The Bose Difference

Today’s pilots have many options when it comes to aviation headsets. But when pilots are looking to invest in an active noise cancelling headset, the Bose name usually comes to mind. And it’s not just because Bose was the company that pioneered active noise cancelling headsets for pilots.

Bose aviation headsets are born out of a rigorous research and development process that has been refined and improved upon over many decades of product development. Ultimately, this process yields the best combination of noise cancellation, comfort and clarity – a difference pilots notice and appreciate in their aviation headsets.

Bose has been a household name in consumer electronics for a long time, but some might not know that the company’s roots in active noise cancellation technology actually began on an airplane more than four decades ago. On a long international flight in 1978, Dr. Amar Bose tried on a set of airline-provided headphones, only to experience increased noise from the aircraft. He immediately began designing a solution in his notebook. It was during this flight from Europe to the U.S. that Dr. Bose developed his concept for noise cancellation technology.

After years of research and development, the first prototype Bose active noise cancelling headset debuted on Voyager’s record-breaking nonstop flight around the world in late 1986. That historic flight provided a valuable test platform and proved that Bose active noise cancellation technology in aviation headsets would benefit pilots. In 1989, Bose introduced its first active noise cancelling headset to the broader market – the Series 1. And for over 40 years, Bose has been hard at work improving aviation headset technology.

Since Bose developed its first noise cancellation headset, the company’s relentless commitment to innovation and engineering excellence can be seen with each headset introduction. This has made Bose a trusted provider for U.S. military transport pilots, airlines, corporate flight departments, and many of the largest aircraft OEMs in the world. Bose has earned this trust because it has proven time and time again that its active noise cancelling headsets will provide clear, reliable communication, and a comfortable experience for pilots.

All Bose headset features and functionality are created with purpose, and pilot input is a valuable part of the process. In fact, many of the engineers, salespeople and product developers on the Bose Aviation team are pilots themselves. Because when it comes to developing a new aviation headset, there’s no better resource for gathering feedback than those who wear the headset every day.

Bose also looks to its valued partners for insights that drive product development and offerings. Through strong relationships with airlines, corporate flight departments, flight schools and leading avionics manufacturers, Bose keeps a pulse on changes to cockpit and flight deck environments and to the evolving needs of pilots.

Using these insights, Bose has designed headsets that help prepare pilots for unknown challenges. Even a pandemic. Bose’s move toward compact, lightweight headsets has made it easier for pilots to carry their own personal headsets from flight to flight, limiting the sharing of headsets between pilots.

When it comes to piloting an aircraft, whether it’s a general aviation airplane, a commercial airliner or a helicopter, aviation headsets must be able to withstand the challenges of any cockpit environment. For this reason, Bose headsets are tested beyond the toughest conditions that most pilots will ever experience to ensure long-term product durability and reliability.

One measure of excellence is meeting and exceeding a TSO, which is an important step in the life of every Bose aviation headset. TSO – or Technical Standard Orders – come from the FAA. Like pilot licenses and equipment inspections, TSO certifications help the FAA ensure safety for the entirety of every mission.

Below is a partial list of the rigorous tests required for TSO certification:

In addition to FAA and EASA E/TSO standards, Bose performs its own tests to ensure all aviation headsets are reliable and durable. Bose’s significant investment in the engineering, manufacturing and testing process validates your own investment in a Bose aviation headset.

Combine Bose’s 30 years of aviation headset research and development with its commitment to TSO certification, and it’s clear why Bose aviation headsets perform to a high standard. But the best way to understand that difference is by experiencing the A20 or the ProFlight Series 2 for yourself. You can do that risk-free with Bose’s 60-day test flight opportunity. Learn more here.