Icom Airband Radios: The Professional Choice for Aviation Businesses
For flight schools, fixed base operators and private airfield management, reliable communication is both a legal requirement and a safety essential. Communicating within UK airspace requires hardware that is not only robust but also fully compliant with Civil Aviation Authority standards. In this article, we explore various Icom Airband solutions and the types of businesses that stand to benefit from using them.
Ground-to-Air Support: The IC-A16E
Small flight schools and airfield managers often need a reliable handheld for ground crew and the
IC-A16E is designed for just that. It is equipped with a high output 1500mW speaker and a user friendly keypad for clear, simple communication in noisy environments. The IC-A16E is also IP67 rated, making it great for use in unpredictable UK weather during outdoor pre-flight checks and ramp operations.
In Flight Comms & Navigation: The IC-A25 Series
The
IC-A25NE is a popular handheld COM/NAV due to its integrated GPS and is particularly suited to small charter businesses because it serves as a low-cost safety backup to a cockpit mounted unit with its 8.33 kHz compliance. It features built in Bluetooth for wireless headset functionality and an Intelligent Battery (
BP-288) that provides a health status - a useful feature for flight schools that rotate equipment to multiple students daily. For a more simplified version, the
IC-A25CE offers the same 8.33 kHz compliance and Intelligent Battery but without the Bluetooth or GPS navigation features.
Fixed Ground Stations: The IC-A120E
If your business operates a small tower or dispatch desk, you may need a mobile or base station unit. The
IC-A120E can be vehicle-mounted or used as a desktop base station, making it a versatile option for businesses that require ground support vehicles or control room comms. With the optional power supply or din vehicle mounting kit, the IC-A120E can be utilised in either location. A
battery back-up to the mains enclosure is also a great feature to safeguard your communication capabilities against mains failure. Other features such as the Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) and optional Bluetooth connectivity make it the ideal solution for busy airfield operations.
Fixed Panel Installation: The IC-A220T
For businesses looking to upgrade the cockpit mounted units in their training or rental fleet, the
IC-A220T is a worthwhile investment. It features a bright white OLED display with a 170-degree viewing angle, ensuring clarity for both students and instructors even in direct sunlight. IC-A220T has built-in intercom via Voice Operated Exchange (VOX) and is also TSO/ETSO certified, making it an ideal replacement for older units like the IC-A200.
Monitoring and Receiving Only: The IC-R6 and The IC-R15
For specialised operations or aviation enthusiasts, the
IC-R6 and the
IC-R15 are both ideal for anyone wanting to follow the action in the skies.
The IC-R6 is a popular choice for ground support workers who need to be aware of comms between ground control and aircraft, while the IC-R15 is a favourite among plane spotters because of its Dualwatch function - allowing for the monitoring of two different frequencies simultaneously.
Accessories
Using the right accessories can make transmissions clearer and extend the life of your units in high turnover, especially for flying clubs who loan their equipment to multiple students. Key accessories include:
Headsets & Adapters: Icom headset adapter cables serve as a bridge for standard GA headsets to connect with Icom handhelds. As well as Icom branded headsets, radio equipment supplier
Talking Headsets stock the
SWATCOM range, which are compatible with Icom Airband Radios.
Microphones: Available for both the IC-A16 and IC-A25 handhelds, fist mics allow for flexible operation while the radio is clipped to a belt.
Protective Cases: Custom-fit cases, such as the
CASE.067 for the IC-A25 series, provide an extra layer of durability against drops and scratches.
Icom Airband radios are an investment in safety and compliance for any UK aviation business. Whether it’s the IP67 waterproofing for a waterlogged airfield in Scotland or the Bluetooth connectivity for a busy training flight out of Shoreham, Icom Airband radios are designed to handle the unique environmental and regulatory demands of the UK aviation sector.
If you would like more information about Icom Airband equipment, call our sales team on 01227 741741 or email
sales@icomuk.co.uk.
