Bose A30 ANR Aviation Headset Dual Plug, Battery Powered with Bluetooth 857641-3120

What is the difference between the Bose A30 and the A20?

The A30 is the successor to the A20 and keeps Bose active noise reduction and Bluetooth. Compared to the A20 it adds three selectable ANR modes for situational awareness, reduces clamping force by about 20 percent for more comfort, adds a tap-to-talk control, uses a side-swappable microphone boom, and weighs just 14.2 ounces.

Is the Bose A30 FAA certified, comfortable, and what warranty does it include?

Yes. The A30 is FAA TSO certified and carries EASA E/TSO-C139a approval. At 14.2 ounces with a magnesium-alloy headband and about 20 percent less clamping force than the A20, it stays comfortable for hours. This headset includes a 5-year warranty, and the side-swappable microphone boom moves between the left and right seat without tools.

What plug does this Bose A30 use, and what aircraft does it fit?

This is the dual-plug, battery-powered configuration, model 857641-3120. It uses the standard twin general aviation plugs found on most fixed-wing piston and turbine aircraft, from trainers to cabin-class airplanes. Separate helicopter, panel-powered, and other connector versions are sold by Bose as their own models for aircraft that need them.

How long does the Bose A30 battery last, and what batteries does it use?

This battery-powered model runs on two AA batteries and delivers up to 45 hours of operation. Using Bluetooth audio continuously draws more power, so expect fewer hours when streaming. An auto shut-off feature helps conserve power, and keeping a spare set of AA batteries in your flight bag means you are never caught without active noise reduction.

What are the three ANR modes on the Bose A30?

The A30 offers three user-selectable active noise reduction settings so you can match cancellation to your environment. Higher settings maximize quiet in loud piston cockpits, while lower settings preserve more situational awareness that many pilots prefer in quieter cabins or during training. You can switch modes anytime in flight without removing the headset.

What does the Bluetooth on this Bose A30 do?

The integrated Bluetooth lets you wirelessly pair a phone or tablet to stream music, take phone calls, and hear app alerts such as weather or traffic. Audio prioritization keeps these sources from masking radio traffic, so ATC and intercom communications always come through clearly. This dual-plug model, 857641-3120, is the Bluetooth-equipped version.

How does the tap-to-talk control work on the A30?

The A30 includes a tap-to-talk feature that lets you quickly hear someone next to you or a brief outside conversation without removing the headset. A simple tap temporarily reduces audio so you can have a short exchange, then returns to normal. It is handy for instructors, crew coordination, and ramp conversations during flight.

What kind of microphone does the Bose A30 use?

The A30 uses a noise-canceling microphone tuned to reject cockpit background noise so your transmissions stay clear, paired with active equalization for natural-sounding audio. It works with standard general aviation intercoms and audio panels. The microphone boom is side-swappable, letting you move it to the left or right side for either seat without tools.

Can I connect other audio devices to the Bose A30?

Yes. Beyond Bluetooth, the A30 includes an auxiliary audio input so you can connect a wired device when you prefer a cable connection. Its audio prioritization manages music, calls, and alerts alongside radio communications so they never mask ATC or intercom traffic, keeping important transmissions clear throughout the flight.

Can the A30 be converted to other aircraft connectors?

This dual-plug battery model ships with the twin general aviation plugs and is configured for that connection. If your aircraft needs a different connector, Bose offers separate configurations such as helicopter, panel-powered, and XLR versions, each sold as its own separate model.

Is the Bose A30 suitable for open-cockpit aircraft?

The A30 is designed for enclosed general aviation, turbine, and similar cockpits where its active noise reduction performs best. It is not intended for open-cockpit aircraft, where direct wind can overwhelm the microphone and noise reduction. For enclosed piston and turbine airplanes it delivers the quiet, clear performance pilots expect.