Q: What model of Bose headset should I use for MD500E type of Helicopter?

A: I would recommend option 3. It will have the single U174U plug that can be used in the MD 500E.

Q: Is this headset compatible with boeing 777 and 737 Style cockpits?

A: Yes, you would want to get option 1: Fixed Wing Portable that will have the standard dual plugs that can be used on virtually all civilian Boeing aircraft.

Q: Can I plug in my IPhone and listen to music? Does the music cut out when a radio transmission is received? Can I make a phone call, talk and listen when plugged in?

A: Yes, you would just use the included 3.5mm patch cable to connect to the headset jack of your iPhone.  Once connected, you will be able to make/receive phone calls and listen to music on the Bose A20.  When you receive an ATC transmission, the AUX (phone or music) will cut out and then fade back in after a second or two of radio silence.  There is a DIP switch on the Bose A20 that allows you to override that so that the AUX never cuts out but that's not usually recommended.

Q: Will the Bose A20 Military Model 324843-0130 work with the C-130 Hercules?

A: Yes, the Military Model (option 4) with the 5-ohm Dynamic Mic will work on the C-130 Hercules.

Q: Is this headset compatible with Airbus A320 style cockpits?

A: To use the Bose A20 in the Airbus A320, you would need to get the fixed wing portable version.  That will have the standard dual plugs that you need to them convert to the XLR-5 that is used in the Airbus with the Fixed Wing Headset to Airbus Adapter. 

Q: Is there any adapter for this model to be used in both fixed wing and helicopters. Can I directly use it with my IPod, Mac or mp3?

A: Sure, you can use either the Fixed Wing to Helicopter or the Helicopter to Fixed Wing adapter depending on which model you get to convert it back and forth.  Or, you can even get an entire new cable assembly if you don't want to use an adapter. 

Yes, you will be able to listen to music with this Bose A20 model, it would just be connected through the headset jack on your cell phone/MP3 player instead of wireless.

Q: What's the difference between the battery powered and the panel powered? And are both dual plugged?

A: The battery powered headset has the standard dual male plugs that can be used in almost all fixed wing aircraft.  It is powered exclusively by the AA batteries in the battery box. The panel powered version requires you to have a special 6-pin Redel connector (also known as a LEMO) installed in your aircraft.  It does not use the standard dual male plugs that you are probably used to seeing.  This version gets the ANR power directly from the aircraft electrical system and gets the power for the bluetooth from the battery box.  If in doubt, the battery powered version is usually the best choice.

Q: What is the actual db reduction?

A: The Bose A20 Aviation Headset provides significant improvements in both active and passive noise reduction technologies, which provide more attenuation in louder environments and across a wider range of frequencies.  However, Bose does not make claims about the level of noise reduction because a single number cannot tell you much about what you will hear when you use the headset.  We encourage you to give the Bose A20 a try in a variety of aircraft to experience the noise reduction for yourself.  If you're not 100% happy, you can return it for a full refund.

Q: Does this headset come with its own Bose headset case?

A: Yes, a Bose carrying case is included with the Bose A20.

Q: Does this headset have 2 prong to fit two way radio? (one prong thicker and longer than the other.)

A: Yes, the Fixed Wing Portable model does have the standard dual aviation jacks that you describe.