List of aviation headset connectors

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 0.281 in (7.1 mm) and length 0.761 in (19.3 mm).^[2][3][4][5] 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 0.901 in (22.9 mm)^[6][5]
  • Type 671, also known as UK NATO or European NATO^[7] 10H/18575, with a diameter of 7.57 mm (0.298 in).^[8] NATO Stock Number 5935-99-946-6652.
• XLR 5, used internally on Airbus aircraft^[9][1]
• REDEL 6-pin connector by LEMO, known as "LEMO plugs".^[10][1] Most Cirrus aircraft use this connector.^[9]
• Fischer 8-pin connector, used in Agusta helicopters^[5]
• Neutrik neutriCON 8-pin connector^[11][12][13]

PJ-055 (top) and PJ-068 (bottom) General Aviation Audio Phone Connectors

"NATO" plug type, commonly used on military aircraft and civil helicopters

The XLR, LEMO and Fischer plugs are able to supply power for active noise cancellation.^[5]

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.

References

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