I was filling in a flight plan last week to go to LFAT.
When I got to section 19..Emergency Radio, it made me think.
Most pilots I know have a portable Transceiver in their kit...except me!
So I started to have a look online to see what was available.
The most widely available brand is ICOM, but I have also been researching Vertex.
I narrowed the choice down to two models and also found a local supplier in Brentwood,
ICOM A24
Included in the Pilots (Pro) Pack:
BP-210/N Ni-MH battery pack (1650mAh), BC-119N Fast Charger kit +AD-101 Charger Adaptor,
OPC-499 Headset adaptor cable, CP-20 Cigarette Cable, MB-103 Alligator belt clip
All the above from Brentwood Communications @ £320 including VAT
Flightstore = £323.99 (free del) Harry Mendelssohn = £323.12 + shipping
Pilot Warehouse = £350 + shipping Transair = £359.99 (free del)
Included as Standard: Charger Cradle, Headset Adaptor, 1400 mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack
+ Swiveling Quick-Draw Belt Clip
Useful Accessory: Alkaline Battery Pack,
All the above from Brentwood Communications @ £213.85 including VAT
Both models are fully loaded with features, but the Vertex is submersible to 3ft
and even with the Alkaline Battery Pack a £100 cheaper than the ICOM.
However, the ICOM is approved for use in your aircraft as a transceiver whereas the
Vertex unit is currently seeking approval.
So given I want to use it on the ground (ATIS, call for start, etc.,)
or for emergencies (hopefully never), I think I will go for the Vertex this time.
