David Clark H10-13S Headset Parts Guide & Illustrated Catalog
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Time to read 11 min
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Time to read 11 min
The David Clark H10-13S headset parts guide covers everything you need to maintain and service this stereo-capable GA headset — from OEM replacement components to comfort upgrades that extend wearability on long flights. Built on the proven H10-13 platform, the H10-13S adds one standout feature to an already trusted design: a stereo/mono switch that lets you receive two discrete audio channels when your avionics panel supports it. That single addition makes it a natural fit for pilots flying behind modern glass or stereo-capable intercoms.
Like every headset in David Clark's lineup, the H10-13S is engineered to last — but sustained performance depends on consistent maintenance. Ear seals lose their compliance, microphone elements wear, headband springs fatigue after years of clamping pressure, and cord assemblies absorb punishment across hundreds of flight hours. Knowing which parts to watch, when to swap them, and where to source genuine replacements is what keeps a good headset performing like a new one.
This guide covers the full picture: specs, features, a direct comparison against the H10-13.4, a numbered illustrated parts catalog with OEM part numbers linked to Pilots HQ, comfort upgrade options, and a maintenance checklist. If you're servicing an H10-13S or sourcing parts, everything you need is here.
The David Clark H10-13S is the stereo-switchable version of the H10-13 family, with a built-in stereo/mono toggle not found on the standard H10-13.4
Passive noise reduction is rated at 23 dB NRR — delivered entirely through the circumaural cup design with no batteries required
Dual GA plugs (PJ-055 / PJ-068) are standard, making the H10-13S compatible with virtually every GA cockpit right out of the bag
The H10-13 family shares a large catalog of common service parts — ear seals, domes, headpad, and boom hardware are widely stocked
Two drop-in comfort upgrades — gel ear seals and a double-foam headpad — meaningfully improve wearability with zero modification to the headset
Every part number in this guide is a genuine David Clark OEM replacement available at Pilots HQ with fast shipping
Table of contents
The David Clark H10-13S achieves its 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating through purely passive means — no active circuitry, no battery dependency, nothing electronic to fail or maintain mid-flight. That rating comes directly from the circumaural cup design, which completely surrounds the ear and creates a sealed acoustic chamber. The stamped aluminum dome shells provide a rigid structure that maintains cup geometry under real-world clamping forces, while the foam ear seals press against the sides of the head to close off the path of external sound. In practical cockpit terms, 23 dB NRR is well-matched to most GA piston environments — enough to reduce engine and propwash noise to a manageable level during cruise without the weight or complexity of active noise cancellation.
The variable that most affects real-world noise attenuation is ear seal condition. Compressed, hardened, or cracked seals break the acoustic seal around the ear and can meaningfully reduce actual noise blocking — often well below the rated figure. The foam loses its compliance before it shows visible surface damage, which means pilots frequently fly with degraded protection without realizing it. If your David Clark H10-13S feels louder than it once did, or if the seal around your ears has become inconsistent, fresh ear seals are the first and most cost-effective repair. David Clark lists the Undercut Gel Earseal (pair, part number 40863G-02) as item #9 in the official IPC for this model.
At a glance, the David Clark H10-13S and H10-13.4 are nearly identical — and for maintenance purposes, they largely are. Both headsets share the same H10-13 circumaural platform, the same 23 dB NRR passive protection, the same M-7A electret noise-cancelling microphone, and the same dual GA plug cord. The frame geometry, ear domes, headband spring, headpad, and boom hardware are interchangeable between the two models. If you're sourcing service parts, the distinction between H10-13S and H10-13.4 almost never matters — the parts catalogs overlap almost entirely.
The single point of divergence is audio capability. The H10-13.4 is a mono headset — both ears receive the same audio channel regardless of what the panel sends. The H10-13S adds a stereo/mono toggle that routes separate left and right audio channels to each ear when connected to a stereo-capable intercom or avionics panel. For pilots flying IFR behind modern glass with stereo audio outputs, or in multi-crew environments where audio channel separation is useful, the H10-13S is the right choice. If your cockpit doesn't support stereo output, the toggle stays in mono and both headsets perform identically.
👉 If your panel or intercom supports stereo output, the H10-13S is worth the difference. If not, the H10-13.4 delivers identical acoustic performance for less.
Looking to make your David Clark H10-13S even more comfortable on long flights? These two upgrades are customer favorites — both drop in without tools and require no modifications to the headset:
This ultra-soft head pad is significantly wider and tapered, offering approximately 60% more surface contact with your head. Its unique center hinge allows the pad to “breathe,” reducing pressure hotspots and evenly distributing headset weight — dramatically enhancing comfort on extended flights.
👉 Ideal for pilots who wear their headset for long periods and want to reduce top-of-head pressure.
This is actually the ear seal David Clark lists as the stock item for the H10-13S in the official IPC — and for good reason. The gel-filled undercut design conforms to the contours of your head, including the temple clearance zone that makes a real difference for glasses wearers. Noise attenuation holds to the same 23 dB NRR, but the contact feel is substantially softer than standard foam seals.
👉 The preferred seal for the H10-13S — especially recommended if you wear corrective lenses in the cockpit.
With consistent care and genuine David Clark OEM parts, an H10-13S will deliver reliable service for a decade or more — most "worn out" headsets just need fresh ear seals and a new headpad.
The H10-13S ships with standard dual GA plugs — PJ-055 for the microphone and PJ-068 for audio — the right configuration for virtually every fixed-wing GA aircraft. If you fly multiple aircraft types or need to adapt to a different panel configuration, the three adapters below keep you connected without swapping headsets.
👉 Keep the GA-to-helicopter adapter in your flight bag if you ever jump into a Robinson or Bell — it weighs nothing, connects in seconds, and means you're never caught without proper audio protection.
Small accessories make a big difference in headset longevity and comfort.
At Pilots HQ, we believe our job isn't finished when you buy a headset. We go further by offering:
👉 With Pilots HQ, you're not just buying products — you're investing in long-term comfort, clear communication, and confidence every time you fly.
Both headsets share the same H10-13 platform, 23 dB NRR, M-7A microphone, and dual GA plugs. The David Clark H10-13S adds a stereo/mono toggle switch (item #15 in the IPC, volume control assembly) that routes separate left and right audio channels to each ear when connected to a stereo-capable panel or intercom. The H10-13.4 is mono-only. For parts and maintenance, the two models are nearly interchangeable.
The official David Clark IPC (19515P-88) lists the Undercut Gel Earseal (pair), part number 40863G-02, as item #9 for the David Clark H10-13S. These gel-filled undercut seals are the OEM-specified replacement and are available at Pilots HQ.
David Clark recommends replacing ear seals every 6–12 months, depending on flight frequency and conditions. Foam and gel seals lose their acoustic compliance before showing visible damage, so don't wait for cracking — if your headset feels louder or less comfortable than it once did, replace the seals first.
Yes. The David Clark H10-13S is certified under TSO-C139 and TSO-C57a, meeting FAA Technical Standard Order requirements for aviation communication equipment. This makes it suitable for use in flight training operations and commercial environments that mandate TSO-certified headsets.
The stereo/mono switch is the first thing to check. Toggle it several times to clean the contacts — oxidation on the switch is the most common cause of one-sided audio on the David Clark H10-13S. If toggling doesn't resolve it, check the earphone assembly (item #5, part number 10376G-87) and the comm cord (item #23, part number 18028G-81) before replacing the switch assembly.
Yes, with an adapter. The David Clark H10-13S ships with standard dual GA plugs (PJ-055 / PJ-068) for fixed-wing use. To connect in a helicopter with a U-174/U panel connector, add the GA to Helicopter Adapter, part number 18253G-06, available at Pilots HQ. It connects in seconds and adds no meaningful weight to your flight bag.