Backup COMM or Nav/Comm?

[pjcampbell]

I want a handheld backup radio - ICOMM makes what I can see is the cheapest LiIon IC-A14 unit out there and it's about $215 . If I have an Ipad for GPS navigation, is there any reason you can think that I'd need backup navigation on the radio as well?

It isn't so much that I don't want to pay more but want something simple to use with good audio and battery life and ICOMM seems to fit that bill.

[SportPilot]

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[MrMorden]

If you're flying LSA, I see no reason you would need/want backup nav.

I'd love to have a VOR head in my CT, a handheld nav/com would be a cheap way to do that. If there is a GPS outage in the area you are flying, and you are on a cross country away from familiar areas, the handheld nav could really be helpful.

[SportPilot]

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[MrLupin]

Hi SportPilot,

I was surprised to read your comment that you see no reason to carry a backup comm radio flying VFR. I've been told a million times that I should have a backup comm radio and it seems that having one has just been standard. Could you explain why you say its not needed? Also, what other ways would you suggest funds be spent. Please note I'm not arguing - just trying to learn. Thanks!

[SportPilot]

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[3Dreaming]

I have done quite a bit of flying with NO radio, and I can't tell that the airplane flies any different.
All joking aside in my part of the country I am quite OK with flying without a radio.

[BrianL99]

I have done quite a bit of flying with NO radio, and I can't tell that the airplane flies any different.
All joking aside in my part of the country I am quite OK with flying without a radio.

There's some good advice for no one.

[MrMorden]

EDIT: I'll just add this...if I owned my own LSA, I might be more inclined to want a backup comm radio that would be hot wired to 12v power source and connected to an external antenna.

That is a good point. A handheld with its regular antenna will be lucky to reach out 2-5 miles from inside an airplane, even at altitude. It might receive farther than that, but transmissions are going to be very short range. An external antenna is a great idea in a lot of cases.

Honestly, I rarely carry a handheld when flying locally, but usually do when going cross country, particularly to unfamiliar areas. Even if the radio won't talk outside of the pattern, that's where the most danger is and I really would want to be able to make and receive position reports at unfamiliar airports.

[3Dreaming]

I have done quite a bit of flying with NO radio, and I can't tell that the airplane flies any different.
All joking aside in my part of the country I am quite OK with flying without a radio.

There's some good advice for no one.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but missed the point entirely.

The question was about a backup radio. One radio is quite enough for simple VFR flight, especially when you have flip flop frequencies. In my opinion there is no need for a back up radio.

[SportPilot]

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[MrMorden]

One thing I really love about the Garmin SL40 is the ability to monitor two channels at once. Makes it great when you are flying with other airplanes using flight following or want to check on weather stations you pass without leaving the primary freq.

[3Dreaming]

I have a 1,000 plus hours flying in and teaching in aircraft without radios. Maybe I have a shaded view, but I see more operational issues at our airport from aircraft with radios not following the rules for airport operations compared to those who don't have a radio.

[MrMorden]

I have a 1,000 plus hours flying in and teaching in aircraft without radios. Maybe I have a shaded view, but I see more operational issues at our airport from aircraft with radios not following the rules for airport operations compared to those who don't have a radio.

Certainly true. Radios are not required to be safe, but if used correctly they do add some situational awareness.

[Flocker]

I bought a handheld radio a few years ago and use it all the time. It's great for picking up the Wx without the Hobbs meter running. I also listen to the tower frequency while I pre-flight the plane to get an overview of the traffic flow, winds, etc.