Lightspeed Zulu 4 debuts

Lightspeed's Zulu 4 headset weighs the same as the Zulu 3 and has the same tough cable. The most obvious changes compared to the previous model are the color scheme (predominantly black) and a longer 7-inch mic boom that was requested by some users. Other improvements, including earcups that more comfortably accommodate glasses and hats, become more obvious when the headset is donned.

"We've always prided ourselves on the performance of the ear seals, and how they fit really well," said Lightspeed Senior Director of Marketing Eric Landry. "We thought there could be more [comfort] for people who wear glasses and caps."

AOPA Editor in Chief Kollin Stagnito plans to wear the Lightspeed 4 (listed at $1,099 on the Lightspeed website) as he flies from Maryland to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, and will report his findings in a forthcoming review. Out of the box, he tested the artificial intelligence noise reduction (AINR) and pronounced it "possibly my favorite feature," as it dramatically improved the clarity of outbound cell phone audio.

The Zulu 4 is able to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as a tablet and cellphone, and toggles the audio source with a button press on the control module, which has been sized up slightly to fit a pair of AA batteries that serve as primary or backup power. The video above documents results from Stagnito's test that are consistent with the advertised 90-percent reduction in background noise on outbound phone audio: The pilot's voice can be much more clearly understood by air traffic control when the call is made through the Zulu 4. (The AINR feature requires an app created specifically for the Zulu 4, so it does not affect radio transmissions.)

The Zulu 4 slots into Lightspeed's headset lineup between the $949 Zulu 3, which will remain on the market, and the top-of-the-line Delta Zulu ($1,299). Landry said the company expects those prices to remain stable, regardless of tariffs that may apply currently or in the foreseeable future. While the headsets are manufactured in China, Lightspeed is in the process of moving production to the Philippines, Landry said.

Lightspeed does not expect to seek technical standard order approval from the FAA that would allow the Zulu 4 (or other models) to be used in FAR Part 121 operations that require TSO approval.