FMAsolo – FMA Solo Program

My Review of the Bose A20 Aviation Headset

Over the past month, I’ve been able to use my new Bose A20 headset for my flight lessons, which was provided to me by FMA since Bose is one of FMA’s generous sponsors. In this post, I’d like to highlight the quality of the A20 headset and why I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get a headset.

Firstly, the headset comes with a compact carrying case that has a handle and pocket to store the included stereo audio cable. It is made of lightweight, abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon, making it sturdy while not weighing much. Also included are cable clothing clips to better secure the headset cables in the flight deck and an auxiliary audio cable.

Secondly, the headset provides a comfortable and adjustable fit. The padding on the top of the headset is attached using Velcro for easy cleaning and replacement. Each of the ear cushions are also removable and, in my opinion, extremely comfortable while blocking out lots of noise even when the headset is off. Compared to other conventional aviation headsets, the A20 has 30% less clamping force, which makes it much more comfortable for pilots while staying secure during flight.

Lastly, I’d like to spotlight the excellent sound quality and audio control module with Bluetooth device connectivity. The headset’s active noise reduction combined with its active audio equalization creates very crisp and clear audio. Below is the audio control module. At the top of the module, it has two separate volume knobs to adjust the volume for either ear separately. The module also controls the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the headset to connect to a personal device such as an iPad or cell phone to play music or take calls. Located at the bottom of the control module, there is a switch for secondary audio prioritization to either mute secondary audio when receiving a communication or to mix the two audio sources.

Overall, the Bose A20 aviation headset is one of the highest quality aviation headsets in the market. Speaking from personal experience, it has excellent audio quality, is made from light and strong materials, has a great fit that you don’t even notice during flight, and contains multiple unique features and accessories such as the included clothing clips and carrying case. Thanks again to Bose for sponsoring FMA and making it possible for me to get one of these wonderful headsets!

The Importance of Health When Flying

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the warmer spring weather. In February and March, my flight training was placed on hold because of my health. I had an ear infection and bad stomach/digestive issues and therefore was forced to tend to myself rather than fly. As a result, I became rusty. I forgot how to execute steep turns and stalls properly, among other maneuvers that I was well versed in just weeks ago.

Finally, after three months, I am much healthier. I can consistently weight train to my liking in the gym, and I have found great additional health benefits in going to the sauna every day and adopting a regimen of supplements. I have also had one flight since.

All this is to say, that health is paramount in aviation. Without a healthy body, nothing is possible. Fight training takes discipline in scheduling out days to a lot for flights, studying, and ground classes. Additionally, it also takes discipline in taking care of your body and treating it as if it were a high-performance car. If you fuel your body with bad fuel and neglect to care for it by exercising, your body will not perform well, and vice versa. Flight training is so much more than flying!

Here is what I did to turn around my health (I hope this can help someone who is looking for ways to improve theirs too):

-Sleep early (sleep is everything, our body recovers during sleep, and sleep changes the chemistry of our brain and body)

-supplement regimen including multivitamins, vitamin C, and more

-weight training at the gym every day

-daily sauna sessions for 15-25 minutes at or around 290 degrees Fahrenheit

Back to Flying!

Hi everyone,

I know it’s been a while, but I have some exciting news! After trying to settle into college a little bit, I’ll have a whole different post on that, I’ve been trying to fly again. Right now I am setting things up with Tennessee Flight Training.

Tennessee Flight Training is a flight school out of BNA in Nashville, and the owner happens to be Chris Erlanson, a fellow FMA member. How crazy is that?! I just love that FMA has a whole community, spread across the country. I am set to have my first flight with them this upcoming Tuesday and continue and grow on my aviation journey.

In college I’ve met some really cool people, including my friend Elisa who currently has her private pilot’s license.

I recently had lunch with my friend Elsia. It was really cool to hear her own aviation journey and where she is now — another freshman at Vanderbilt, continuing with aviation in her free time. Like me, she was racing against the clock this Summer to make big steps in her aviation journey. It just worked out that she was able to get her private pilot’s license 2 days before leaving for college. How amazing is that? I’m just super glad that we were able to come across each other on campus and find out that we were both pilots. She offered that someday when our schedules align that she will take me up flying with her and I know I will hold her to that.

I’m super excited to continue my aviation journey, and I will keep you updated on what happens.

-Jovie