Definition
A device worn over or in the ears that combines headphones (to receive radio and intercom audio) with a microphone (to transmit voice over the aircraft's communication system). Aviation headsets typically include noise attenuation to reduce cockpit and engine noise, and connect to the aircraft via standard plugs at the pilot's station.
Plain English
The earphones-and-microphone unit a pilot wears to hear radio calls clearly and to talk back through the aircraft's radio.
Context Anchor
Used in the cockpit during engine start, taxi, takeoff, cruise, approach, and any time the pilot needs to hear or make radio or intercom calls.
Derivation
From 'head' + 'set,' meaning a set of equipment worn on the head. The term came into use with early telephone and radio operators and carried directly into aviation.
Why Pilots Care
Provides clear reception and transmission while keeping both hands available for aircraft controls and reducing cockpit noise interference.
Intuition Check
A headset is not the aircraft radio itself. It is the worn device that lets the pilot listen to and speak through the radio or intercom system.
Example Sentence 1
Before engine start, the pilot plugged in the headset and confirmed two-way communication with the copilot on the intercom.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, she turned up the headset volume to hear the controller's instructions clearly over the engine noise.