Overview
INTRODUCING THE BOSE PROFLIGHT AVIATION HEADSET
Lightweight, in-ear active noise cancellation for long term comfort over extended flights, with many new features designed specifically for airline and corporate aircraft flight decks.

Tap control for talk through communication
Double tapping either earbud allows for optimised voice communication outside the intercom.
Digital active noise cancellation
Significantly reduces ambient noise, allowing users to lower radio volume and hear what they need to hear. Three user-selectable modes of noise cancellation allow for user preference and aircraft noise environment.
Long term comfort over extended flights
Our smallest, lightest and most comfortable headset yet. 139 grams weight on the head.
FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified
Compatible across multiple TSO certified avionics systems.
Bluetooth connectivity and audio prioritisation
Connects wirelessly to mobile devices, audio systems and electronic flight bags. Audio prioritisation allows users to mix Bluetooth audio with intercom audio or have intercom transmissions temporarily mute Bluetooth.
Active equalisation
Automatically shapes and equalises the incoming signal for enhanced clarity and intelligibility.
Electret noise cancelling microphone
Increases clarity and reduces background noise when transmitting.
Introducing the ProFlight Aviation Headset
The Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset is the industry’s smallest, quietest, and most comfortable active noise cancelling communication headset. With an on-head weight of 139 grams (4.9 oz), the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset is designed for long-term comfort and is our most innovative headset yet. Engineered for pilots of moderately noisy, pressurised, turbine-powered aircraft, it incorporates more than 30 US utility and design patents. The ProFlight Aviation Headset features three levels of user-selectable active noise cancellation, a noise cancelling microphone for clearer outgoing transmissions and full function Bluetooth® connectivity. The ProFlight Headset is FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified and is available with four different plug configurations.
ProFlight Aviation Headset: Design assurance testing
The Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset is lightweight and comfortable, but is it durable? The Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset incorporates over 30 US design and utility patents, FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certification, materials that have a high strength-to-weight ratio and conformance to some Mil Spec standards.
An aviation headset that's just your type
Only the new Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset features advanced Bose technology in an innovative new form factor, with features designed for lower noise environments and the unique needs of pilots who fly in airline flight decks and corporate jet aircraft. Now there’s a Bose aviation headset that’s right for you, whether you fly in a cockpit or on a flight deck.
A new approach to noise cancelling
Pilots of moderately noisy aircraft such as pressurised jets will now experience the Bose clarity they expect, along with reliable, individualised performance and a new level of comfort for extended flights. The ProFlight is specifically designed with airline and professional pilots in mind.
30 years of Bose research and innovation.
The ProFlight features three modes of active noise cancellation and a unique feature called tap control for talk-through communication in a compact, banded, in-ear design. It’s decades of Bose research engineered into a form factor unlike any other aviation headset.
Specs
FAQs
What is different about the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset?
The ProFlight, our most advanced aviation headset ever, features a unique combination of benefits. Industry leading active noise cancellation comes with a comfortable, stable fit without compromising the clear audio and simple operation you expect from Bose.
A high level of comfort is engineered into the unique form factor unlike any other headset’s—a highly stable, in-ear configuration without the usual intrusive deep insert eartips.
Also new with the ProFlight: three user selectable levels of active noise cancellation, a quick release side swappable down cable and mic, Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology, fully functional Bluetooth® connectivity and unique tap control. Talk through tap control allows pilots to better communicate with those outside the intercom.
2 AA batteries power 45+ hours of use without Bluetooth and at least 25 hours with Bluetooth on. Aircraft powered variants are also available. Users swap seamlessly from battery power to aircraft power without compromising headset performance. All models feature auto-off, which powers down the headset automatically when not in use. Select models offer auto-on.
What are the key benefits in the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset?
• Improved comfort for hours of use, achieved through choice of materials, distribution of weight, low clamping force and dedicated left and right earbuds—all without sacrificing stability
• Incredibly small and lightweight (139 g/4.9 oz on-head)
• Electret noise cancelling microphone for clear transmissions
• Audio optimised with active equalisation for enhanced communications with or without an intercom or hot mic system
• Three unique levels of user selectable acoustic noise cancelling, providing users with a range of noise reduction to meet their needs in multiple scenarios
• Tap control for talk through communication
• Bluetooth capability for wireless audio connections to EFBs and mobile phones, with audio prioritisation to mix or mute wireless audio with intercom transmissions
• Bypass communications mode provides primary ICS audio with or without power to the headset
• Built to latest ARINC standards and FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified
• Available with twin plug, five pin XLR, seven pin XLR or six pin LEMO plug configurations
• Auto-off: All configurations of the ProFlight headset feature auto-off technology, which powers down the headset when not in use and saves battery life
• Side swappable boom microphone and down cable, no tools required
• Durable and robust design made to endure the wear and tear of everyday use in tough environments
• Five year limited warranty with acclaimed service
• Auto-on: Certain configurations of the ProFlight headset will turn on automatically when the avionics master switch is in the ‘on’ position, using the craft’s power to operate
What is the difference between the ProFlight and A20 headsets?
They are completely different headsets and have different fundamental architectures, although they share features like Bluetooth capability, selectable stereo/mono and auto-on/auto-off. The A20 features an around-ear design and is meant for noisier aircraft, such as non pressurised single engine models. The ProFlight features a headbanded in-ear design and is meant for crewed aircraft, typically pressurised and less noisy, like most jets.
Do the Bose A20 Aviation Headset and Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset offer the same level of noise reduction?
No. The Bose A20 Aviation Headset delivers significantly greater noise reduction compared to the ProFlight headset. However, the ProFlight is significantly smaller, lighter and is designed for quieter aircraft.
How many different versions and configurations are available for the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset?
Customers can configure their Bose ProFlight Aviation Headsets in many different ways. Customers also have their choice of connector configurations with each module. Designed for use in both civilian and military aircraft, the ProFlight offers all of the most common plug configurations:
Dual G/A plug (PJ 068 and ¼ inch Stereo): With this option, the headset is connected to the aircraft’s intercom via a dual plug and is not powered by the aircraft. 2 AA alkaline batteries provide a minimum of 45 hours of operation while flying. This configuration is the most common version purchased by pilots.
XLR five pin: Often called the Airbus plug, this configuration is a mono connection to the aircraft and may be powered by the aircraft, depending on the installation. When disconnected, the flexible power feature lets the headset switch seamlessly from aircraft power to battery power, so users experience no interruption when the headset is plugged into or unplugged from a source of power.
XLR seven pin: The latest ARINC defined standard pin connection, which provides for binaural audio, aircraft power as well as separate grounded audio, microphone and EMI/EMF shields. Although it is not yet widely used, it is being adopted by the airline industry as a new standard plug type.
Six pin connector wired to the aircraft (LEMO): With this option, the headset is connected to the aircraft via a six pin connector and is powered directly from the aircraft. Two AA alkaline batteries can also provide pilots with a new level of flexibility. When disconnected, the flexible power feature swaps the headset seamlessly from aircraft power to battery power, so users experience no interruption when the headset is plugged into or unplugged from the aircraft.*
*Adapters are available from Bose to convert a six pin connector to either a dual G/A plug or a U174 for additional connection flexibility.
Can I comfortably wear glasses with the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset?
Yes. The side pads rest slightly behind and above the ear, which allows the user to put on and remove eyeglasses without touching the headset. You can wear any frames you want without affecting noise reduction or comfort.
Can I swap the microphone to either side?
Yes. The integrated boom mic and cable assembly can be attached to either the left or right side of the headset. The self guiding connector makes it easy to attach the boom mic and cable assembly. The cable swaps easily in seconds and without tools.
What is the battery life of the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset?
Using 2 AA alkaline batteries, the Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset will operate for at least 45 hours of flying in typical aircraft noise. With continuous operation of the Bluetooth function, battery life will be at least 25 hours. As always, battery life varies with the type of battery, the noise environment and features used. The headset’s battery life indicator light alerts the user when batteries should be replaced.
Can I use rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are not recommended because your flying time battery life will be reduced from the 45 hour life, depending on the type of battery chemistry used. Rechargeable batteries also alter the accuracy of the battery status indicator light, so that when the light changes to amber, you will have less than the usual eight hours of flying time remaining that you can expect with non rechargeable AA alkaline batteries.
Can I use lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries should not be used due to their typically higher voltage.
How does the auto-on feature work?
Headsets that can use aircraft power (six pin, seven pin and five pin XLR) will automatically turn on when the aircraft power is present. A configurable switch inside the control module can disable this feature based on user preference.
How does the auto-off feature work?
The auto-off feature in your Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset detects when the headset is not in use and powers it off after several minutes to preserve battery power. The exact time it takes to power off varies and can range between 6 and 45 minutes of inactivity.
What is TSO and why is it important?
A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts and appliances used on civil aircraft. When a company is authorised to manufacture a material, part or appliance to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorisation. When a company receives a TSO authorisation, it is assured that the product meets these minimums in both design and production. Bose Corporation meets all and exceeds many TSO requirements.
Receiving a TSO authorisation is not an approval to install and use the authorised article in the aircraft.
Is the Bose A20 Aviation Headset still available?
Yes. The Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset has not replaced the A20. It is designed to meet the unique needs of pilots and crew who fly pressurised and crewed aircraft, which are typically less noisy.
How does the ProFlight headset compare to the A20 in terms of noise reduction?
The ProFlight does not have as much total noise reduction as the A20.
What are the advantages of the ProFlight vs. the Bose A20 Aviation Headset (Aviation Headset X, Aviation Headset Series I and Aviation Headset Series II, pre-2015 A20 Aviation Headset)?
The Bose ProFlight Aviation Headset is our most advanced aviation headset yet.
Compared to the Bose A20 Aviation Headset, the ProFlight has:
• A new level of comfort achieved through choice of materials, redistribution of weight throughout the headset and a purposeful in-ear design
• Digital Active Noise Reduction with multiple modes of Active Noise Cancellation
• A microphone and down cable that are side swappable without tools
• Storage in a smaller carrying case
2015 A20 Aviation Headset added features:
Note: These features are not present in all versions.
• A2DP: streaming Bluetooth audio
• Auto-on (select models using aircraft power)
• High-performance microphone
• Coil cable option