Hand Held 2-way radio

[InforGuy]

Wasn't really sure where to post this question so hopefully this forum is appropriate.

Can anyone recommend an affordable hand held 2-way radio to be used to communicate with a tower? I just received approval to operate within Class D airspace and I will be literally across the street from a very busy runway. One of the stipulations is I maintain 2 way communication on their frequency and seek approval prior to taking off each time.

 

[alokbhargava]

Talk to the officials there and get the recommended list of radios.


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[InforGuy]

Ok will do. I was told I'd need to pick one up if I didn't have one but neglected to ask the simple question. Thanks very much.

 

[FlyGary]

The Yaesu FTA 550 ran me around $200. On the ground will have a range of about 5 miles.

Be sure you get explicit instructions on how the communications will be conducted. If it is a busy tower, they will want it short, succulent and in the proper format.

Welcome to Yaesu.com

 

[InforGuy]

The Yaesu FTA 550 ran me around $200. On the ground will have a range of about 5 miles.

Be sure you get explicit instructions on how the communications will be conducted. If it is a busy tower, they will want it short, succulent and in the proper format.

Welcome to Yaesu.com

Thank you! I'll check these out.
I chatted with the Supervisor for some time today and was very thorough with the procedure. Need to fax them 30 minutes before I launch for the first time and must alert them (get permission) with each takeoff and landing.

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[Richard R]

One good thing about those requirements is that they are treating you like all the other aircraft in their airspace (except for the pre-flight fax). Helps to reinforce that the FAA really does consider our birds to be 'real' aircraft.