FTA550L Handheld VHF Transceiver w/Li-Ion Battery

Pros: Ease of use, large display, sound clarity, come complete, detailed manualCons: Optional free software is for Windows onlyI debated between the Yaesu FTA-550L and the ICOM IC-A24.Several pilots I know, own the ICOM as a backup handheld, so had a chance to check those out first hand. For the Yaesu 550 was not aware of anyone that owned one, so I had to rely on online research before deciding.Overall size between the 550L and IC-A24 average about the same. The 550L is however slightly lighter.The screen size on the 550L is much larger than the IC-A24. It is easy to read, and because of the larger size, displays more information.Keep in mind that the range for any handheld unit will be limited. Comparing the ground range, I found 550L and the IC-A24 to have about the same range. However, the clarity of the 550L appeared to be better.Several pilots I have since shown my Yaesu 550, really liked its features and its clarity. A couple even commented that they like it more than their IC-A24.I elected to purchase the 550L, which also includes a Lithium-ion battery pack and charger vs. just the basic 550 model which only comes with AA battery tray. Street price was only about $80 more for the 550L with the Lithium-ion battery, and it still came with the AA battery tray.The street price for the Yaesu 550L was also cheaper than the ICOM IC-A24 with just AA batteries.I purchased mine from a seller on Amazon, with the order filled by Amazon Prime.In addition, at the time I purchased this, Yaesu had a promotion for an additional $25 off. So check the Yaesu website for possible rebates. I only sent in for my rebate a couple days ago, so I can’t say yet on how fast they will process it and I get my rebate check.The optional software that you can download from Yaesu’s website is a handy tool. Note that it is only available for Windows, not Mac.Programing the 550 is easy by itself, but if you have a lot you want to program in, the software makes it really easy to do. Plus the software easily allows you to adjust about any other feature of the radio too.In addition to the software, you will need to download the manual for it. Make sure you fully read through the section on how to connect the radio to your computer before you attempt too. There are a couple steps out of sequence, and if you don’t catch the comment “see next page” in time, you may need to start over.One negative item; per the manual, the charger for the Lithium-ion battery is not designed to simultaneously power the transceiver and charge the battery.Overall I am very happy with this purchases.

As a pilot you know that this type of backup radio is never going to reach anyone 25 or 30 miles downrange, but for pattern work or to reach a nearby tower, it does the trick! This model is made in Japan and includes NAV/VOR/ILS features, but it's hard to envision fiddling with it as backup for an IFR approach - unless you were in a real lights out emergency. In any case, this baby has some cool attachments such as 1) the included aviation headset/mic adapter, 2) both UK and EU AC power plug adapters, 3) a 12V cigarette lighter power cord (with ferrous magnet thingy to stop engine interference), 4) a 6xAA power pack as backup in case your Lithium-Ion battery poops out, 5) a charging base, 6) an AC adapter (obviously), 7) a USB cable, and 8) a belt clip attachment (for serious geeks only). Some key user notes: 1) You cannot not use the AC or 12V adapters to run the radio - they are for charging only. 2) The USB attachment is used for programming the radio using software that you must download from Yaesu.com. In order to do that, you MUST go to the website, Register, and then SELECT the "OWNERS CORNER" page, and THEN add your product type to your product list. Then and only then will you see the downloads and manuals and materials for your particular model, including FIRMWARE updates. All of this is perhaps unnecessarily cumbersome, but it does work. You must also install the software and drivers to your WINDOWS PC in order to interact with the radio. Anyway, if you are going to be geeky enough to wear the 550L on your belt, you should be able to figure out the software! Have fun and safe flying - hopefully you'll never have to use it in the air!

This radio operates pefectly and it features everything that the Yaesu FTA750L Handheld VHF Transceiver / GPS has, except for the GPS, at a significantly lower price.Pros:* The battery life is fantastic* Easy to use, the big buttons make operating easy, the screen is easy to read, and the interface is more or less intuitive* Large memory for stored channelsCons:* The channel memory system takes some getting used to and is not always intuitive as a consequence of how it allows a large amount of channel storage* As a consequence of trying to weatherproof the whole radio, covers need to be unscrewed, and in some cases attachments screwed in, to use any of the ports.This includes, frustratingly enough, the headset port, which requires that the headset adapter actually be screwed into the radio to use (making it useless for emergency use or even everday use since the adapter is a dongle). It also includes the power port, for charging via a car charger (included with the radio) or via a home charger other than the included charging base (which uses connectors on the bottom of the radio).

Excellent radio, high quality unit made in Japan. So far living up to expectations. Had a slight issue that I had to reach out to Gulf Coast for and they resolved in a professional and timely manner, excellent vender.

This is a great little handheld Transceiver. The case is solid and rugged. It seems like it could take a few hard knocks (not that I want to test that out). The menu system takes some getting used to but I was able to navigate it easily with one hand after a day or so. The sound and reception is great and the radio comes with all of the accessories I needed. I opted for the Li-ion Battery but it's nice to have the AA battery option available as a backup. I haven't yet been able to use the navigation options yet so I cannot evaluate those. It would have been a nice option to have the lighted keys but I seldom fly at night so that's really not a biggie. I've owned a few handhelds over the years and I've interacted with and seen a number of Yaesu radios in recent years and they seem extremely reliable so I am confident that I made a great purchase; especially at this price.

Like the set with the accessories. Everything functional and useful. Bought it as an emergency standalone backup in case I lost power during a flight. When appropriately programmed before takeoff, radio is very easy to use singlehanded while flying, has good enough range for a safe approach to any controlled airport or close by traffic and sufficient battery life to reliable communicate until landed.

This is a solid, sturdy radio. It works well at all the basic radio functions. The battery (lithium) lasts a whole day at the field. It's been dropped many times and has only some scuffs and scratches to show for it, no cracks. The sound is loud and clear.Now that I have a little more flying experience: doing this over, I probably would have purchased the FTA-450L or FTA-250L instead, and saved a little money. The main difference is that this radio has a VOR function, which isn't relevant to the kind of flying I do, and is kind of fiddly to actually use. If I ever want to navigate with VOR, I'll use a plane with a panel nav radio installed.It would also be nice if the knob ring could be assigned exclusively to squelch, and not use turn-to-tune at all. A minor quibble.The software for programming the frequency presets is not exactly stellar. Collect all the fields and frequencies you'll ever want to use first, because you'll want to set it up once and be done. If you need to run it on a Mac, it does work under VirtualBox.

Great radio needed for emergencies by airline pilots.

Venditore molto serio e attento alle esigenze del cliente.Pacco arrivato in perfetto stato entro 24 ore dal pagamento.Prodotto professionale di ottima qualità, molto robusto e performante.

well I recieved the handheld today. Im impressed with the equipment.its a good make and very robust.good value for money

excelente aero radio. pila dura mucho, muy sencillo de usar, excelente opción por si llega a fallar el radio principal del avión, jamás salir sin el.

I’m having problems finding all frequencies, have I missed something and downloaded them all from somewhere ?Thank you.