Chief Captain
Well-Known Member
Hey guys,
I’ve decided to buy a handheld transceiver for 2 reasons:
1. Backup in case of electrical failure
2. so I can listen in on traffic when I go plane watching from the designated areas at larger airports.
Does anybody know the useful range of these things in case of an electrical failure? Are they good enough to actually be able to reach ATC, or are they only really useful for checking ATIS before departure? Also, I’m thinking of getting one that can pick up VOR frequencies. Does anybody know if it will perform reasonably well in case I need to use it to get home one day?
The second set of questions is about using it while I’m planespotting. I’ve owned a receiver before, but is it legal for me to own a transceiver? Do I need any sort of FCC permit to use it outside of an aircraft (obviously just to listen)? Does it make a difference that I’m a pilot?
Finally, I’m looking at the following models. Does anybody have any experience with them, or other models that can be recommended?
Icom IC-A24 NAV/COM Transceiver
Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit Transceiver
Vertex Standard VXA-300 Pilot III Transceiver
Thanks
I’ve decided to buy a handheld transceiver for 2 reasons:
1. Backup in case of electrical failure
2. so I can listen in on traffic when I go plane watching from the designated areas at larger airports.
Does anybody know the useful range of these things in case of an electrical failure? Are they good enough to actually be able to reach ATC, or are they only really useful for checking ATIS before departure? Also, I’m thinking of getting one that can pick up VOR frequencies. Does anybody know if it will perform reasonably well in case I need to use it to get home one day?
The second set of questions is about using it while I’m planespotting. I’ve owned a receiver before, but is it legal for me to own a transceiver? Do I need any sort of FCC permit to use it outside of an aircraft (obviously just to listen)? Does it make a difference that I’m a pilot?
Finally, I’m looking at the following models. Does anybody have any experience with them, or other models that can be recommended?
Icom IC-A24 NAV/COM Transceiver
Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit Transceiver
Vertex Standard VXA-300 Pilot III Transceiver
Thanks