YAESUFTA550L Handheld VHF Transceiver w/Li-Ion Battery

Like the set with the accessories. Everything functional and useful. Bought it as an emergency standalone backup in case I lost power during a flight. When appropriately programmed before takeoff, radio is very easy to use singlehanded while flying, has good enough range for a safe approach to any controlled airport or close by traffic and sufficient battery life to reliable communicate until landed.

Pros: Ease of use, large display, sound clarity, come complete, detailed manualCons: Optional free software is for Windows onlyI debated between the Yaesu FTA-550L and the ICOM IC-A24.Several pilots I know, own the ICOM as a backup handheld, so had a chance to check those out first hand. For the Yaesu 550 was not aware of anyone that owned one, so I had to rely on online research before deciding.Overall size between the 550L and IC-A24 average about the same. The 550L is however slightly lighter.The screen size on the 550L is much larger than the IC-A24. It is easy to read, and because of the larger size, displays more information.Keep in mind that the range for any handheld unit will be limited. Comparing the ground range, I found 550L and the IC-A24 to have about the same range. However, the clarity of the 550L appeared to be better.Several pilots I have since shown my Yaesu 550, really liked its features and its clarity. A couple even commented that they like it more than their IC-A24.I elected to purchase the 550L, which also includes a Lithium-ion battery pack and charger vs. just the basic 550 model which only comes with AA battery tray. Street price was only about $80 more for the 550L with the Lithium-ion battery, and it still came with the AA battery tray.The street price for the Yaesu 550L was also cheaper than the ICOM IC-A24 with just AA batteries.I purchased mine from a seller on Amazon, with the order filled by Amazon Prime.In addition, at the time I purchased this, Yaesu had a promotion for an additional $25 off. So check the Yaesu website for possible rebates. I only sent in for my rebate a couple days ago, so I can’t say yet on how fast they will process it and I get my rebate check.The optional software that you can download from Yaesu’s website is a handy tool. Note that it is only available for Windows, not Mac.Programing the 550 is easy by itself, but if you have a lot you want to program in, the software makes it really easy to do. Plus the software easily allows you to adjust about any other feature of the radio too.In addition to the software, you will need to download the manual for it. Make sure you fully read through the section on how to connect the radio to your computer before you attempt too. There are a couple steps out of sequence, and if you don’t catch the comment “see next page” in time, you may need to start over.One negative item; per the manual, the charger for the Lithium-ion battery is not designed to simultaneously power the transceiver and charge the battery.Overall I am very happy with this purchases.

In light of the new rules (specifically, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107) attributed with the operation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in the NAS, this is the ideal transceiver for sUAS remote pilots.Of late, a number of municipalities within my FSDO are enacting ordinances that prohibit (recreational) sUAS operations sans prior ATC clearance. Yes, even if one is within Class G, and under 400' AGL. Sadly, these bureaucrats fail to acknowledge the fact that the FAA maintains the sole and exclusive authority to regulate the NAS. Now, a simple flash the 550L deters those near-harassing, intra-flight inquiries by LEO.I deliberately sought out the 550L for the sole purpose of operating my sUAS fleet within 5-miles of controlled airspace (caveat: no flights occur without prior ATC clearance, as with maintaining all flights under 400' AGL. Now who sounds like a bureaucrat?).For my specific use, this is an amazing transceiver. There was, however, a slight learning curve pre-programming frequencies. Fortunately, my CFI has experience with the 550 and walked me through the process.I have yet to experience a scenario where maximum (speaker) volume was warranted. In one case, I was standing 20' from a major freeway, and 4.72 miles from the airport, and was summarily impressed with the 550L's performance. Coincidentally, I am seriously contemplating the optional (Yaesu) Vertex speaker microphone. This particular decision in no way negates the superb clarity of the radio.I also appreciate the included AA battery tray, which is always stocked with Panasonic Eneloops, and readily available in my bag. I am of the opinion that two battery sources are better than one.FAA-compliant sUAS flights are a must for me, and the 550L is a necessary arrow in my quiver. Are there other options? Sure. I, however, have no regrets with my purchase. None.And, I even scored a $25 rebate from Yaesu.

This radio operates pefectly and it features everything that the Yaesu FTA750L Handheld VHF Transceiver / GPS has, except for the GPS, at a significantly lower price.Pros:* The battery life is fantastic* Easy to use, the big buttons make operating easy, the screen is easy to read, and the interface is more or less intuitive* Large memory for stored channelsCons:* The channel memory system takes some getting used to and is not always intuitive as a consequence of how it allows a large amount of channel storage* As a consequence of trying to weatherproof the whole radio, covers need to be unscrewed, and in some cases attachments screwed in, to use any of the ports.This includes, frustratingly enough, the headset port, which requires that the headset adapter actually be screwed into the radio to use (making it useless for emergency use or even everday use since the adapter is a dongle). It also includes the power port, for charging via a car charger (included with the radio) or via a home charger other than the included charging base (which uses connectors on the bottom of the radio).