Will Budget Headsets Work for You? We Try Out Rugged Air’s RA200

For less than $100, this passive headset seems fit for the long haul.

Rugged's RA200 headset uses passive sound deadening
A good headset boosts cockpit comfort. [Credit: Rugged Air]

When I look back at my days, months, and years as a student pilot, I think about the many hurdles I had to clear on my way to becoming a certificated private pilot. They included the weekly challenges of carving out time and money for training and managing one-time expenses for training aids, study guides, and gear such as headsets.

Expensive Earwear

Ah, the headset. It is one of the items that can surprise students with its cost and leave them scrambling for more economical cockpit communications equipment, and wondering if they can truly afford this exclusive endeavor.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who has been a reporter, writer and columnist for 35 years. His career includes stints with the Wall Street Journal, Flying Magazine and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He recently returned to Firecrown to lead Aviation Consumer.