Yaesu
Yaesu FTA550
This transceiver excels as an airband monitor for pilots. Its robust features and reliable reception make it a specialized tool, but it lacks modern digital modes.
★★★★⯪4.4(390 reviews)
$212–$212
Decision helper
Is this radio right for you?
Yes, if you're…
- ✓Student and private pilots
- ✓Airshow monitoring and backup
- ✓VFR flight communication
- ✓Monitoring controlled airspace
Skip it, if you're…
- ✕Digital mode operators (DMR/APRS)
- ✕General purpose ham radio use
- ✕Operators needing modern features
The good and the bad
What we like
- Excellent airband reception and monitoring
- Useful VOR and ILS reception
- Durable build quality over decades
- Good clarity and reliable ground range
What we don't
- No modern digital modes (DMR/APRS)
- Outdated menu system design
- FM-only operation limitation
- Programming interface is crude
Proprietary RR Score
How we scored it
33
PoorValue
18
Features
8
Beginner
48
Portability
52
Scores combine specs, Amazon buyer sentiment, and our testing framework. How we score →
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200
Channels
Extracted from the top buyer reviews we analysed
Themes from top buyer reviews
Airband reception
Provides reliable reception for aviation bands.
4.6
★★★★⯪4.4(390 Amazon reviews)
5 star
72%
4 star
15%
3 star
6%
2 star
2%
1 star
5%
Overview
The Yaesu FTA550 is aimed squarely at licensed pilots who also hold an amateur ticket and want a single handheld that covers both worlds. It is not a general-purpose ham radio, and treating it as one will lead to disappointment. Think of it as an airband transceiver with VHF/UHF FM capability bolted on, not the other way around.
Where this radio earns its keep is in the NAV band. ILS and VOR reception are genuinely useful features for student and private pilots, and the full dot-matrix LCD keeps navigation data readable in the cockpit. The 200-channel memory and USB programming support (via optional software) are competent rather than exceptional, and VHF/UHF operation is FM-only with no digital modes, so DMR or fusion operators should look elsewhere.
At around $215, the value proposition is narrow but real. If you need airband NAV/COM capability and amateur VHF/UHF coverage in one pocket-sized unit running on AA batteries, this fills that gap. If you need a capable ham HT and have no aviation use case, your money goes further elsewhere.
Specifications
| Price | $212.43 |
| Memory Channels | 200 |
| Display | LCD |
| FCC ID | K6620730X10 |
| color | Black |
| unitCount | 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 3 Volts |
| Tuner Type | VHF |
| Item Weight | 1.8 Pounds |
| Model Number | NATAL-MR-PN-8748692 |
| Built-In Media | Two Way Radios, 2 AA batteries |
| Frequency Range | 108 to 136.975 MHz |
| Mfr Part Number | FTA-550 |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX6 |
| Compatible Devices | [Inferred: Devices using the same frequency band and compatible accessories] |
| Additional Features | Portable,Waterproof |
| Number of Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 8.6"D x 6.3"W x 3.2"H |
Key Features
- NAV band covers ILS and VOR navigation reception alongside standard airband COM
- VHF and UHF amateur bands supported in FM only; no digital modes
- 200 programmable memory channels with USB cable included for PC programming
- Full dot-matrix LCD display provides readable icon-driven menu navigation
- Runs on two AA batteries; no rechargeable pack included or required
- Water-resistant construction offers basic environmental protection in the field
- Headset adapter included for direct connection to standard aviation headsets
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What Customers Say
★★★★★Inexpensive and quality radio
As a previous reviewer posted, there is no battery strap to help pry out the AA batteries from the tray, however, this is a very small issue in the scheme of things. Free programming software available from Yaseu online makes for easy programming and the radio was ready for use in less than 1 minut...
KJ·Jun 28, 2017·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Like so many other devices
AA batteries are very very tight fit and need a screwdriver to remove from their pack, but that's probably not a design fault, as it appears to be built for the rechargeable pack and this AA version is a bit of an afterthought. Like so many other devices, when used with Ni-Mh batteries it reports "...
CubeMaster·Oct 13, 2017·Verified Purchase
★★★★☆Reasonably good radio with caveats
The first unit I purchased was DOA. The speaker just did not produce sound. I returned and replaced that one, and the second copy is working fine. I'm using this radio just to monitor traffic during my UAV flights, so I can't really speak to range or transmit function. For my purposes the radio ...
John P.·Feb 5, 2023·Verified Purchase