Yaesu
Yaesu FTA550
33Poor
The aviation-primary transceiver that moonlights on VHF/UHF, built for pilots who want one radio at the flight line and on the ground.
Value
18
Features
8
Beginner
48
Portability
52
200
Channels
★★★★⯪4.4(389 reviews)
5 star
70%
4 star
13%
3 star
8%
2 star
3%
1 star
6%
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 | $219.00 |
| Memory Channels | 200 |
| Display | LCD |
| FCC ID | K6620730X10 |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 3 Volts |
| Frequency Range | 108 to 136.975 MHz |
| Special Feature | Portable,Waterproof |
| Product Dimensions | 8.6"D x 6.3"W x 3.2"H |
| Number of Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | VHF |
| Item Weight | 1.81 Pounds |
| Model Number | NATAL-MR-PN-8748692 |
| Built-In Media | Two Way Radios, 2 AA batteries |
| Mfr Part Number | FTA-550 |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX6 |
| Compatible Devices | [Inferred: Devices using the same frequency band and compatible accessories] |
| Additional Features | Portable,Waterproof |
| 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
★★★★★Good raduo
Very useful radio, especially with the jacks to plug your headsets in that are included in the 12 V lighter plug
richard j smith·Feb 4, 2026·Verified Purchase
★★★★★Works great for what I need it to do.
I bought this radio as a backup for the single COM radio in my airplane. I am based at a tower-controlled airport and my single radio fails, it is much more difficult to get back into the controlled airspace to land. I also wanted to be able to listen in to air show control at events like Oshkosh an...
Cabot Bennett·Sep 12, 2020·Verified Purchase
★★★★★it will last you forever if you take care of it
I’ve had this radio for over 15 years. I’ve flown through my aviation career with it and still got it working like brand new, not a scratch on it. I completely recommend buying this radio. They probably don’t even sell it anymore. So buy the new model, then stay with the brand, like I said, it’s lik...
Casey Carter·Feb 4, 2026·Verified Purchase