3 best aviation handheld two way radios

Aviation handheld two-way radios are essential communication devices used in the aviation industry to facilitate communication between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel. These radios play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operations within the airspace.

Here are some key points about aviation handheld two-way radios:

  1. Frequency Bands: Aviation radios operate on specific frequency bands reserved for aviation communication. The most common frequency bands for aviation communications are the VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands.

  2. VHF Radios: VHF radios are widely used in aviation for air-to-air and air-to-ground communications. They operate in the 118.000 to 136.975 MHz frequency range. VHF radios are commonly used for communication between aircraft and air traffic control (ATC) towers.

  3. UHF Radios: UHF radios are often used for ground-based communication, including communication between aircraft on the ground and ground personnel. They operate in the 225.000 to 399.975 MHz frequency range.

  4. Transmit and Receive Functions: Two-way radios are designed to allow both transmission (speaking) and reception (listening). Pilots use them to communicate with ATC, other aircraft, and ground crew.

  5. Channel Selection: Aviation radios typically have a variety of preset channels that correspond to different frequencies and communication purposes. Pilots can select the appropriate channel for their communication needs.

  6. Emergency Frequencies: Aviation radios always include dedicated emergency frequencies, such as 121.5 MHz for distress and 243.0 MHz for military emergencies.These frequencies are used in emergency situations to ensure swift response and assistance.

  7. Squelch Control: Squelch control is a feature that helps eliminate background noise when a channel is not actively transmitting. Pilots can adjust the squelch level to improve clarity.

  8. Battery Life: Battery life is a crucial consideration for handheld aviation radios, as they must remain operational for extended periods during flights. Many models offer rechargeable batteries or the option to use alkaline batteries.

  9. Durability and Portability: Aviation radios are designed to be rugged and portable to withstand the demanding environment of aviation. They often feature shock-resistant casings and are ergonomically designed for ease of use.

  10. Compliance with Regulations: Aviation radios must comply with strict regulations and standards set by aviation authorities to ensure compatibility and safety. These regulations dictate the technical specifications, frequencies, and certifications required for these devices.

  11. Backup Radios: It is common for aircraft to have backup or redundant communication systems, including backup handheld radios, to ensure continuous communication capability in case of primary system failure.

Aviation handheld two-way radios are crucial tools for maintaining communication and ensuring the safety of flights. They are an integral part of the aviation electronics ecosystem, helping pilots and ground personnel communicate effectively and coordinate operations within the complex airspace environment.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best aviation handheld two way radios on the market
  

Icom IC-A16B (Bluetooth) VHF Air Band Handheld Transceiver Radio

Icom

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The A16 is the ideal flight companion for the student pilot. This radio practically pays for itself by saving pilots both engine hours and fuel during preflight communications with the tower. Users appreciate the A16’s compact, waterproof design for one hand operation for working on the flight line, using it for back up in any aircraft, or for use by ground crew. Its 2400mAh Li-ion battery lasts over 17 hours and the radio includes a nice sit in rapid charger. Air band radios are usually operated in high noise environments, so it is essential for the pilot’s radio to provide loud audio. The A16 internal speaker delivers a loud 1500mW audio output with clear sound to cut through cabin or tarmac noise.

  • Bluetooth version offers hands-free operation
  • Full keypad to input the channel or frequency directly
  • Exclusive button for 121.5MHz emergency channel
  • Side tone function to hear your own voice via a third party aviation headset
  • LCD backlight for night time operation

User questions & answers

Question: Will the icom HM-240 remote speaker hook-up to the A
Answer: Yes, the ICOM HM-240 Speaker Microphone is compatible with ICOM A16 transceivers.
Question: does this raido have aircraft head set plug ins for mic and earphones
Answer: The ICOM website indicates that it is compatible with the OPC-2401 headset adapter. With the adapter the radio is compatible with third-party aviation headsets. This product is available through online aviation stores, but does not appear to be on Amazon at the moment (26 Nov 2019).
Question: Can I pair this with any bluetooth headset? such as a bluetooth integrated motorcycle helmet
Answer: I think so. I pair it with me Sena SMH-10R and it works well.
Question: Range miles
Answer: I live about 25NM away from a C class airport and pick them up crystal clear

Radioddity GS-5B Bluetooth Programming Handheld Ham Radio Dual Band Long Range Two Way Radio with Dual PTT, USB Rechargeable, S-Meter, Programming Cable, Rainproof

Radioddity

Based on 165 reviews Check latest price
  • Professional Ham Radio: Dual band, dual watch, dual standby, up to 128 channels. Equipped with an 8.9-inch long antenna, this solid 5W radio can reach further and receives strong signals.
  • Bluetooth Programming: In addition to the traditional PC programming, the GS-5B can be programmed with the dedicated APP via Bluetooth. Compatible with both Android and IOS systems. There also is keypad programming for all settings and functions. It’s cool to program your radio anywhere anytime especially when you are traveling.
  • Improved Display: This radio has a much-improved display that features a full color screen, a signal strength meter, and other features. With the inverted dark background, the display is easy on the eyes, even in daylight.
  • Rugged and Rainproof: Made of high-strength materials in the body and softer TPU material at the bottom, this radio is specially designed to be safe from drops. Rated IP56 waterproof is also a plus for outdoors, especially in harsh environments. Finally, the radio is orange, making it easier to locate and spot in low light scenarios.
  • More Features: Micro-USB charging, VOX delay, dual PTT, channel name edit, SOS function, DTMF function, 211 CTCSS and 51 DCS tones, 1750Hz tone, encryption and VOX for hands-free operation are all standard on this radio.

Product features

Programming Tips:

1. To download the PC Programming Software, Programming APP for Android/IOS and Programming Guide, please go to Radioddity site -> Support -> model GS-5B. All you need is in the software package.

2. The Android APP will ask for permissions. The permission for Location is necessary for Bluetooth connection. Others can be denied.

3. The Bluetooth connection will automatically disconnect after programming each time to save battery power.

4. Please turn off the Bluetooth if you want to program the radio on PC.

Signal Strength Meter

The display offers a received signal strength meter, you can observe the strength of signal reception anytime. With the S-meter, it is also convenient to do simple antennas testing.

Quick-Sweep Team Function

This radio features a Search Frequency Mode, which can quickly detect the frequency and tones of nearby transmitters in VFO mode. This will allow you to join nearby radio users on their frequencies quickly.

Display Both Channel Name & Frequency

This radio can display both name and frequency of the current channel at the same time, so you can always know what the channel is for and on what frequency they are operating easily. The channels' name can also be customized in the menu.

Large Flashlight & SOS Strobe

It comes with an LED flashlight with SOS strobe function for emergency use. The flashlight is much brighter than other general radios.

Dual PTT

It features dual PTT buttons so that you can transmit on two channels separately without switching from A/B. By pressing the top PTT you can transmit on frequency A and by pressing the second PTT, you can transmit on frequency B.

2 Charging Methods

The desktop charger and 2000mAh battery of GS-5B both come with a Micro-USB port, which comes in very handy to charge it in the car, from a laptop or a power bank with a Micro-USB cable (not included).

Sanpyl Portable Aviation Radio, VHF Air Aircraft Band Radio Receiver Full Band Radio Recorder LCD Display with Headphone(Gold)

Sanpyl

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

1. Radio search mode: manual search, automatic search radio, full automatic search and store radio, convenient and easy.

2. There are two ways to listen to radio: external speaker or inserted earplug.

3. Power supply mode: built-in 700mah large capacity lithium battery, 3.7V lithium battery, can connect DC5V external power supply.

4. The design mode of setting up alarm clock: alarm ringing sound / radio automatic power on.

5. You can set 90 - 80 -70 - 60 - 50 - 40 - 30 - 20 - 10 automatic power off time.

6. The loudspeaker: 40mm, 8Ω, 1W, loud and clear sound.

7. Oil injection treatment of the product shell protects the product shell from scratching and wear.



Specification:

AIR: 118-138MHZ（5K/50K STEP SEL） Sensitivity: 2UV（10DB SNR）

FM: 87.5-108MHZ（0.1MHZ STEP） Sensitivity: 2UV（30DB SNR）

AM: 520-1720（9K/10K STEP SEL） Sensitivity: 3MV/M（20DB SNR）

CB: 25-28MHZ（5KHZ STEP） Sensitivity: 1UV（10DB SNR）

SW: 2-30MHZ（5KHZ STEP） Sensitivity: 30DBUV（26DB SNR）

VHF: 30-223MHZ（FM-N/FM-W） Sensitivity: -5DBUV（20DB SNR）

Power Supply: 700 MAH 3.7V Lithium Battery

Speaker: 40MM, 1W, 8Euro  

External Source: 3.5MM Earplug

Product Size: Approx. 103 * 60 * 15mm / 4.1 * 2.4 * 0.6in

Weight: 160g / 5.6oz

Minimum Operating Voltage: 2V

Stereo Separation: ≥32DB

Distortion: ≤0.5%

Output Power: ≤200MW

Color: Black, Gold (optional)



Package list:

1 * Radio

1 * Headphone

1 * Charging Wire

1 * User Manual

1 * Lanyard

1 * Extended Antenna

1 * Ear Cap

  • One inch LCD display with backlight can accurately display frequency range, battery symbol and sensitivity indication.
  • This radio has four search mode, they are manual search, automatic search radio, full automatic search and store radio, convenient and easy.
  • Steel tie-rod antenna is used to enhance the receiving sensitivity of the product. The factory is equipped with an extended antenna to facilitate users to receive short wave.
  • Portable design, easy to take it out.
  • The chip has a powerful memory, and can store 50 radio stations in each band.

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