Plantronics StarSet Aviation Headset – Professional Pilot Communication
We designed the Plantronics StarSet for professional pilots who demand exceptional audio clarity in high-noise cockpit environments. This aviation headset combines dynamic noise-canceling technology with ultra-soft circumaural ear cushions that deliver all-day comfort during extended flights.
The flexible boom microphone positions precisely for optimal voice pickup, while the aircraft-grade materials withstand the rigors of daily commercial and charter operations. Our dual-plug connector system ensures compatibility with most general aviation and commercial aircraft communication panels.
Flight-critical specifications
Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology
The StarSet aviation headset employs a dynamic noise-canceling microphone element that actively suppresses ambient cockpit noise before transmission. Unlike passive designs, our active cancellation circuit samples background frequencies and generates inverse waveforms that eliminate engine rumble, propeller noise, and airframe vibration from your outgoing communications.
This technology ensures air traffic controllers receive your transmissions with exceptional clarity, reducing readback errors and improving safety margins during critical phases of flight. The microphone boom features a windscreen that further attenuates breath noise and turbulence-induced artifacts, maintaining professional audio quality even in unpressurized cockpits or during high-airspeed operations.
Ergonomic Design for Long Flights
We engineered the circumaural ear cushions with dual-density memory foam that conforms to individual ear shapes while maintaining an acoustic seal. The outer cushion layer uses soft protein leather that breathes better than vinyl alternatives, reducing heat buildup during multi-hour flights. Each cushion measures 3.2 inches in diameter, fully enclosing the ear without pressure points.
The adjustable headband incorporates a padded crown section that distributes the headset’s 10.2-ounce weight evenly across the top of your head. Stainless steel slider mechanisms allow precise adjustment in 0.25-inch increments, accommodating head sizes from 20 to 24 inches in circumference. Spring tension maintains consistent clamping force without causing discomfort, and the headband’s articulating joints pivot to match varied head shapes.
Cable Construction & Connectivity
Dual-Plug Aviation Standard
The Plantronics StarSet terminates in a standard dual-plug configuration compatible with general aviation aircraft: a PJ-055 phone plug for audio output and a PJ-068 microphone plug. We reinforce both connectors with molded strain-relief boots rated for 10,000+ insertion cycles, preventing the cable failures common in lower-grade aviation headsets.
The 72-inch coiled cable extends to approximately 12 feet when stretched, providing freedom of movement in the cockpit while retracting to prevent tangling with control yokes or throttle quadrants. Our cable jacket uses a TPE compound that remains flexible across temperature extremes from -40°F to 160°F, maintaining performance in both arctic and desert operating environments.
Aviation Communication Solutions from Plantronics
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Common questions about the StarSet Aviation Headset
Yes, the StarSet uses the industry-standard dual-plug configuration (PJ-055 and PJ-068) that fits the same panel jacks as Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark, and other major aviation headset brands. The plugs are identical to the general aviation standard found in Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and Cirrus aircraft audio panels.
You can swap between the StarSet and other headsets on the same aircraft without requiring adapters or modifications. For aircraft with different connector types such as military U-174 plugs or helicopter single-plug systems, we offer optional adapter cables sold separately.
The StarSet employs dynamic noise cancellation through an electronic circuit that actively samples and suppresses background noise before radio transmission. The microphone element contains two separate pickup patterns: one captures your voice directly while a second pattern samples ambient cockpit noise.
The headset’s internal circuit subtracts the ambient noise signal from your voice signal, transmitting only your speech to the radio. This differs from passive noise reduction which relies solely on physical barriers like foam windscreens. The active cancellation is particularly effective against constant-frequency sounds like engine hum and propeller noise, while the foam windscreen handles wind blast and breath noise.
Yes, both components are user-replaceable without tools or technical expertise. The ear cushions pull straight off the speaker housings with gentle firm pressure, and replacement cushions snap back into place by aligning the mounting groove with the speaker rim.
We design the cable with a detachable connection at the headset body, secured by a small threaded collar. Unscrew the collar counterclockwise, pull the old cable free, insert the replacement cable until it seats fully, then tighten the collar finger-tight. Replacement cushions and cables are available through our parts department and most aviation supply retailers.
We back the Plantronics StarSet with a two-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal aviation use. This warranty covers failures of the speaker elements, microphone boom, headband components, and electrical wiring that occur during regular flight operations.
The warranty does not cover wear items like ear cushions and windscreens, or damage from accidents, modifications, or misuse. If you experience a covered failure, contact our service department for a return authorization number. We typically repair or replace defective headsets within 10 business days of receiving the returned unit.
Yes, the StarSet functions with portable handheld aviation radios and battery-powered intercoms that accept standard dual GA plugs. The headset’s 150-ohm impedance matches typical portable radio specifications, ensuring adequate volume without excessive battery drain.
Some older handheld radios may require a simple impedance-matching adapter if the radio was designed for lower-impedance headsets. Check your portable radio’s specifications for recommended headset impedance; most modern units like the Icom A25 and Yaesu FTA-750 work directly with the StarSet without modifications.
Position the microphone element approximately one finger-width away from the corner of your mouth, angled slightly toward your lips rather than directly in front. The boom arm bends easily by hand; shape it so the microphone maintains this position even when you turn your head during cockpit scans.
The optimal angle places the microphone element perpendicular to your voice path, not parallel to your lips. Avoid positioning the microphone directly in front of your mouth where breath blasts create popping sounds. Test your setup by making a radio call and asking ATC or another aircraft how your audio sounds, then adjust the boom position as needed for clearest transmission.
The StarSet performs well in helicopters and turbine aircraft, though you should verify connector compatibility first since some helicopters use single-plug U-174 military connectors rather than dual GA plugs. We offer adapter cables for U-174 systems if your helicopter requires them.
The headset’s noise cancellation effectively suppresses the higher-frequency rotor and turbine sounds characteristic of these aircraft types. However, in extremely loud environments like piston-powered helicopters or open-door operations, you may achieve better noise reduction with an ANR (active noise reduction) headset model that includes electronic ear cup attenuation in addition to microphone cancellation.