Date: 201503
Aircraft: B757 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Other All
Aircraft component: Recirculation Fan
Component problem: Design; Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Physiological - Other
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I have been on the 767 fleet for over 18 years.  Historically we had an active program to inspect ducting and excessive recirc fan noise that had some success.  I have noticed that...once again that the noise on many planes; especially the 757-300 is so loud you can't hear.  I was hesitant to write it up initially as all pilots told me it was typical.  However it has gotten absurd so I did write it up on another flight.  The mechanic had no knowledge of a service bulletin to inspect ducts etc to reduce noise.This is a safety hazard.  The noise cycles based on high and low pressure bleed positions and is not same as heard on the ground when using APU.Is there still an active maintenance program to inspect 757's that have excessive noise or one to continually inspect these on an ongoing basis?Also I have flown with many copilots who possess noise cancelling headsets.  I have seen 3 or 4 versions of these including Dave Clark and U Fly Mike.  What I have noticed is while they use the headsets to cut down on ambient noise; they can't hear me often nor respond to my comments including configuration issues on takeoff and landing.  This mish mash of headset equipment options seems to differ on each flight.  There is no hot microphone for interphone.  My hearing isn't what it used to be but having the equivalent of a vacuum cleaner running in the cockpit [while] trying to communicate with ATC is a risk to safe operations.I would like to propose reinstating the 757 pneumatic noise service tips/bulletins as they are apparently not being done.  I'd also like to propose installing noise cancelling headsets in the 757 fleet as the noise is overwhelming.




Synopsis: A long serving B757/67 Captain stressed two factors which compromised flight crew communications. First; there is ambient noise from the air conditioning system/recirculation fans. Second; the use by some crew members of noise canceling headsets in order to lower the ambient noise; which restricts the precise communication of vital command and response exchanges between the Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring. The reporter believes the second factor is the result of the attempt to mitigate the impact of the first. He further believes that previous programs in place to monitor and mitigate the source of excess ambient noise have been abandoned; thus providing the impetus for the use of the personal noise canceling headsets. Finally; he believes the use of some of the personal headsets precludes utilization of some features of the OEM equipment intended for use during emergency conditions.