Headset Adapters & Aircraft Intercoms

Headset adapters and aircraft intercoms: connect any headset to any panel

Aviation headsets and aircraft panels do not all speak the same plug language. There are four common standards a pilot runs into: the GA dual plug used by most piston aircraft, the U-174 single connector used by helicopters and many military rigs, the LEMO 6-pin connector used by panel-powered cockpits, and the XLR-5 plug found in Airbus and some corporate flight decks. A headset adapter is a short passive cable that converts one of these to another, so the headset you already own keeps working when you move between aircraft. An aircraft intercom is the box that lets two or more crew and passengers hear each other over engine noise. This collection carries the adapters in every common direction plus a portable intercom for adding cabin communication.

At a glance: popular adapters and intercoms

Click any product for current pricing.

Types of headset adapters and intercoms

Helicopter adapters (U-174)

Helicopters use a single U-174 connector instead of the two separate plugs found on a GA headset. The GA to Helicopter Headset Adapter lets you fly a rotorcraft with your existing dual-plug headset, while the Helicopter to GA Headset Adapter does the reverse for fixed-wing aircraft. For dedicated rotorcraft headsets, see our helicopter headsets.

Airbus and XLR-5 adapters

Airbus and certain corporate panels use a five-pin XLR connector that draws power from the aircraft. The GA to Airbus Headset Adapter and the Pilot USA GA to Airbus XLR-5 Adapter connect a GA headset to that panel, and the Airbus to GA Headset Adapter brings an Airbus headset back to a piston aircraft.

LEMO 6-pin panel-power adapters

LEMO 6-pin jacks supply power from the aircraft so the headset never needs batteries. The Bose 6-Pin to Dual GA Plug Adapter converts a panel-power headset to a standard battery-power panel, and the LEMO 6-Pin Headset Extension Cord adds reach in a LEMO-equipped cockpit.

Military conversion kits

Surplus and military headsets often use wiring and impedance that civilian panels do not accept. The Pilot USA H10-76 Military to Civilian Conversion Kit adapts a military-style headset for general aviation use so a quality airframe headset is not wasted.

Audio, recording, and extension adapters

A second class of adapters routes cockpit audio in and out. The GA Headset to PC USB Adapter connects your headset to a flight simulator, and the cockpit recording adapter captures clean intercom audio for training review or video. When you simply need more cable, the GA Headset Extension Cord extends reach for rear-seat passengers.

Portable intercoms

If your aircraft did not come with a built-in intercom, a portable unit adds it without a panel cut. The Pilot USA PA-400ST 4-Place Stereo Intercom connects up to four headsets, supports stereo music input with automatic mute on radio transmission, and runs from a battery so there is nothing to install permanently.

How to choose the right headset adapter or intercom

• Identify your headset plug: most GA headsets have two separate plugs (dual GA), helicopters use one U-174 connector, panel-power headsets use LEMO 6-pin, and Airbus headsets use XLR-5.
• Identify your panel jack: look at the aircraft jacks, not just the headset, then pick the adapter that goes from your plug to that jack.
• Match the direction: adapters are one-way by name, so a GA-to-helicopter cable is different from a helicopter-to-GA cable. Choose the one that matches what you are plugging into what.
• Decide if you need power: LEMO and XLR jacks supply aircraft power, while GA and U-174 do not. The adapter itself is passive, so confirm your headset's power source still matches the new jack.
• Count the seats for an intercom: choose an intercom with enough places for your crew and passengers, and look for stereo input with auto-mute if you want music or device audio.
• Add reach if needed: an extension cord lets rear-seat passengers plug in comfortably in a larger cabin.

When you are ready to compare headsets themselves, browse all aviation headsets, value-focused passive headsets, and the cables, ear seals, and mounts in headset accessories. Our guide to aviation headset plugs walks through every connector in detail.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

• Aviation only: we sell pilot gear and nothing else, so our team knows plug types, panels, and which adapter actually fits.
• Trusted for more than 25 years by student, recreational, and professional pilots.
• Free U.S. shipping over $100.
• Expert guidance: talk to people who fly before you order, so you get the right cable the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new headset when I switch aircraft types?

No. You usually do not need a new headset when you change aircraft. A passive adapter cable converts your existing headset plug to the jack the new panel uses, so one good headset can serve a piston trainer, a helicopter, and a panel-powered cockpit with the right adapter.

Which headset adapter do I need to go from a GA dual plug to a helicopter?

Use a GA to helicopter adapter, which converts the two separate GA plugs into the single U-174 connector that helicopters use. To go the other way and use a helicopter headset in a fixed-wing aircraft, you need the reverse helicopter-to-GA adapter instead.

Do aviation headset adapters supply power to the headset?

No. Headset adapters are passive cables that only reroute the audio and microphone connections between plug types. Aircraft power comes from the panel jack itself, such as a LEMO 6-pin or XLR-5 connector, not from the adapter, so confirm your headset matches the new jack's power source.

What is the difference between a portable and a panel-mounted intercom?

A portable intercom is a small battery-powered box you plug into existing headset jacks, so it adds crew communication with no installation. A panel-mounted intercom is wired into the aircraft electrical system for cleaner audio and no clutter, but it requires professional installation and an avionics shop.

How many places should my intercom support?

Match the number of places to the most headsets you will use at once. A two-place intercom covers a pilot and one passenger or student, while a four-place unit suits a full cabin. Many four-place models also offer crew-and-passenger isolation so the front seats can talk privately.

What is the difference between a mono and a stereo aircraft intercom?

A mono intercom sends the same audio to both ears, while a stereo intercom delivers separate left and right channels and supports stereo music or device input. Stereo units typically auto-mute that music when the radio transmits, so communication always takes priority over entertainment.