I once saw a converted military telephone handset, the type with the push-to-talk switch in between the earpiece and mouthpiece, but otherwise very convention to the handset in the standard wired kitchen telephones, which was converted to aviation headset plugs.
This may sound strange, but it is ideal for passengers in the back who choose not to wear headsets (Teenagers, what can you do with them?). This way, they can pick up the phone and talk, listen and respond to questions when asked.
Marty: I thought some more about your suggestion. One problem that is going to come up with the telephone handset idea is that the noise level inside the aircraft is probably too high to allow communication with the handset. I have had success in getting an IFR release at an uncontrolled field with a cell phone on the ground but that was with (1) engine at 1000 RPMs and (2) the other ear covered by a Bose headset. In fact, it worked so well that I have no interest in the connection devices that permit a cell phone to be patched into the aircraft audio system. I haven’t tried it inflight, but I do have a headset adaptor for the handheld com radio.
The expensive solution is to put a noise reduction headset on them: you will probably have difficulty in getting it back! Otherwise, just use a regular headset. If they don’t want to wear it all the time so be it.
There was a thread a while ago that two different 3 year olds were wearing Bose Aviation X headsets. If the kids are flying a lot, avoiding the noise exposure is a good tlhing.
Stephen, The point is the headsets. The kids, just don’t want to wear them. I would much rather that they do to protect their hearing and for internal communication. It seems to me that if they are on their own ‘channel’ listening to their own music, they should be happy, but what do I know - they are teens?
The problem is that usually, I have only one teen on board or if I have two, they want to listen to different music. If they are both onboard and they want to chat or listen to the same music or both, then headsets are OK, otherwise, “no thanks!” Well, maybe just, “No.”
I agree that cabin noise could be a problem, but when I saw the device, it was less than $75 I though it was a neat idea. Since it is an old style handset, it fits fairly snuggle to an ear. Noise would get in through the mike - no noise cancellation there - but I think it would be manageable.
I suppose the first problem would be to fine an old military style handset, the type with the push-to-talk button, then the second part would be to modify the wiring to airplane style. Last, and perhaps the most crucial would be to match the impedance. I don’t know where to find the first; I’m OK with the second; but the third is well above my level of incompetence.