NOT READY FOR CLASS D RADIO TRAFFIC?
A great many fully licensed pilots operate out of small regional airfields and can deal with the radio traffic there without issues, but they refuse to go into a Class D airport like Moorabbin, solely because of the radio traffic there.
If you’ve been for a trial introductory flight, you may have found the tower/aircraft interactions rather daunting, particularly when clearances are being given, like a taxi clearance from Moorabbin's Apron to Runway 31 Right.
No problem - just take a radio, go to your airport, stand on the ground and tune in. Listen to traffic all day while following where the aircraft are. You’ll find it significantly easier to track with it the more you do it. When you can predict what the controllers and pilots will say when, you're probably ready.
Handheld aircraft band radios are made for glider operations, drone pilots, and backups for 7500 moments. They are also great for people anywhere on the learning curve who need to master the communications aspect.
DRONE PILOTS SHOULD BROADCAST ON THE APPROPRIATE FREQUENCY
Certain drone operations require an Aviation Radio Operators Certificate and broadcasting of activities needs to occur in specific areas on the correct aviation frequencies. And you can read all about that here (ADVISORY CIRCULAR AC 101-01 v5.1 - 3.3.4 Communications).
Some radios cost enough to make a one-off commercial drone job in one of those areas not really worthwhile. So sometimes for cost purposes, hiring a radio might be the best option.
ICOM IC-A25CE HAND-HELD VHF RADIO
Automatic Frequency Group Scanning, Rechargeable Batteries
$25
Per Day
ICOM IC-A5 HAND-HELD VHF RADIO
Automatic Frequency Group Scanning, Rechargeable Batteries
$20
Per Day
ICOM BP-200L Spare Battery
For the IC-A5 Radio
$4
Per Day
JUST A NOTE
Bear in mind, these radios are two-way radios, and are fully able to transmit. For this reason, we will need to see either your Flight Radio Telephone License, Aviation Radio Operators Certificate, or minimally a letter from your flight school if you're a Student Pilot, before we can hire these out to you.