Pure 100% Overkill, But I love it!
I know this is overkill, but to those of you who are air-fanatics like me, there is nothing that can beat THIS little gem!
Vertex VXA-300 Pilot III NAV-COM Transceiver - MyPilotStore.com
Be sure to watch the video. Here is a sample user review:
" Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Review by a Radioman
by Don the frdmftr from Mesa Arizona
Pros: Rugged, versatile, sensitive, great dynamic range, loud ... and more.
Cons: Given its purpose and its price, none.
Review: The Vertex Standard Pilot III Nav-Com transceiver is very similar in appearance to the Yaesu VX-170 2-meter FM amateur radio handie-talkie I've been using for several years as a ham radio operator. I knew that radio was good, and had high expectations for the Pilot III. The Pilot III not only met, but exceeded my expectations. I had been using a Radio Shack scanner to monitor the local tower frequency from various locations around town, and most of the time the tower was barely readable, aircraft on the ground couldn't be heard at all, and aircraft in the air came blasting in much too loud. By contrast, the tower is full quieting the Pilot III almost everywhere in town, I can usually hear the aircraft on the ground (weakly) and the aircraft in the air sound about the same as the tower. This indicates not only at least fifty percent greater sensitivity (.8-microvolts compared to 1.5-microvolts on the scanner) but also MUCH GREATER dynamic range. The audio quality and power output is also greatly improved, making even the foreign-accents heard from the local Part 141 school trainers understandable. I am very impressed, and I would give it more than five stars if more were available. (One recommendation to those whose reviews of this radio were less than sterling: It really helps to read the manual. Practicing with the various functions and procedures for five minutes makes all the difference in the world. It is an excellent and very versatile radio.) "
It is reviews like this, from real users in the field, that make me choose a dedicated air band transceiver over a scanner for aircraft monitoring.
This thing even has audio pitch control allowing you to taylor the audio to your liking. 800 mw of audio, rugged case, .8 microvolts sensitivity, 8 character alpha tags, 200 channels. What more can you ask for in a portable aircraft radio? The price is not bad either.
Manny