How to choose Airband Radios & Scanners
When choosing an airband radio or scanner, you should take into consideration which frequency bands you want to be able to pick up. Not every airband radio is able to listen to military aircraft which operate on a dedicated band from 225.0 to 399.95 MHz. If you’re looking for an airband radio that is able to to pick up military aircraft for exmaple at airshows, we recommend the Uniden 125XLT or the Icom ICR6
Flightstore’s range of airband scanners can all receive the VHF airband range of (108-137MHz) for civilian aircraft making them ideal for airports and flying clubs. All our scanners operate on ther latest 8.33 Khz spacing making all previous 25Khz radios defunct.
Airband Scanner Features to Look For
When choosing an airband scanner, understanding the key features can make a big difference. Here are the main airband scanner features to consider:
1. Frequency Range: Most VHF airband recievers cover the civilian band of 108-137 MHz. If you want to monitor military aircraft or airshows, look for scanners that also cover the VHF/UHF range (225-400 MHz)
2. Memory Channels: Scanners with multiple memory channels allow you to store your favourite frequencies for quick access. This is especially useful at airports or during flying events.
3. Scanning Speed: A fast scanning speed ensures you don't miss transmissions. Modern digital airband radios UK are designed to scan frequencies efficiently while reducing background noise.
4. Digital vs Analogue: Digital airband radios provide clearer audio and better reception on congested frequencies. Analogue models are often cheaper but may miss weaker transmissions.
Airband Scanner FAQ
What is an airband radio?
An airband radio is a type of radio receiver designed to pick up aviation communications. Most airband radios cover the VHF aircraft band (108-137 MHz) for civilian aircraft, and some also cover the VHF/UHF military bands (225-400 MHz). These radios are essential tools for pilots, air traffic enthusiasts and aviation hobbyists.
Whats the best airband scanner for beginners?
For beginners in the UK, handheld scanners like the
Uniden 125XLT or
Icom ICR6 are ideal, as they are easy to use, cover both VHF and UHF frequencies, and provide clear reception for both civilian and military aircraft. These are great for beginners as they are models with pre-programmed memory channels and simple user interfaces.
What should I consider when buying a digital airband radio in the UK?Look for features like fast scanning, portability, VHF/UHF coverage and easy to use displays. Ensure the scanner operates on the latest 8.33 kHz channel spacing, which is mandatory for all modern aviation comms in the UK.
