What type of hearing protection is required for personnel on the aircraft when firing?

Double hearing protection is required for personnel on the aircraft when firing because the noise levels generated during firearm discharge can reach dangerous thresholds that exceed safe hearing limits. Double hearing protection typically consists of earplugs worn in conjunction with noise-canceling earmuffs or over-the-ear headphones. This combination provides an additional layer of sound attenuation, helping to significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage that can occur from exposure to such high sound levels.

Given the nature of the environment, where multiple firearms may be fired simultaneously, the potential for hearing damage becomes more pronounced. Therefore, using double hearing protection ensures compliance with safety regulations and effectively safeguards the hearing health of all personnel involved in operations around aircraft during firearms practice. This is crucial in maintaining personnel readiness and preventing long-term auditory impairment.