Definition
A separate microphone that the pilot holds in one hand and keys with a push-to-talk (PTT) button to transmit voice over the aircraft radio.
Plain English
A microphone you pick up, hold, and press a button on to talk on the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in cockpit communication equipment, especially when describing basic radio setups or backup ways to talk on the radio.
Why Pilots Care
Holding a microphone ties up one hand, which matters during workload-heavy phases like approach, departure, or single-pilot IFR. Many pilots prefer a headset with a boom mic so both hands stay free for flying. Knowing how the hand-held mic works also matters as a backup if the headset or its PTT fails.
Example Sentence 1
After his headset cord came loose, he switched to the hand-held microphone to call the tower.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument approach briefing, the instructor used the hand-held microphone to simulate a radio call.