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linuxjim

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Jul 8, 2014
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Wilmette, IL
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JJ
Doc says my hearing ain't what it used to be. Or what it should be. I'm supposed to cut back on the loud noises. Maybe it was all those concerts. I'm not getting rid of the wife so I need to look at other options. :).

I am using bose a20s. Are there better options? Maybe supplemental ear plugs?

I'm also considering looking around at trading in the Viking if there are quieter options. Probably worth considering for the little one too. Have there been any studies on the db level of different planes? I haven't found anything particularly informative.
 
Zulu PFX , quitest headset out there. Love mine. If you are an instructor they offer an extra $100 off. Very comfortable as well. 10 hours in one day to Oshkosh this year and no discomfort.
 
Are there better than the A-20s? Yes, but not by enough of a margin to affect auditory health. If the A-20s aren't doing it for you, no other headset will.

Most planes are quieter than a Viking, so that opens a bunch of options there. :D What do you need the plane to do for you? Motor gliders get really quiet, especially the electric ones.
 
That would be one heck of a switch from a Viking to a glider, even one with a little motor. A recent trip from Chicago to Maine left my ears ringing for 2 weeks. I use the Viking for our family of 3 for xc. ~300 - 600 NM. Similar to the headphones, Is there enough difference in planes to consider a switch? I'm sure a good way to tell the difference is to get out and fly a few. What I was hoping to find was if anyone had any measured decibel differences between the mooney, bo, 182, cirrus and the other usual suspects.
 
Before trading in the aircraft or getting spendy headsets... Are there any sound insulation solutions such as Dynamat for automobiles?
 
21 years as a musician has taken a toll on my ears. I'm very sensitive to loud sounds.

I wear musician earplugs at gigs and other loud events. They lower the SPL without affecting frequency response. Custom fitted for around $200 at your local ENT office.

http://www.etymotic.com/erme.html
 
Before trading in the aircraft or getting spendy headsets... Are there any sound insulation solutions such as Dynamat for automobiles?
Ensolite foam seems to do a pretty good job. I thought the 'Kota was noticeably quieter after installing Ensolite and new carpet.
 
I did kinda deserve that.
I'll have to look at some of these foam options too. The Viking is a fabric plane so not a lot of barrier I suspect.
 
The Viking, especially with the 520 is one of the noisiest planes I've ridden in because basically you're enclosed in a drumskin. 470 powered Bo is a lot quieter, Travelair quieter yet.
 
Are we on sure you're turning on the ANR and getting a good cup seal?
 
The little button with the power sign on it that turns the light on? Yep. Found it. :). And yeah I can definitely tell the difference without a good seal. That FAA doc seems to say the Viking is quieter than the bo, the 182 and others. Unless I'm reading it wrong I might question their methods. I am definitely concerned about the little ones ears(and ours) however the wife thinks I might be angling for a new plane. She may not be entirely wrong. I guess I better go try some different planes on. ...For our health of course. :)
 
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