List of aviation headset connectors explained

The following electrical connectors are commonly used in aviation headsets:^[1]

• Phone connectors
  • A pair of plugs, known as "GA" or general aviation plugs. 1/4-inch plug for audio (PJ-055), and a 3/16-inch plug for the microphone (PJ-068)
  • U-174/U (Nexus TP-101), U-93A/U (Nexus TP-102), and Nexus TP-120, also known as US NATO, commonly used in helicopters, with a diameter of 0.281inches and length 0.761inches.^{[2] [3] [4]} The TP-120 (also known as J11) is standard for external jack plugs on most Boeing and Airbus airliners, used by ground-crew
  • U-384/U (Nexus TP-105), similar to U-174/U but with 5 conductors and slightly longer length of 0.901inches^[5]
  • Type 671, also known as UK NATO or European NATO^[6] 10H/18575, with a diameter of 7.57mm.^[7] NATO Stock Number 5935-99-946-6652.
• XLR 5, used internally on Airbus aircraft^{[8] [1]}
• REDEL 6-pin connector by LEMO, known as "LEMO plugs".^{[9] [1]} Most Cirrus aircraft use this connector.^[8]
• Fischer 8-pin connector, used in Agusta helicopters
• Neutrik neutriCON 8-pin connector^{[10] [11] [12]}

The XLR, LEMO and Fischer plugs are able to supply power for active noise cancellation.^[13]

Certifications

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) regarding equipment used on civil aircraft. The TSO for aviation headsets is C139, which includes requirements to withstand extreme heat and cold, decompression, and electromagnetic interference.^[14] Some commercial airlines require the use of TSO-compliant headsets, as part of their operations manual.^[15] This is a choice by the airline, not an FAA requirement.^[16]

In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also issues TSOs. The TSO for aviation headsets is ETSO-C139. Again, this is not mandatory^{[17] [18]} but may be required by an airline.

Notes and References

1. Web site: What the PLUG! A Guide to Aviation Headset Plugs . PilotMall.com . 5 March 2023 . en.
2. Web site: Item # TP-101, Telephone Plug . Amphenol NEXUS Technologies . 7 March 2023 . en-us.
3. Web site: Item # TP-102, Telephone Plug . Amphenol NEXUS Technologies . 7 March 2023 . en-us.
4. Web site: Item # TP-120, Telephone Plug . Amphenol NEXUS Technologies . 7 March 2023 . en-us.
5. Web site: Item # TP-105, Telephone Plug . Amphenol NEXUS Technologies . 7 March 2023 . en-us.
6. Web site: British Aircrew 671-Type Plug / NATO Plug . www.scottbouch.com . 5 March 2023.
7. Web site: Type 671 datasheet . 5 March 2023.
8. Web site: Ranly . Doug . Headset Plugs . www.sportys.com . 5 March 2023 . en.
9. Web site: A20® BLUETOOTH® headset cable, 6-pin plug .
10. Web site: FL20-P - Commercial aviation headset by FACTEM AeroExpo . www.aeroexpo.online . 7 March 2023 . en.
11. Web site: Cable Adapters, Aviation, for NeutriCON Headsets . UFlyMike . 7 March 2023.
12. Web site: Sennheiser HME 46 . Sennheiser . 7 March 2023.
13. Web site: Bose A20 Aviation Headset Owner's Guide . 5 March 2023 . 2022.
14. Web site: Why TSO Matters . Bose Aviation Headsets . 20 May 2023 . en.
15. Web site: Technical Information on Clarity Aloft® Aviation Headsets - Clarity Aloft . clarityaloft.com . 20 May 2023.
16. Web site: Does TSO Matter for headsets? . Lightspeed Aviation . 20 May 2023 . 11 February 2020.
17. Web site: ETSO & TSO approvals . Avee . 20 May 2023.
18. Web site: What is an ETSO approval and where can I find the corresponding regulations? . EASA . 20 May 2023 . en.