We’ve made several improvements based on customer feedback. The most significant improvement is a thinner, lighter cable with much greater flexibility that provides improved comfort and stability, and reduces on-head weight by 0.4 ounces (11 grams). Tap control for talk-through communication has been improved. The microphone boom now includes winglets to assist in correct mic alignment and adjustment. Finally, the carry case has been improved to aid in faster stowage and transportation with the addition of a hanging loop and carabiner, and a more open internal design.

They are completely different headsets and have different fundamental architectures, although they share features such as 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-pressurized single engine models. The ProFlight Series 2 features a headbanded, in-ear design and is meant for crewed aircraft, typically pressurized and less noisy, like most jets.

Customers can configure their ProFlight Series 2 Aviation Headsets in many ways. Customers have their choice of connector configurations with each module. Each connector configuration is available with Bluetooth, and non-Bluetooth variants in dual-plug and 5 pin configurations. Designed for use in both civilian and military aircraft, the ProFlight Series 2 offers most common plug configurations:

Dual G/A plug (PJ 068 and 1/4-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. Two AA alkaline batteries provide a minimum of 45 hours of operation while flying. This configuration is the most common version purchased by pilots.

XLR 5 pin: Often called the Airbus plug, this configuration is a mono connection to the aircraft and, depending on the installation, may be powered by the aircraft. 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.

6 pin connector wired to the aircraft (LEMO): With this option, the headset is connected to the aircraft via a 6 pin connector and is powered directly from the aircraft. When disconnected, the flexible power feature switches 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 6 pin connector to either a dual G/A plug or a U174 for additional connection flexibility.

Yes. The side pads rest slightly behind and above the ear, which allows you to put on and remove eyeglasses without touching the headset. You can wear almost any frames you want without sacrificing noise reduction or comfort.

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.

Using two AA alkaline batteries, the ProFlight Series 2 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.

Rechargeable batteries are discouraged 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.

Lithium-ion batteries should not be used due to their typically higher voltage.

Headsets that can use aircraft power (6 pin and 5 pin XLR) will automatically turn on when the aircraft power is present. A switch inside the control module battery compartment can configure this feature based on user preference.

The automatic shutoff feature in your ProFlight Series 2 detects when the headset is not in use and shuts it off after several minutes to preserve battery power. The exact time it takes to shut off varies and can range between 6 and 45 minutes of inactivity.

A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When a company is authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliance to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization. When a company receives a TSO authorization, 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 authorization is not an approval to install and use the authorized article in the aircraft.

Yes. The ProFlight Series 2 did not replace the A20 Aviation Headset. It is designed to meet the unique needs of pilots and crew who fly pressurized and crewed aircraft, which are typically less noisy.

The ProFlight Series 2 does not have as much total noise reduction as the A20 Aviation Headset.

The ProFlight Series 2 is our most advanced aviation headset yet. Compared to the Bose A20 Aviation Headset, the ProFlight Series 2 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 cable that are side-swappable without tools. Storage in a smaller carrying case.

ProFlight Series 2 compared to Bose Aviation Headset Series I and II:

• Weighs significantly less – 4.5 ounces (128 grams) on head and 9.7 ounces (275 grams) total vs. 18 ounces (510 grams) and is designed for greater comfort, with low clamping force (275 grams of clamping force on average heads).
• At least 45 hours of battery life from two AA batteries (Series I had a large NICAD system or large plug installation for power; Series II had a six AA battery pack or small dime-size installation).
  
• Storage in a more compact space/bag.
  
• Less total noise cancellation as compared to the Bose A20.
  

2015 A20 Aviation Headset added features (note that these features are not present in all versions):

• A2DP: streaming Bluetooth audio.
• Auto-on (select models using aircraft power).
  
• High-performance microphone.
  
• Coil cord option.