MtnMarcus
Pre-takeoff checklist
I am a student pilot hoping to have my PPL by years end looking for a good handheld transceiver. What is a good brand that I can plan on having for awhile, and what options/features should I be looking for? Thanks
Get one that runs on AA batteries, unless you know you'll keep it charged. Otherwise, when you need it the battery will likely be dead and you won't have a spare.
I am a student pilot hoping to have my PPL by years end looking for a good handheld transceiver. What is a good brand that I can plan on having for awhile, and what options/features should I be looking for? Thanks
I had occasion to use a handheld IFR once when the airplane's audio panel failed, and again VFR when an alternator quit. Both times I was grateful for the transmitter.Do you really need a transceiver? If you just want to listen on ATC frequencies and don't need an emergency transmitter, you can get many scanners that cover air band plus a lot more for a third of the cost of the transceivers discussed above.
Jon
I bought a refurbed IC-A6 from PCA here http://www.ebay.com/itm/261096688186?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
I don't see the point of paying extra for one with a VOR/LOC on it.
I had occasion to use a handheld IFR once when the airplane's audio panel failed, and again VFR when an alternator quit. Both times I was grateful for the transmitter.
...... Forget all that built in VOR locator's and such unless you plan on flying very old tube and rag machines that need a hand prop to start. ....
Por que?
Funny all the times I've had avionics go TU on me, have been in spamcans
Or are you talking about no electrical system planes?
I'm not sure which one I have, but I hate my ICOM. The only battery indication is a flashing light that comes on when you are almost out of power. When you plug it in to charge it, there is no indication that it is charging or any indication that the charge has completed. This seems like such a basic feature that it really makes me wonder what other design deficiencies exist.
I'm not sure which one I have, but I hate my ICOM. The only battery indication is a flashing light that comes on when you are almost out of power. When you plug it in to charge it, there is no indication that it is charging or any indication that the charge has completed. This seems like such a basic feature that it really makes me wonder what other design deficiencies exist. I will never buy another ICOM.
I second the motion of getting a second battery pack that uses AAs. I always fly with extra AAs and it's nice to know that if you ever really needed a backup radio, it would have at least power.