10 Best Aviation Radio Scanner 2025 in the United States

The Icom IC-A16B VHF Air Band Handheld Transceiver Radio excels in many important areas for aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Its Bluetooth feature stands out, allowing for hands-free operation which is highly convenient during flights. The full keypad is user-friendly, making it easy to input channels and frequencies directly. A dedicated emergency channel button for 121.5MHz adds an extra layer of safety.

The side tone function is a neat addition, letting you hear your own voice through an aviation headset, making communication clearer. The LCD backlight is useful for night operations, ensuring visibility in low light conditions. The frequency range of 108 MHz to 137 MHz covers all essential aviation bands, and with a memory capacity of 100 channels, it provides ample space for storing your most used frequencies.

Weighing just 9.1 ounces, the device is lightweight and portable, ideal for carrying on the go. It's also waterproof, adding durability. The device requires a lithium-ion battery, which is included, but having only one battery might limit extended use without recharging. This handheld transceiver is best suited for pilots, ground crew, and aviation hobbyists who need a reliable, portable, and feature-rich radio scanner.

The Yaesu FTA-450L Airband VHF Comm radio is designed specifically for aviation enthusiasts and professionals needing reliable communication in the airband frequency range of 108-137 MHz. One of its strong suits is the inclusion of a waterproof feature, making it ideal for use in various weather conditions, especially for marine or outdoor applications. The device also offers a decent channel memory with 200 preset channels, allowing users to store multiple frequencies for quick access. Its lightweight design at just 3.84 ounces adds to its portability, making it easy to carry during flights or trips. The lithium-ion battery is a plus, providing longevity and convenience, especially with the included cigarette lighter adapter for in-car charging.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The FTA-450L is a comm-only device, meaning it does not support scanning for other types of frequencies outside the aviation airband, which might restrict some users looking for more versatility. Additionally, while the display and interface are functional, they may not be as user-friendly or modern compared to other advanced models on the market.

Potential buyers should consider their specific needs for channel variety and ease of use. Pilots, marine users, or individuals who frequently operate in airspace would likely find this product beneficial, but those seeking a multi-functional scanner may want to explore other options.

The Yaesu FT-65R is a rugged and compact dual-band handheld transceiver covering 144-148 MHz (VHF) and 440-450 MHz (UHF) frequencies. While these bands are popular for amateur radio, it does not specifically cover the wide aviation band (typically around 118-137 MHz), which might limit its use for aviation radio scanning. It offers 200 memory channels and multiple scan modes, including priority and weather alert scanning, which is handy for quickly monitoring important frequencies. Its scanning speed and sensitivity are reliable for its size, helping catch transmissions clearly.

The large front speaker provides clear audio with 1 watt output, and its 5-watt transmit power ensures good communication range for handheld use, though the maximum talking range is modest around 65 feet under normal conditions. The FT-65R excels in portability, being small, lightweight (around 9 ounces), and built tough with IP54 water and dust resistance plus military-standard durability. Battery life is strong, with over 9 hours on the standard battery and optional extended packs available.

The interface includes programmable quick keys and a white LED flashlight, adding convenience for outdoor or emergency use. Additional features like VOX operation, PC programmability, and channel cloning make it versatile. The display is basic and may not be the easiest for beginners to navigate quickly. This radio is well suited for amateur radio users or those needing a durable dual-band handheld for general VHF/UHF use rather than dedicated aviation scanning.