Twelve Days of Avgeek Christmas: Day 9 Handheld Radio

A simple scanner can be fun for plane spotting, or just listening to ATC.

A simple scanner can be fun for plane spotting, or just listening to ATC.

I know what you are thinking, “What kind of idiot flies a plane without a radio?” Actually, there are some that do, because they don’t technically need one, and they also don’t want one.  In that case, this may not be the best choice of gift.  However, there are a few different types of avgeeks that would appreciate a gift like this. So for the ninth day of Avgeek Christmas I suggest the gift of a handheld radio.  These are not to be confused with simple two-way radios that you may use when you go camping or something but actual VHF radios to listen to, and make, ATC communications.Let me start first with a group that you may not be thinking of. Plane spotters. It is entirely possible that there are more plane spotters out there than pilots.  For one, it’s free, and two, you can do it just about anytime and anywhere there is an airfield.  Generally when people think of plane spotters they think they would want a nice camera or accessories to go along with it.  While that is true, a little handheld radio can be quite useful.

This VHF transceiver from Yaesu can make your life a lot easier in the event of a radio failure.

This VHF transceiver from Yaesu can make your life a lot easier in the event of a radio failure.

A handheld radio, or even just a scanner will allow you to know when aircraft are coming in, in real-time, as opposed to the delays with apps like LiveATC and FlightAware.  That way you know when to get ready to get that perfect shot.  They really aren’t that unreasonable either.  This handheld scanner from Uniden comes in at just over $100.  Not cheap, but by no means out of reach. Now listening is great if you are on the ground, but when it comes to being in an aircraft, you kind of need to be able to talk back.  While most aircraft have a radio or two of some sort, it certainly never hurts to have a backup.  Even the most meticulously maintained aircraft can have an issue where either the radio goes out, or there is an electrical issue that prevents the radio from working.  In those situations a little handheld radio can make life a lot easier. They really aren’t that expensive either.  A simple VHF radio transceiver can be bought for around $200.  For example, this radio from Yaesu goes for about $230.  It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but you also don’t need it to.  You just need to be able to talk to ATC to get back on the ground safely.  For the vast majority of civilian flyers, it is literally all you could ever need. Now you may be looking for me to write more, but for most people that is really all you need.  Sure there are some with a few more simple features, or longer battery life, or better range, but they really aren’t all that different from these.  Like I said at the beginning, this is really just a simple gift that could make a really big difference if you need it.  Let’s just hope you don’t ever need it.

12 Days of Avgeek Christmas:

Day 1: Aircraft Models and RC Toys
Day 2: Aviation Books and Guides
Day 3: Aviation Apps and Flight Simulators
Day 4: Flight Lessons
Day 5: Headsets
Day 6: Bags and Kneeboards
Day 7: Sunglasses and Watches
Day 8: Handheld GPS
Day 9: Handheld Radio
Day 10: Cameras and Video Recorders
Day 11: Random Aviation Accessories
Day 12: Airplane