FA asks for headphones to be taken off for landing

[boomy]

They check headphones are removed before every landing on qflink flights.

I wonder why they do it only on QFlink.
I never say this on CityFlyer routes.

 

[bunkeight]

I wonder why they do it only on QFlink.
I never say this on CityFlyer routes.

On mainline flights, noise cancelling headphones can be worn, but must be connected to aircraft's IFE system (via a two-pin adaptor). There is no restriction to non-noise cancelling headphones except that PEDs must be switched off for take off and landing and personal headphones cannot be directly plugged in to the armrest without the use of a two-pin adaptor.

 

[boomy]

On mainline flights, noise cancelling headphones can be worn, but must be connected to aircraft's IFE system (via a two-pin adaptor). There is no restriction to non-noise cancelling headphones except that PEDs must be switched off for take off and landing and personal headphones cannot be directly plugged in to the armrest without the use of a two-pin adaptor.

That may be true, but I never heard any FA announcements regarding the use of headphones.

 

[flying_double]

Anyone know what the point of gate to gate IEF is then if you shouldn't use headphones on the ascent or descent?

Also, BOSE QCs are "noise cancelling", but they don't eliminate outside noise completely. You can still hear high pitched noises (eg baby crying) but they are definitely muffled / reduced. I imagine a few screams of "evacuate, evacuate, evacuate" would be similar.

 

[bunkeight]

That may be true, but I never heard any FA announcements regarding the use of headphones.

Imagine if every rule and regulation was announced... The requirement to use a two-pin adaptor with single pin headphones in buried in the Australian Way magazine.

 

[bunkeight]

Anyone know what the point of gate to gate IEF is then if you shouldn't use headphones on the ascent or descent?

On aircraft with Gate to Gate IFE (mainline flights) headsets can be worn for takeoff and landing while connected to the IFE system.

 

[boomy]

Imagine if every rule and regulation was announced... The requirement to use a two-pin adaptor with single pin headphones in buried in the Australian Way magazine.

I was referring to the rule that NC headphones must be connected to the IFE. Using two-pin adaptor is not a requirement, it's common sense, a single pin will simply not work.

 

[bunkeight]

I was referring to the rule that NC headphones must be connected to the IFE. Using two-pin adaptor is not a requirement, it's common sense, a single pin will simply not work.

Most people find that they do work. Definitely for Apple headphones and Monster/Beats brand. The two-pin adaptor thing is due to power supply issues between the aircraft system and powering the headphones with inline mic and volume control.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

On aircraft with Gate to Gate IFE (mainline flights) headsets can be worn for takeoff and landing while connected to the IFE system.

just because passengers can, and the airlines are chasing a buck through a competitive advantage, doesn't mean it it best practice.

it is pure common sense that you don't want to be distracted at the critical stages of flight.

you will want to be able to hear instant commands, not be distracted by Modern family, The walking dead, or whatever other program takes your fancy.

an airline may change it's operating procedures after the next major accident where headphones hinder safety, but do you want to wait that long?

'connected to the IFE' is more likely to be an added danger than not.

 

[bunkeight]

'connected to the IFE' is more likely to be an added danger than not.

I completely agree with you.

 

[flying_double]

On aircraft with Gate to Gate IFE (mainline flights) headsets can be worn for takeoff and landing while connected to the IFE system.

Yes I know. Hence my post. Gate to gate IEF and headphones go hand in hand, or should that be ear in ear?

 

[boomy]

Most people find that they do work. Definitely for Apple headphones and Monster/Beats brand. The two-pin adaptor thing is due to power supply issues between the aircraft system and powering the headphones with inline mic and volume control.

Fair enough, there are a lot of different headphones out there... My old Sony and new Bose must use two-pin adaptor.

 

[ash.1111]

On VA you may use your noise-cancelling headshots at all times except in the exit rows. You obviously cannot have anything besides IFE plugged into them, though, during take-off/landing.

 

[JessicaTam]

Most people find that they do work. Definitely for Apple headphones and Monster/Beats brand. The two-pin adaptor thing is due to power supply issues between the aircraft system and powering the headphones with inline mic and volume control.

Each of the two pins for one ear as they are mono and do not supply power. The two pin adapter combines both channels into the one stereo socket to plug your own headphones into. Power is supplied from the third socket (that makes up a triange) for those airline supplied headphones that require power, such as NC headphones.

 

[bunkeight]

Each of the two pins for one ear as they are mono and do not supply power. The two pin adapter combines both channels into the one stereo socket to plug your own headphones into. Power is supplied from the third socket (that makes up a triange) for those airline supplied headphones that require power, such as NC headphones.

What I meant was the single-pin headphones with an inline mic and volume control draw more 'power' than the aircraft system, which supply it over two sockets, can provide through one socket. That is what the FAs are told when I asked about it. There's some sort of 'power' supply issue (according to the FAs when they asked) and the inflight magazine says don't do it.

 

[JessicaTam]

What I meant was the single-pin headphones with an inline mic and volume control draw more 'power' than the aircraft system, which supply it over two sockets, can provide through one socket. That is what the FAs are told when I asked about it. There's some sort of 'power' supply issue (according to the FAs when they asked) and the inflight magazine says don't do it.

What a curious explanation (the FA's, not yours). Might need to ask an electronics engineer, as my (hobbiest) electronics knowledge would tend to disagree with them.

Might be an impedance thing.

 

[bunkeight]

What a curious explanation (the FA's, not yours). Might need to ask an electronics engineer, as my (hobbiest) electronics knowledge would tend to disagree with them.

Might be an impedance thing.

Not sure. I can only reference the inflight magazine. The FAs seem to have been given rules to enforce with no background info. Apparently, the mainline FAs were even reminded about the single pin thing only this week.

 

[ftm]

I imagine a few hundred people jumping up around you and rushing for the exits would get your attention if you'd been wearing a NC headset.

Or the fact the aircraft just crashed off the end of the runway.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I imagine a few hundred people jumping up around you and rushing for the exits would get your attention if you'd been wearing a NC headset.

Or the fact the aircraft just crashed off the end of the runway.

unfortunately too late by then.

 

[mannej]

I imagine a few hundred people jumping up around you and rushing for the exits would get your attention if you'd been wearing a NC headset.

Or the fact the aircraft just crashed off the end of the runway.

Have a look at the Asiana accident - out of the blue so potentially too late by the time you notice.
It's pure selfishness the attitude of those who think they know best.