pilot fatigue
Block Aircraft Noise
Have you ever taken off your headset while flying?
Airplanes are noisy! It’s essential that your headset blocks the aircraft noise. Putting up with aircraft noise increases fatigue and can cause distraction.
It makes it harder to concentrate on what’s important: aviating, communicating, and navigating.
Reduce Microphone Noise
Pilots don’t want to hear their noisy aircraft, and neither does air traffic control! Reducing microphone noise allows air traffic controllers, the co-pilot, and your passengers to hear you clearly.
Allow Clear Communication
Clear and concise communication is vital on an aircraft. Pilots must be able to communicate with each other and with Air Traffic Control effectively.
If noise issues, garbled communications, or a bad fit prevent good communication, your headset becomes a liability instead of an asset.
Reduce Pilot Fatigue
All headsets reduce the ambient noise of the aircraft, which reduces pilot fatigue. Other aspects of headsets can also work towards ensuring a comfortable flight.
If the headset is lightweight, fits well, and does its job, it can make a significant difference in the overall comfort of the flight.
However, if you can’t wait to tear off your headset at the end of the flight or headset adjustments keep distracting you during the flight, it’s time to look for another headset.
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Liz Brassaw is a first officer for a regional airline and the former Chief Pilot and Chief Flight Operations Officer for Thrust Flight. She holds an ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, AMEL, ASES with over 2,500 hours of flight instruction given. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Utah Valley University School of Aviation Sciences. She’s passionate about flying and enjoys instilling that love in the instructors on her team and the new students she trains.
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