FAQs

Are you going to make an adapter to fit the (QC3^TM, Audio-Technica, Sony, etc)?

We are considering expanding our product line to include adapters for other headphones. There are many factors to consider when choosing a headphone to adapt including price, quality, in-flight operability, to name a few. We will release new adapters as soon as they are ready, at this point we cannot guarantee any timeframe for product releases. Check back often to see the latest products available.

Do I require a TSO'd headset?

Not unless you fly for an FAA certified air carrier that requires use of TSO'd headsets. There is no FAA requirement to use a TSO'd headset, however, an FAA certified air carrier may require it.

How do I know if my personal headset is TSO'd?

Determining whether your headset is TSO'd, i.e., properly configured, properly functioning, properly maintained, and properly labeled is very difficult.

First, determine if the design configuration and labeling requirements are those approved by the FAA at the time of manufacture. If either the configuration or labeling has been altered without proper FAA authorization, the headset is no longer TSO'd.

Second, determine if the headset fully functions as designed and TSO certified. If the headset does not fully function as certified it is no longer TSO'd.

Third, determine if your headset has been altered or has been repaired by a non-FAA certified facility or with non-FAA certified parts. If either is the case, the headset is no longer TSO'd. NOTE: Those custom earmolds and attachment devices on the Plantronics & Telex single-ear headsets void the TSO.

Are individuals, such as FAA reps, air carrier managers, or check airmen capable of determining if my headset is TSO'd, e.g., during a line check?

Not unless they have access to the information and have specifically verified compliance with each item in the question above.

Is an earbud required with the TSO'd headset?

Yes. In order to provide continuous audio, independent of the battery powered QC2/QC15^TM, an earbud must be used to meet TSO ANR headset requirements. We offer earbuds at a discounted price as part of a "package" TSO'd headset; we also offer them separately. The earbud plugs into the existing 3.5mm audio jack on any UFM adapter (except the Duo version - no longer available). The earbud(s) may be placed in the ear(s) or simply put inside the QC2/QC15^TM earcup. The QC2/QC15^TM continues to provide full audio plus ANR capability, so you actually have REDUNDANT audio, a first for aviation headsets.

Is my current UFlyMike TSO certified?

If you have A UFlyMike manufactured prior to Oct 6, 2008: Technically, only UFlyMikes manufactured after Oct 6, 2008 and properly retrofitted by UFlyMike with newly required labels are TSO certified. However, all UFlyMike's were built for use in aircraft, meet the same TSO specs and are as capable as the TSO'd version. The only difference is the labels.

If you have a UFlyMike manufactured on/after Oct 6, 2008: Your adapter was labeled with an FAA approved TSO label, however, the FAA revised the labeling requirements. Contact us for details.

May I use either the QC-2^TM or the QC-15^TM as a component of the UFlyMike Aviation Headset?

YES. Both are now certified for use by the FAA. Contact us for details.

Here is a link to the FAA database which lists our current TSO Authorizations. The A100T-201/201R/202/203/204 refer to the UFM using the QC2 (Oct 8, 2008 TSO); The A15T-1/2/3/4 refer to the UFM using the QC15 (Nov 5, 2010 TSO).

FAA Website TSO Database

I have a Pro, Pro 2 or Duo adapter, can I upgrade it to be TSO certified?

The Pro and Pro 2, yes. The Duo, no. Contact us for details.

Is a TSO'd UFlyMike headset more reliable, better quality or have better performance than a non-TSO'd UFlyMike headset?

No, they are identical except for the labeling and requirement by the FAA to use an additional audio source.

Why are FAA TSO requirements and standards on headsets so confusing?

Many reasons, such as :

1. The false assumption that the CFRs require commercial pilots to use TSO'd headsets.

2. The false assumption that a TSO means a headset is more reliable, better quality or has better performance than a non-TSO'd headset.

3. The false assumption that a "TSO is a TSO."

a. There are a wide range of "standards" described in the FAA testing standards (RTCA/DO-214 and RTCA/DO-160) and within those standards, subcategory levels. There is also no requirement by the FAA that a headset meet particular subcategory level standards.

b. A number of the standards are ambiguous, contradictory and antiquated.

c. The FAA has issued TSO Authorizations even though a headset has not met one or more minimum standards.

d. FAA regional Aircraft Certification Offices (ACO) interpret and issue TSO Authorizations differently. There is no standardization among them, and they're human... they make mistakes.

e. TSO requirements and standards have changed over the years but TSO Authorizations are "grandfathered" and do not require renewal or updating when TSO requirements change.

5. Specifics of TSO's, required to credibly assess whether a headset is TSO'd, is not available to management, inspectors, or pilots.

6. Most air carriers who have opted to require TSO'd headsets are not familiar with TSO requirements and have not implemented credible programs or administered them equitably and in compliance with all TSO requirements.

Questions about Service & Repair

Do you offer a Warranty?

Yes, we offer two warranties on our products. First, we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with our product, contact us within the first thirty days and we will offer a full refund.

Second, we offer a full 1-Year Warranty (minus shipping costs outside the U.S.) on all parts against manufacturer defect. This warranty does not cover damage to parts caused by abuse or normal wear and tear.

What do I do if I need to have my adapter repaired?

If your adapter is having problems or is in need of repair please contact us at 719-531-7226 or 719-481-6329 BEFORE sending in your adapter. We will work with you to troubleshoot the problem and give you instructions on where to send it for repair. We will also give you an estimate on the cost of repair if one applies.

Troubleshooting

I can only hear Air Traffic Control (ATC) in one ear.

This can be caused by a couple of different things.

1. On newer model UFMs (ones that are Mono/Stereo Switchable) the switch is usually in the wrong position. Flip the switch at the Y-connector of the cordset to the Mono (one dot) position. If that does not solve the problem, there my be some leftover film from manufacture blocking the connection. Try cycle the switch back and forth several times. If neither solution works, you will probably need to send in your adapter for repair, please call us at 719-531-7226 for instructions.

2. On older model UFlyMikes, more than likely there has been a failure in the system and it will need to be repaired, please call us at 719-531-7226 for instructions.

3. In high humidity areas, the plug may develop a coating that caused contact to be lost. Simply use some household cleaner and a rag to clean the plugs.

I can hear ATC fine, but I can only hear my iPod (other audio device) in one ear.

Most people assume that the problem is the adapter, however, in all of the times I have seen this problem, it has never been the adapter. Oftentimes this problem is caused by one of two things.

1. The cord supplied with the Bose QC2 is not compatible with the auxiliary audio input. This cord is actually proprietary to the QC2 and ONLY works with the QC2. The Mini-Stereo Cord supplied with our adapter is a standard audio cord which can be purchased at any electronics retailer.

2. If you are using the correct mini stereo cord, it probably has a broken wire. These cords often get a lot of use and can and will break. Try using another mini stereo cord to fix the problem.

My microphone is too quiet/loud, how can I fix this?

You need to adjust the sensitivity (gain) control of the microphone. On the back side of the adapter is a small hole, inside is a single turn potentiometer. Use the screwdriver supplied with your UFM to adjust the gain to the desired level.