VAI Member Spotlight: Lightspeed Aviation, Oregon, USA Active noise reduction headset maker adds carbon monoxide safety alert for pilots as part of upgraded features. Lake Oswego, Oregon–based Lightspeed Aviation launched its first headset at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 1996 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and never looked back. Since that time, the company has proven itself as a headset innovator with a number of first-to-market advances, technologies, and features. Product Development Lightspeed’s first product was the K-series active noise reduction (ANR) headset. In 2000, it launched the XL Series, which introduced auto shutoff, allowing the headset to turn off to save the battery when not in use. The Thirty 3G headset brought wired music and cell phone connectivity to the platform in 2003, along with intercom priority muting and a treble/bass equalization setting. Lightspeed launched the first of its current Zulu line of headsets in 2007, including features such as improved ergonomics, quieting, and audio performance, while introducing advanced features such as Bluetooth integration. In 2015, the company launched its Tango headset, a wireless, untethered aviation headset. In 2022, the company added lifesaving technologies into its audio and ANR platform to launch the Delta Zulu headset, which delivers automatic, customizable carbon monoxide alerts directly into the headset’s audio channels. Additional Supplies for Pilots Lightspeed’s supplemental pilot supplies include flight bags, power adapters, chargers, and headset accessories. A company made up of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, Lightspeed also manufactures aviation helmet systems designed to give aviators who wear helmets the same quiet and comfort features available in its headsets. Lightspeed’s FlightLink app for the iPhone and iPad supports operators of its products. The app works with the headsets to capture and retrieve incoming and outgoing communications in the cockpit and includes a space to write on the screen—think notes on station weather or flight clearances. Missed the last part of that clearance? No problem, you can play it back through the app. Beyond Headsets When not making and supporting its products, Lightspeed Aviation is a passionate supporter of initiatives to encourage the next generation of pilots through the EAA Young Eagles and Ray Aviation Scholarship programs. Company Leadership Allan Schrader is founder and CEO and Heider Lazzarini is president of Lightspeed. Lazzarini joined the company in November 2023 after previously holding executive marketing, general management, and product management positions at Teledyne FLIR and Gerber Gear.
