SR22
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 9000; Flight Crew Type 15
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors
I was solo. Aircraft was familiar but had not flown it in 7 months. Two flights involved. First flight was uneventful; all good. I removed my headset from the aircraft between the first and second flight and; when I plugged it back into the airplane for the second flight; I plugged it into the RIGHT side jacks instead of the proper LEFT side jacks (I was sitting on the left side.) Unfortunately; I did not notice that I had mistakenly done this. I was operating out of an uncontrolled field and flew to another uncontrolled field. Audio was fine (i.e. I could hear other aircraft at all locations) and I was making standard calls. Unfortunately--and I didn't realize it--my transmissions were not going out. (I do recall thinking the sidetone was different/unusual but I chalked that up to lack of recent experience in this type.) Eventually; I realized I wasn't being heard; I asked for radio checks and heard no response. I used my headphones Bluetooth capability to call my destination tower and advise them of my situation; telling them I could hear them but not transmit. Over their radio freq they advised me to squawk 7600; which I did. I responded to their directions; including a command to remain outside their Class D. Not sure why they didn't try to get me in NORDO but I guess they were busy. I then realized what I had done and fixed the problem. Squawked 1200; contacted tower and advised problem resolved. Rest of flight uneventful.
SR22 pilot reported disabling radio transmissions by plugging the headset into the wrong jack.