Yaesu FTA-250L Handheld VHF Airband Transceiver (Comm only)

First, a fine radio in terms of reception, sound quality, and compact form factor. Second, very affordable and comes with a lot of great accessories - rechargeable battery and recharger, aviation headset adapter (nice touch that the adapter can screw in to the radio body for more security).My venerable old Sporty’s SP-400 finally had one too many issues so I’ve replaced it with a Yaesu FTA-250L and wow, what a difference in terms of improved quality, features, accessories, performance and smaller/lighter form factor. I compared it with the new Sporty's PJ2+ and it still wins hands down.A really cool feature is that the Yaesu has a digital squelch instead of an analog knob like the SP-400 and it seems much more intelligent. I’ve been listening to aircraft communicating with Charlotte approach that fly the pattern over our house and it is crystal clear. Calling for fuel on the ramp is great. It is smaller and lighter as I mentioned, which makes it easier to hold on to, but I am also impressed with the accessories. The package included an adapter for standard aviation headphones that screws on to the transceiver body to make it much more secure. No data on battery life yet but supposed to be good. Good memory functions, straightforward interface, and ability to also pick up the weather bands, just like the SP-400. Good labeling function on the memory – can spell out KEQY AWOS or CLT APP easily.Great product!

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I choose the radio over the others for the price and reliability. The radio is easy to field program and has great sound quality, with lasting battery life.

I've been using my Yaesu air band radio for a little over a year now (hot air balloon ride pilot). I had an old icom that had died on me and I needed a new radio. This seemed ok and really is great! It is easy to use and holds a good charge. No complaints.

Great and cost effective. Easy to prigram

Arrived in perfect condition and works fine. It took a long time to ship.

Nice handheld aviation radio. I’ve not had occasion to transmit with it yet but reception has been crystal clear. The small size fits into my flight-bag perfectly yet still feels comfortable and unobtrusive walking around holding it.It appears to have a spot to attach a wrist strap but none was included.

The Yaesu FTA-250L looks and feels like a well-made, durable unit. Using the manual I was able to easily learn its functions. Operation is simple and easy to remember. Reception and transmission are loud and clear. At first, I had difficulty making it charge in the charging cradle, but once I realized how to place it in the cradle, the indicator light is red when charging and it turns green when fully charged. This unit will be a perfect backup for the flight bag and great portable unit on the ground. I am very happy with my purchase.

This has been the best thing I have gotten for my aviation training. It is so much fun and full of practical value as well. I am not sure what the housing it made of, but this thing is solid. I have dropped it on the pavement and it is no worse for the exepreince. -- I use this radio before and during my preflights. I can toggle between the AWOS and the CTAF and get all sorts of advance information about weather and traffic before starting the engine. I have used it to talk to planes in the pattern and it has done great. It also serves as a back-up radio in the plane and it is just fun to have while around the airport to hear what is going on. Highly recommend.