Considering some single engine aircraft in the Piper, Bonanza or Mooney line and would like feedback on which, if any, have the quietest (I know it's never quiet) interior cabin noise and what methods other than headsets, earplugs are generally used to buffer the interior sound. I mean in terms of actual material used to buffer sound. Thanks.
I know of several installs using the material or similar to the link below in both airplanes and helicopters. The results were subjective to the individual though. http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/soundprf.htm
Yep. Most of the weight gain in modern aircraft involves interior weight. The 27g seats add quite a bit, but fancy interiors and sound proofing combined with that make today's planes (with their relatively lightweight electronics) outweigh their elder counterparts.
Buy a plane with a constant speed prop and slow the prop a lot in cruise and buy good headsets. You can throw 50 pounds of sound proofing at most of these have a very small change, and a much lighter wallet.
Excellent article. When I had the interior redone, I removed all the original 1969 crap and installed FAA/fire/smoke approved foam. Definitely made a difference! The weight wasn't a big deal because I also had more than 10 pounds of 1969 wiring and stuff removed that wasn't needed anymore. Zero sum game.