David Clark H10-60 Headset Parts Guide & Illustrated Catalog
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Time to read 12 min
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Time to read 12 min
The David Clark H10-60 is the top-of-the-line passive aviation headset in the David Clark lineup. Designed for pilots who fly regularly across multiple aircraft types, it combines a certified 23 dB NRR with a versatile dome jack system that accepts three different cord assemblies — giving you the freedom to move between fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations without buying a second headset. At 22 oz. (without cord), it delivers premium passive protection with dual independent volume controls, undercut gel ear seals, and a supersoft air-flow head pad for all-day comfort.
Like every headset, the H10-60 will show wear over time. The undercut gel ear seals compress and lose their seal. The headpad flattens. Boom assemblies flex one too many times and the wire fatigues. Dome filters pick up moisture and oils. When those things happen, genuine OEM replacement parts are what keep your headset performing the way David Clark intended — and what protect your 5-year warranty investment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the David Clark H10-60: full technical specs, noise attenuation data, a complete illustrated parts catalog with all 21 line items cross-referenced to in-stock parts at Pilots HQ, comfort upgrade options, adapter compatibility, and maintenance tips to keep your H10-60 in service for years to come.
The David Clark H10-60 is a premium passive aviation headset with a certified 23 dB NRR, built for pilots who fly frequently and log long hours.
Its unique dome jack accepts three interchangeable cord assemblies, making it one of the only passive headsets usable in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations.
Dual per-ear volume controls let you fine-tune audio levels to each earpiece independently — a feature not found on most single-knob passive headsets.
The M-7A electret noise-cancelling microphone and patented flex/wire boom deliver clear transmissions with precise, set-it-and-forget-it placement.
All 21 illustrated parts are genuine OEM components — from ear domes and filters to the hybrid boom, comm cord, and headpad assembly.
FAA TSO Approved (C57 Cat. B and C58a), Made in the USA, and backed by David Clark's 5-year warranty.
Table of contents
The David Clark H10-60 carries a certified 23 dB NRR, placing it at the upper end of passive fixed-wing headsets. Real-world attenuation data shows strong protection across all key cockpit frequency bands: 18.2 dB at 125 Hz, 22.1 dB at 250 Hz, 28.6 dB at 500 Hz, 32.2 dB at 1000 Hz, 31.1 dB at 2000 Hz, and performance climbing into the mid-to-upper 30s from 3000 Hz through 8000 Hz. That high-frequency protection is particularly meaningful in pistons and turboprops, where engine harmonics concentrate in the ranges most fatiguing to hearing over long flights.
The H10-60 achieves this through a full circumaural (around-the-ear) design with adjustable headband pressure and undercut Comfort-Gel ear seals that contour to the face regardless of head shape. Unlike on-ear designs, the around-the-ear coupling creates a consistent acoustic seal that doesn't degrade with glasses or minor head movement. The domed ear cups also house dual acoustic filter layers — items 5, 8, and 9 in the illustrated parts list — which work together with the ear seals to tune the acoustic environment inside the cup. Replacing these filters on schedule is one of the simplest steps pilots can take to maintain full NRR performance as the headset ages.
Both the H10-60 and the H10-13.4 are passive, around-the-ear, FAA TSO-certified headsets with the M-7A electret microphone, Comfort-Gel ear seals, and David Clark's 5-year warranty. Both ship with a 5-foot straight cord and dual GA plugs. At the spec level, they're close — the H10-13.4 carries a 23 dB NRR compared to the H10-60's 23 dB NRR, and both are Made in the USA.
Where they diverge is in construction, versatility, and control refinement. The H10-60 uses a plated steel headband that meets military specifications — heavier at 22 oz. versus the H10-13.4's 16.5 oz., but significantly more rugged. The H10-60's dome jack system allows cord swapping for helicopter or fixed-wing use, while the H10-13.4 uses a fixed single-cord configuration. The H10-60 also features dual independent detented volume controls (one per ear) versus the H10-13.4's single low-profile knob.
👉 Choose the H10-60 if you fly both fixed-wing and rotorcraft, or want the most durable passive headset in the David Clark lineup. Choose the H10-13.4 if you fly fixed-wing exclusively and want the lightest, most comfortable passive option.
Looking to make your David Clark H10-60 even more comfortable? These two upgrades are customer favorites:
The H10-60 already ships with a supersoft air-flow head pad, but pilots flying 3+ hour legs often notice crown pressure during longer sessions. The Double-Foam Head Pad Kit adds an extra layer of cushioning that redistributes pressure across a wider surface area — particularly noticeable when combined with the H10-60's heavier steel headband construction.
👉 A worthwhile upgrade for any pilot logging extended cross-country or IFR flight time.
Good news: the H10-60 already ships with the Comfort-Gel Undercut Ear Seals (40863G-02) as its stock ear seal — the same seals listed as Item 10 in the illustrated parts catalog. When your originals wear out and lose their gel-filled contour, replacing them with fresh 40863G-02 seals restores the full acoustic seal and the comfort that made the H10-60 a premium headset in the first place.
👉 Replace every 6–12 months depending on flight hours and climate — degraded ear seals are the single biggest cause of NRR loss in a passive headset.
With genuine OEM parts from Pilots HQ and a consistent maintenance schedule, the David Clark H10-60's military-spec steel construction means it can realistically serve through decades of regular flying.
The H10-60 ships with a 5-foot straight cord and standard dual GA plugs (PJ-055 / PJ-068), ready for most fixed-wing general aviation aircraft. But the headset's dome jack system is designed specifically for cord swapping — making adapters an important part of getting the most out of this headset's versatility. Whether you're jumping into a helicopter, plugging into a Bose-style single-plug audio panel, or connecting to a military-spec airframe, the right adapter keeps you flying without buying a second headset.
👉 The H10-60's dome jack already gives you three built-in cord options — the right adapter extends that versatility even further across virtually any aircraft type.
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.
Plan to replace the Undercut Comfort-Gel Ear Seals (40863G-02) every 6–12 months if you fly regularly, or when you notice reduced comfort, a softer-than-normal gel feel, or any loss of acoustic seal. In hot or humid climates, they may need replacing sooner.
Yes — the H10-60's dome jack system accepts three different cord assemblies. The standard model (40128G-01) ships with dual GA plugs for fixed-wing aircraft. For helicopter use, you can swap in the coiled U-174/U cord assembly (40133G-06) or use the GA to Helicopter Adapter (18253G-06) with your existing cord.
The dome jack is a built-in quick-disconnect system on the H10-60's ear cup that allows the comm cord assembly to be detached and swapped. This lets pilots use one headset across multiple aircraft types by changing only the cord — a feature unique to the H10-60 in the standard David Clark passive lineup.
Yes. The David Clark H10-60 is FAA TSO Approved C57 Cat. B and C58a, and exceeds RTCA/DO-214 standards. It also carries NSN 5965-01-446-1516 for military and government procurement.
The H10-60 uses a three-layer acoustic filter system inside each ear dome: Item 5 (26475P-02), Item 8 (25629P-03), and Item 9 (14096P-09). Together they tune the acoustic environment inside the dome. They should be inspected during any ear seal replacement and replaced when compressed, discolored, or contaminated — degraded filters can measurably affect audio clarity and NRR performance.
Yes — at 22 oz. (without cord), the H10-60 is heavier than the H10-13.4 (16.5 oz.) and H10-30 (20 oz.). The additional weight comes from the military-spec plated steel headband construction. Many pilots find the H10-60's adjustable headband pressure and Comfort-Gel ear seals distribute that weight well enough to remain comfortable on long flights.